Under The Radar

It is just over forty-eight hours to go until curtain up on the 11^th Hong Kong International Literary Festival, and what a busy forty-eight hours it is going to be! The programme has been printed, the posters are up and the tickets are selling like hot cakes – the only missing ingredient is you!

The chances are that if you are reading this blog then you will have already bought tickets for some of the events at HKILF 2011, but there are many other events that you may have missed or overlooked on the first read of the programme.

Fantastic writers such as Wena Poon, who will be appearing at the Festival in two events on Thursday 10^th and Wednesday 16^th March 2011. Wena’s new novel ‘Alex y Robert’ was picked as a BBC Radio 4 Book at Bedtime.

In 1959, two famous Spanish matadors, who were best friends, died. Alex y Robert is the witty, modern fable of their grandchildren: Alejandra, a young American woman determined to become a matador, and Roberto, a reluctant star Spanish bullfighter whom she recruits to help her. Part travel adventure, part cultural critique, the novel portrays man’s complex relationship with animals and a new generation’s surprising take on an ancient and controversial spectacle.

Join Wena at the Central Library or at Uno Mas for Eat Pray Bullfight! Wena will also be appearing on RTHK Radio 3 with Sarah Passmore on Wednesday 15^th March.

It is often said that everybody has a book in them, and sure enough HKILF is hosting a number of events at this year's Festival to unleash the writer within. Join 2010 Man Asian Literary Prize judge, Hsu-Ming Teo and UK super literary agent, Darley Anderson as they lead two inspiring masterclasses. One on creative writing on Wednesday 16^th March. Or if you already have that bestseller written but it is sitting in your drawer – find out how to get it to the people that matter in another of our ‘Aspiring Writing Series: How to be Published Successfully and Make Money’ on Monday March 14^th. Need a literary agent? Why not come and quiz our panel, Marysia Juszczakiewicz of Peony Literary Agency, Darley Anderson and bestselling author Constance Briscoe in ‘Agent or Writer?’ at Hong Kong Racing Museum.

Tickets available from Cityline ticketing and follow us on Twitter (@litfest_hk) and on Facebook for all the latest news, competitions, photos and gossip from HKILF 2011.

See you at the Festival!