AUTHORS from around the world are taking part in an independent literature festival in Bradford.

The UK Indie Lit Fest includes readings, book signings and workshops for aspiring writers. Visitors will meet more than 30 authors from independent publishers specialising in fantasy, horror, dystopia, thriller, crime, children's fiction and graphic novels and an international hub provides the chance to talk to bestselling authors from around the world, via Skype.

This is the third UK Indie Lit Fest. Each festival has been held in Bradford and founder Dawn Singh said they get bigger each year. “It came from a simple idea of bringing authors around the country together,” said Dawn. “The aim was to promote independent authors and smaller publishing houses, and to give writers and readers chance to meet. The last two festivals were hugely successful. We're excited this year to have small local publishers as well as big names like IngramSpark, and Bradford Libraries behind us’

Dawn studied counselling and psychology at Bradford College, which inspired her to take up writing. As DM Singh, she writes gothic thrillers for young adults. "This year's international hub features authors from Australia, America and Ireland," Dawn added. "We welcome back Kendare Blake, a guest last year, the New York Times best-selling author of the Anna Dressed in Blood and Three Dark Crowns series, both optioned by Hollywood."

Other guests include William Conniston, reading from his scary M.I.C.E. children's novels; Maria Gibbs, writer of hit novel A Boy From the Streets; KS Marsden, talking about audiobooks; John Rigg, reading from his sporting spectator memoirs; Ingram Spark, giving advice on independent publishing; Carole Bulewski, author of horror novel The Music of the Cosmos; EC Hibbs, author popular novel The Sailorman's Daughters; and Joshua Sutton, showcasing new paranormal thriller Cameraman. A Poets' Corner features Kirran Shah, Charlotte Holmes, Sharena Lee Satti, Bernie the Bolt, David Driver, Kate Hames and Roger Barton, and Tombe Independent Dance Company perform an interpretation of the best-selling Mortal Instruments Series. An author panel features DM Singh and Joe Kipling.

* The festival is at Kala Sangam, Forster Square, on Saturday, July 28 from 10am to 5pm. Visit ukindielitfest.com