Get ready for the fifth appearance of Vanguard Readings at Margate Bookie. Hosted by the ineffable Adrian Cross, join us for five of the hottest writers from the Faber & Faber Academy.

With his most recent gig as a Staff Writer at Buzzfeed, it’d be all too easy to give the 47 reasons why you should head along to hear Margate-based writer and editor Dan Dalton in our Vanguard Reading session. But here’s one: his first novel, Johnny Ruin, takes you through a surreal United States where each state represents a different emotion (lust, anger, jealousy) guided by none other than Bon Jovi.

Claire Daverley was born in 1991 and has been writing stories ever since she was six years old. After graduating with a degree in Fine Art from The University of Oxford, she began a career in publishing, writing about books by day, but penning her own by night, on trains and in the light of the early mornings.

Kent-coast native Chloe Timms began crafting stories after a career in teaching, studying for her MA in Creative writing which earned her a scholarship for the Faber Academy. Her first novel, The Seawoman, a lush reimagining of witch trials, came out last year. A formidable campaigner for disability rights, Chloe was diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at 18 months old.

Much like Chloe, Helen Trevorrow is also a graduate of the Faber Academy creative writing programme. Her books explore themes of women, work and ethics, and both feature queer protagonists. She hasn’t had a tough commute either as the writer lives in Brighton with her wife, daughter and dog.

You’ll recognise Susannah Wise from our screens but, after the death of her father, the TV actor began work on her first novel. Susannah studied at the Faber Academy during which time she wrote a second, more peculiar novel. But both were praised by British literary magazine Mslexia which longlisted them for their literary prize.

All this talent is on display at Turner Contemporary on Sunday from 12:30 pm.

About Margate Bookie

The Margate Bookie is a registered charity (number 1174819) which works to encourage a love of literature. They have held a literary festival in Margate every year since 2015. Lovingly looked after by Andreas Loizou.