Paul Stephenson writes horror and science fiction, made by hand to be read by lamplight.

His apocalyptic horror trilogy, Blood on the Motorway, has been an Amazon bestseller on both sides of the Atlantic; his dystopian sci-fi serial, The Sunset Chronicles, terrifies and delights fans of science fiction and horror alike; and his vampire saga, Darkness Rises, brings an ancient bloodlust to modern York.

A former journalist with a diploma in Creative Writing from Oxford University, his stories have been featured on the chart-topping horror podcasts The Other Stories and The Night’s End, and he is the creator of Bleakwood, tales of terror from a mysterious English town.

He lives in England with his wife, two children, and one hellhound.

After 40 years (and counting!) of writing scientific papers, books and patents where almost every sentence needs to be justified with a reference, I suppose I longed for being able to write something which did not have any boundaries. Having recently become a part-time consultant scientist and with all four children having now left our house, there is now some time for me to let my mind wander through those things that do not need to be proved; do not have to be true. But the scientist in me hasn’t allowed me to stray that far from the truth or reality and that’s pretty much how I ended up writing ‘A Painkiller to Die For’ (2025). This was my second published novel after ‘A Practical Arrangement’ which came out towards the end of 2023 under the nom de plume of Verity Trevethan.

My third novel, ‘The Disappearance of Sarah Griffiths,’ has a publication date of 28th November and also has a smattering of science running through the plot. My editor has labelled this book as ‘Gone Girl meets Breaking Bad’ and I think I can see where she is coming from. It is a dark, domestic noir based around a young married couple whose comfortable existence is crumbling around them. The life changing events lead to the wife’s disappearance and a criminal investigation looking into the death of a small-time drug dealer. The novel asks questions to just how far we’ll go to protect the ones we love and the lives we’ve built and what we become when they start to fall apart.

Russ Barr writes character-led fiction with heart and soul, sometimes dark, sometimes funny, but always trying to scratch beneath the surface of the human condition.

His debut novel, War Inc., is a darkly comic story about our insatiable appetite for content, and people who turn chaos into opportunity. He is also the author of the short story Crybully, published in 2024.

His current novel, Ten-Pound Note, is set in 1990s London and follows a single imperfect ten-pound note as it passes from person to person, revealing a chain of connected lives, bad decisions and unexpected consequences.

Russ is drawn to flawed characters, broken systems and the absurdity that often sits just beneath the surface of serious things.

Maureen Chiana | Author & Founder of The Mindsight Academy

What if changing your life begins with changing the way you think?

Maureen Chiana is an author, neuroleadership facilitator and emotional intelligence specialist who brings together neuroscience, emotional intelligence and Scripture to help people renew their minds, overcome limiting beliefs and create lasting change. Her book, “Rewire Your Brain with Neuroscience and Scripture Every Day”, is a 366-day guide that explores the fascinating connection between the brain, our thoughts, emotions, behaviour and biblical principles for renewing the mind. Her newly released companion workbook takes readers from understanding to action. Through practical daily exercises and weekly reviews, readers learn to recognise unhelpful patterns, practise new responses, build healthier habits and track their progress. Designed to be used together, the books equip individuals, churches, book clubs and groups to pursue meaningful transformation through daily practice and shared accountability.

Meet Maureen at the Oxford Indie Book Fair, explore her books and discover how neuroscience and Scripture can transform the way you think, live and grow.

“Founded by award-winning storytellers, Epic is the UK’s only publisher training all its authors to deliver enthralling visits for schools and events. For producing books that hook resistant readers and successfully spark reading habits, Epic is a preferred supplier for the Department for Education.

Visit us for…

CHIP COLQUHOUN & KORKY PAUL’S ‘ALL THE BETTER TO READ YOU WITH’
Looks like a storybook. Feels like adventure. This series of illustrated short stories offers the perfect reading experience for new and enthusiastic young readers alike. The educators’ edition, endorsed by Prof Teresa Cremin, is (at the time of writing) shortlisted for the Teach Primary Awards due to its proven ability to stimulate recreational reading.

THE BESTEST STORY IN THE WORLD… EVER!
Noah has one week to save the world – but he really doesn’t want to. This mischievous tale is full of fun for book lovers, but also resonates with every reluctant reader – not least because it’s based on the true-life journey of one non-verbal literacy loather whose life was changed through storytelling…

BUNNY VS MONKEY: THE SCRAMBLING SCHOOL SCRAPE
That’s right: THE Bunny vs Monkey! Find out how Epic is helping legendary graphic novelist Jamie Smart reach schools around the UK.

…AND MORE!
Learn how our books could earn an author visit to the school of your choice, ask about our writing and storytelling courses, or peruse our full range of titles and comics… and maybe see how your title could become one of them?”

I am a children’s author, age group 8-12. I am delighted to be returning to the Oxford Indie Book Fair and look forward to meeting you.

For the past five years I have had the pleasure to write stories about an astonishing place. This place, at the very edge of the world, is the mysterious, undiscovered Island of Animaux. Full of the strangest creatures having crazy, mad, funny adventures.

I would love to introduce you to the principal characters: Aubrey the Turkey; Clifford Platypus; and Walli Hog. They’re firm friends, although Clifford and Walli always need to keep an eye on the infamous Aubrey, as he plans his next dastardly adventure.

The series contains six books, each with five separate tales:
• The Island of Animaux
• Monsieur Le Chef
• A Surprise Party
• Coffee and Ice Cream
• The Other Side
• Who’s There?

I think you will really enjoy the stories. And don’t be afraid to laugh, particularly at Aubrey’s expense. But please, please, please – remember to keep the latest location of the island top secret!