Thurrock Local Authors Fair 2026

On Saturday 20th June, I’ll be at the Thurrock Local Authors Fair at my local library in Grays, Essex. This event is part of the wider Essex Book Festival which runs from 28th May to 28th June this year, with over 100 events across 40 venues around Essex and involving 200 writers and artists.

It's a real thrill to be part of an event like this, its the first one for me and I am both looking forward to it and slightly apprehensive at the same time. I don't know what to expect and, as is my way, I think I might have over done it with the preparation.

Not only have I ordered 20 copies if War Inc. (easy to do from Amazon), but I have also managed to get 20 copies of Ten-Pound Note printed as well. Which is really cool and lovely to see it finally brought to life.

But the spending hasn't stopped there, oh no. I wanted to make sure there was swag on my table so I've bought customised bookmarks (War Inc.), cool stickers for both books and a bunch of custom badges. All to make the table look more appealing and hopefully to allow me to sell a copy of two.

On top of the buzz of selling some books, and maybe signing the odd one or two, I am excited for the change to speak to other local authors and maybe make some connections that will be useful in the future.

Stay tuned for a post-fair debrief, hopefully with lots of lovely pictures!