Seven Stories – The National Centre for Children’s Books is thrilled to invite fans of dystopian fantasy to an exclusive afternoon cloaked in myth, dark magic and epic adventure with acclaimed Australian writer Garth Nix and German writer Cornelia Funke.
New York Times best-selling author Garth Nix will make an exclusive UK appearance on Friday 28th October at Seven Stories alongside award-winning author Cornelia Funke. The two acclaimed authors will explore writing fantasy fiction as well as talk about their latest releases.
Garth’s immensely popular Old Kingdom collection (which includes the titles Sabriel, Lirael, Abhorsen and Clariel) has sold more than one million copies worldwide. Goldenhand is the long-awaited fifth instalment of the series, continuing Lirael’s story as she faces deadly creatures and free magic in an epic battle. The Australian author credits the landscape of the North East, in particular the history and heritage of Hadrian’s Wall as stimulus for his phenomenally successful series.
Garth Nix says: “Any day I get to visit Seven Stories is a very good day indeed, and I am particularly excited about being there with the acclaimed Cornelia Funke to talk about writing, books, fantasy and who knows what else!”
Cornelia Funke weaves the fairy tales of Ukraine and Russia to form the magical backdrop to the thrilling third instalment in the Reckless series. The Golden Yarn is set in a world based on fairy tales and delving into the stories behind the mirrors - full of shapeshifters, evil fairies and magic. Cornelia’s books have now sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, and have been translated into 37 languages.
Cornelia says: “My life often feels enchanted thanks to my profession. To be invited though to Seven Stories AND to meet Garth Nix there ….I wonder whether that is too much magic even for me?”
This spellbinding event will be chaired by Dr Lucy Pearson from Newcastle University, exploring the myths and magic which go into creating their fantastic adventures. This exclusive event with two masters of fantasy and storytelling is not to be missed for anyone wanting to gain tips for creative writing and uncover Garth and Cornelia’s own process.
Event tickets £5 per person. Supported by Pushkin Press and Hot Key Books. Visit www.sevenstories.org.uk to book.
-Ends-
Garth and Cornelia are available for interview on arrangement before the event.
Media Contact:
For images, quotes or interviews please contact:
Kathryn Row, Marketing and Programming Manager
Seven Stories, Ouseburn Valley, Newcastle. NE1 2PQ.
T: 0300 330 1095 ext 209
E: Kathryn.row@sevenstories.org.uk
Notes to Editor:
*Author Event* Exploring Fantasy Worlds with Garth Nix and Cornelia Funke
Friday 28th October, 3pm-4pm.
Followed by a public booksigning from 5pm
Suitable for ages 12+
£5 per person. Tickets can be purchased here or at Reception:
http://www.sevenstories.org.uk/whats-on/events/122899/author-event-exploring-fantasy-worlds-with-garth-nix-and-cornelia-funke
About Garth Nix
Garth is an award-winning author with international appeal whose varied career also includes time as a book sales representative, marketing consultant, book editor and part-time solider in the Australian Army Reserve. The Old Kingdom series is made up of Sabriel, Lirael, Abhorsen, Clariel and To Hold the Bridge which is a short fiction collection exploring the Magical World of the Old Kingdom. Find out more about Garth Nix and his extensive back catalogue on his website here http://www.garthnix.com/.
More than five million copies of his books have been sold around the world, his books have appeared on the bestseller lists of The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, The Guardian and The Australian, and his work has been translated into 40 languages.
About Cornelia Funke
Cornelia Funke is the highly acclaimed, award-winning and bestselling author of the Inkheart trilogy, Dragon Rider, The Thief Lord and numerous other children’s novels and picture books. Born in 1958 in the German town of Dorsten, she worked as a social worker for a few years before turning first to illustration and then to writing. Her books have now sold more than 20 million copies worldwide, and have been translated into 37 languages.