Each year the eyes of the literary world focus on Bristol for nine October days as it stages the biggest literature festival in the UK, celebrating all manner of things related to the written world. And this year was the biggest and best yet.

This year saw Bristol welcome over forty of the hottest writing talents to the south west, covering a diverse range of literary styling’s and grammatical grace, with events staged at venues of all descriptions right across the city, from bookshops to caves.

The festival was opened in style on Friday October 12th by one of the world’s most renowned and critically acclaimed sci-fi authors, Ian M. Banks, talking about ‘The Hydrogen Sonata’, his latest work in the bestselling Culture series of books which began with ‘Consider Phlebas’ back in 1987.

Other highlights included an interactive session on Monday October 14 with four award winning authors; Moira Young, TM Alexander, Chris Fisher & Sarwat Chadda, presenting a session entitled ‘How to Write Stories Kids Really Want to Read’, providing priceless advice for the wannabe children’s author from four experienced author’s who have been there and done it all before.

In terms of local writing talent, none received better reviews and feedback than local man Clive Bulton who talked in detail about his book which chronicles the life of his great-grandfathers work aboard the city trams operating in Bristol between the World wars.

The musical world also made an appearance, with Radiohead’s artist in residence Stanley Donwood hosting a session in which he read from his collection of short stories, accompanied by performance artist Rik Jerrom of the act natural theatre company.

There were also sessions by Helen Hart and Claire Christian, providing detailed knowledge of all things concerning self-publishing means and methods, as well as award winning Bristol based author Emilya Hall, recipient of the 2012 Richard & Judy Summer Book Club award.

And so another year has passed and another literary festival has helped to inspire and fan the flames of another generation of eager Bristol authors in waiting. But as with anything in life, true success can only come from something when you are passionate about doing it and willing to put in the countless thousands of hours practicing and failing and trying again necessary to make your passion become your reality. But if writing is your passion, then the opportunities and insights offered by the Bristol festival of literature really are second to none.