Really excited to be heading back to Erbil in Iraq for Erbil’s 3rd International Literature Festival. I’ll be doing some readings and workshops, alongside some fantastic Iraqi writers and some familiar faces to Scottish readers, including Kei Millar, Vicki Feaver, Julia Copus, Kapka Kassabova, Nia Davies and SJ Fowler. It’s running from 22-24 April, if you’re in Kurdistan, do drop by.

Now in its third year, the former Erbil International Literature Festival has been renamed NINITI – which is a Sumerian epithet for a goddess meaning ‘lady of life’ – to reflect this year’s focus on women writers. Held at the atmospheric Chwar Chra Hotel, a short walk from Erbil’s 6000 year old Citadel, an exciting line up of international and local writers will come together to give readings and discuss politics and literature. 

Writers participating include Kapka Kassabova, Julia Copus, Ghareeb Iskander, Choman Hardi and Rachel Holmes in an exciting programme of events celebrating women’s writing in the region and beyond. Writing Workshops will also be held during the main festival in partnership with Salahaddin University in Kurdish, Arabic and English for students interested in storytelling or poetry.