This year's Essex Book Festival takes place all over the region from 3-30 March and includes WW interviewee Ray Hollingsworth, agents and publishers telling it like it is, and a wide range of writers:

Alexander McCall Smith, David Baddiel, Will Self. Tony Benn, David Starkey, Michael Buerk, G.P.Taylor, Fay Weldon, Melvin Burgess, Jake Arnott, Rob Newman, Libby Purves, Martina Cole, Mark Billingham, Mavis Cheek, Conn Iggueldon, Penelope Lively, Polly Toynbee, Deborah Moggach, Helen Cross, David Nicholls., Andrew Collins, these are just some of the best-selling authors appearing at the Essex Book Festival in March 2005- the biggest writing and reading festival in the Eastern region.

With over 60 events throughout March and across Essex, there's really something for everyone. People will be able to meet some of the biggest names in writing today, plus the pick of home-grown Essex writers. It is a unique opportunity for readers and writers to meet through readings, discussions and performances.

The Box Office is on (01206) 573948 (tickets on sale from 4 January 2005)or see http://www.essexbookfestival.org.uk