So much more than the book fairs you might be used to!

With just three more weeks to go until the Biggest Ever Oxford Indie Book fair, preparations are coming together nicely. We’ve put on a few more talks and book launches on the big stage, and an eggstra attraction for young readers in the form of Paul Gustafson’s Eggbert who will accompany him while he reads from his adventures.

If you’re new to the Book Fair blog then a very warm welcome to you. We see new signups to the email edition every day now, so interest is certainly building.

Last week, we looked at the fun activities for kids. This week, we’ll be turning to what we have on offer for fans of science fiction, fantasy and horror.
With 150 exhibitors filling the two cavernous halls at the historic Oxford Examination Schools, there’s bound to be a vast range of literary styles and genres. We’ve got an absolute treat for SFF fiction, fans this year.

Look at the exhibitor directory, just click on the filters to find what interests you. Here’s a selection of writers that are certainly worth checking out – and there are a LOT! Click the links to find out more about their books.

• Aline P Mora: Presents her debut novel The Heir of Light and Dark.
• Patrissa Cuberos and Friends: Will be in force with a selection of books.
• Sarah Long: Gave up the hippie surfer lifestyle in California to be here with us bringing her lovely looking fantasy novel A Curse of Light.
• John Sparks: Takes up the mantle for the essential post-apocalyptic genre with Shattered Moon and other books.
• C.J. Laurence: Will intrigue us with the darker side of human nature in her paranormal romance books.
• A.L. Billington: Brings a smile with his fantasy comedy Beast be Gone.
• Veneficia Publications: Will be showing their wide range of books including teen horror.
• Sci-fi-cafe: Has a huge range of science fiction, fantasy and paranormal books, all for just £5 each. (They also have a small selection of t-shirts and free bookmarks!)
• Ian Hunter: Debuts with his children’s adventure Fyn Carter and the Agents of Eromlos.
• Neil J. Hart: Perhaps late night cheese and cucumber sandwiches helped inspire his horror novels The Last Scarecrow and Sadie Madison and the Boy in the Crimson Scarf.
• Hazel Longuet: Supernatural suspense await you in her House of Scarabs series.
• Rohan Davies: Presents The Demon and the Witch, the start of a saga which I hope he’ll bring to the next Oxford Indie Book Fair.
• Zoe McGarrick: There has to be gothic horror, and Zoe brings it with style in The Painter’s Wife.

‌There’s just so many to choose from and you can be sure that each and every person you’ll see standing behind a pile of books is there because this is what drives them; It takes an incredible amount of effort and dedication to weave together a story, then drag it screaming and kicking into the world — so don’t be shy if you see something that catches your eye, the writers are just itching to talk with you about their books.. and go on buy one or two, you’ll make their day and who knows, you might discover your new favourite author.

A lot of the exhibitors are selling their books at a special price for the show, so here’s a rare opportunity to splash out and stock up on a whole stack of reading for the cold winter ahead.

Previously, we included a short piece from Sylvia Vetta, another of the organisers. This week, it’s the turn of James Harrison who runs Oxfordfolio / Anglepoise Books:
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Less than a month to go now so here’s some background on what makes OXIB ‘tick’ and why we—the organisers—do what we do. We hope you too share our values.
We are a unique book fair based in Oxford that CELEBRATES Independent Creators—authors, writing groups, poetry writers and performers, local and independent bookshops, printers, publishing services, small press and independent publishers—all of whom bring fresh, original works to readers.
We believe in direct access to authors and books—in all their formats—Making books and events affordable and accessible to promote a love of reading across all ages and backgrounds. OUR FAIR IS FREE AND ALWAYS WILL BE.
We believe in championing a diversity of voices across the cultural spectrum – embracing unique perspectives, genres, and backgrounds to enrich the literary landscape. OUR FAIR IS INCLUSIVE.
We believe in building a thriving community of readers, writers, and artists, rooted in local engagement and support. We believe in creating meaningful relationships between authors and readers, fostering a sense of community and shared passion for literature. OUR FAIR IS ABOUT COMMUNITY.
We believe in honouring local heritage – Celebrating primarily Oxford’s and Oxfordshire’s rich literary history while promoting the city as a home for new, independent voices. OUR FAIR IS ROOTED IN LOCALISM but with national connectivity.
We believe in inspiring lifelong learning – Cultivating curiosity and intellectual growth through books, workshops, and discussions. OUR FAIR IS A NETWORKING EVENT.
We believe in book AUTONOMY—pushing back against the established corporate monoliths and their all-too-cosy, circular relationship with the literary agencies, bookshop chains, and national literary review media outlets—and offering an alternative and direct route to market.

We fully support sustainable practices at our fair—Prioritising eco-friendly materials, local vendors, and reducing waste to protect the environment.

We hope you will support us on our journey.
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Signing off…

Powerful stuff indeed, but this is honestly what all the members of the team stand for.

So make sure you set the date SUNDAY DECEMBER 1ST in your calendar for so much more than the book fairs you might be used to. See you all at the Oxford Examination Schools.

Andy, Sylvia, James, Felicity, Ray and Shona