The Writing Life

Shouting Out Loud - Track Two

In different ways, Harriet Martineau and Linton Kwesi Johnson both use their art to give unheard or unfamiliar voices a platform. In recognition of this, members of the Norwich International Youth Project drew on music and poetry to celebrate Norwich's rich and diverse linguistic culture and to remind us of the voices that sometimes pass us by. This project is part of Writers' Centre Norwich's UNESCO Creative Leader Scheme.

Brave New Reads 2016 with Simon Van Booy, author of 'The Illusion of Separateness'

Enjoy a recording from an event with Brave New Reads author Simon Van Booy, where he discusses his writing process, libraries and the art of finding ideas. Find out more about Brave New Reads at www.bravenewreads.org.uk Brave New Reads is brought to you by Writers’ Centre Norwich and the library services in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and was created in Norwich, England’s first UNESCO City of Literature.

Martin Figura: Dr Zeeman's Catastrophe Machine - NNF

Martin Figura turns to Sir Erik Christopher Zeeman’s Catastrophe Machine, the moon and photographs to help him sort out love, loss and when to let go. Is there an equation for love and the behaviour of a beating heart? Co-commissioned with Norwich Arts Centre. Part of the City of Literature programme at Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2016.

Life in the World's Largest Refugee Camp with Ben Rawlence - NNF16

With 350,000 inhabitants, Dadaab Refugee Camp is the largest in the world. Ben Rawlence reads from City of Thorns, a unique account of his four years spent getting to know this extraordinary place. 'Timely, disturbing and compelling' - The Guardian Part of the City of Literature programme at Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2016.

Brave New Reads 2016 with Yuri Herrera, author of 'Signs Preceding the End of the World'

Enjoy a recording from the Brave New Reads Norwich event with Yuri Herrera, author of 'Signs Preceding the End of the World' (translated by Lisa Dillman). This fascinating discussion explores translation, immigration, libraries and more. Find out more about Brave New Reads at www.bravenewreads.org.uk Brave New Reads is brought to you by Writers’ Centre Norwich and the library services in Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and was created in Norwich, England’s first UNESCO City of Literature.

Linton Kwesi Johnson: The Harriet Martineau Lecture

The world’s number one Dub Poet, internationally bestselling reggae artist, and former Black Panther Linton Kwesi Johnson considers a relatively under explored dimension to Harriet Martineau’s writings: her progressive campaigning for Black emancipation. Part of the City of Literature programme at Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2016.

Not A Misery Memoir with Una & Nicola Streeten - NNF16

Graphic novelists Una and Nicola Streeten discuss how graphic novels have enabled women to talk about their lives and address personal and painful issues. Una’s first graphic memoir Becoming Unbecoming, an account of gender violence in the 1970s against a backdrop of the search for the Yorkshire Ripper, was described as a ‘wonderful, wonderful book’ on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour. Una describes it as ‘Not a misery memoir. Miserable, yes, but hopeful too.’ Of her debut graphic novel Billy, Me & You, about the death of her young son, Nicola Streeten said ‘I wanted the laughing and the crying. Not a misery memoir, a book for people who’ve had shit thrown at them’. Part of the City of Literature programme at Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2016.

The Gustav Sonata with Rose Tremain - NNF16

Internationally renowned author and UEA Chancellor Rose Tremain discusses her new book, The Gustav Sonata. Beginning in the 1930s under the shadow of the Second World War, it is a gripping story of the struggle for love and the healing power of lasting friendship. Part of the City of Literature programme at Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2016.

Generation Revolution with Rachel Aspden - NNF16

Having lived and travelled widely in the Middle East, former New Statesman literary editor Rachel Aspden’s new book Generation Revolution, positions readers on the frontline between tradition and change in the wake of Tahrir Square and other revolutions. What happens when a revolution unravels? How do you choose between sex, tradition, consumerism and faith? Aspden looks at the complex forces shaping the lives of these young people and what they mean for the future of the Middle East. Part of the City of Literature Programme at Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2016.

Neurotribes: Thinking Smarter About Difference with Steve Silberman - NNF16

After 70 years of research on autism, why do we still seem to know so little about it? Winner of the 2015 Samuel Johnson Prize for Non- Fiction, Neurotribes is a Sunday Times and New York Times bestseller that upends conventional thinking about autism and suggests a broader model for acceptance, understanding and full participation in society for people who think differently. Award-winning investigative reporter Steve Silberman’s pioneering viewpoint will change the ways we think not just about autism, but also about creativity and innovation. This event will be chaired by poet Joanne Limburg. Part of the City of Literature programme at Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2016.