Meet the Authors - Coffee and Conversation

In association with The Elmbridge Literary Festival

Tickets: Free Riverhouse Barn

Come and join us for a unique opportunity to meet some of the many authors who live in Elmbridge. We are going to be joined by ten authors who write in very different styles and across a number of genres:

Tracy Cook’s first published novel is entitled “Wings over Valletta” and is an inspiring tale of mysterious family secrets, set in World War Two Malta. 

Katie Griffiths is an award-winning poet who leads poetry workshops and also hosts the ever-popular Open Mic spots at the Riverhouse Barn. 

Lucy Gray Moreland is both a mother and a teacher who writes stories targeted at 4-8 year olds. She has published three books, all aimed at exploring the challenges children face in today’s complex world. 

Kim Normanton also works with children, performing in primary schools, libraries and museums around the UK. She is the presenter and co-producer of the podcast Supergreat Kids Stories.

Merle Nygate has written several very successful books. In her espionage series, her most recent novel “The Protocols of Spying” was a Financial Times Thriller of 2025.

SJ Strum is a baby name expert and celebrity name consultant. She has a community following on YouTube and hosts a UK no. 1 podcast “Baby Name Envy”.

Jane Thynne writes historical espionage, and is also the author of two dystopian novels under her alternative pen name of CJ Carey. 

Lexie Williamson teaches yoga for runners, cyclists and triathletes and writes for running and cycling magazines as well as being the author of several related books. 

Edmund Woolley is both a painter and an author and combined these talents to produce a book entitled “Thames Ditton Then and Now”.

Fiona McAnena works for Sex Matters, a leading human rights charity.   Her book, ’Terf Island’ was published in 2025.  

Tony Birtley was on the frontline as a foreign correspondent for over 35 years.

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Where: Riverhouse Barn Arts Centre, Manor Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey, KT12 2PF