Literature
Conversations with - and about - great novelists, at the 2017 Hay Festival.
Elif Shafak: There are two ways to write a book
The Turkish author explains how she relies on instinct when writing her novels.
Elif Shafak: European writers need to be more political
The best-selling author explains why writers in troubled democracies have to be political.
Paula Byrne: Full talk
The author explains Jane Austen's popularity and why her books make such brilliant movies.
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Paula Byrne on Jane Austen adaptations
The author on Austen in film and theatre, from Laurence Olivier to AA Milne to Clueless.
Jeanette Winterson: Full talk
The novelist explores contemporary marriage, love and sex in a frank and funny lecture.
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Jeanette Winterson: We all need an education in love
The author argues that love is more important than ever in a world that's full of hate.
Paul Beatty: Full talk
Paul Beatty: Full talk
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Paul Beatty: Someone gave me a book called the 'Directory of Uncle Toms'
The author discusses the subjectivity of when someone is labelled a 'sell out'.
Paul Beatty: LA is such a crazy place
The Man Booker-prize-winning author on why his hometown of Los Angeles feels 'backwards'.
Frank Cotterell Boyce: How culture works
The author explains why it's a mistake for the arts to be judged in purely economic terms.
Frank Cotterell Boyce on the book that inspired the Olympic opening ceremony
The author tells the story of Humphrey Jennings' Pandaemonium
Frank Cotterell Boyce: The importance of reading for reading's sake
The novelist describes an inspirational meeting with Swiss writer Mariella Mehr.
Ian Rankin: Full talk
SJ Parris hosts a celebration of 30 years of Rebus, Rankin's popular fictional detective.
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Ian Rankin: Read crime fiction to find out about a culture
What Rebus loses when translated into American English.
Ian Rankin: The origins of Rebus
How Rankin's famous Detective Rebus was named.
Will Self: The death of the novel?
Did the movies and the ease of the paperback distort how we felt about the novel?
Will Self: Truth, the internet and the individual
Distinguishing real from fake, and how technology affects self-perception.
Neil Gaiman and Stephen Fry: Full talk
The celebrated writers discuss the enduring appeal and power of European myths and tales.
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Neil Gaiman: Writing Doctor Who script made me feel like a god
The author of American Gods is asked if being a writer is like being a deity.
Chris Riddell on his first Goth Girl book
In his last event as Children's Laureate, Riddell answers questions from the audience.
Colm Tóibín: I had to build up to the idea of a son killing his mother
The writer explains the challenges of retelling a Greek drama.
Colm Tóibín: I try to escape it but my past always ends up in my books
The author on the importance of rebelling against himself as he chooses his next story.
Lucy Worsley: Did Jane Austen ever have sex?
The Pride and Prejudice author also penned some interesting words on childbirth.
Lucy Worsley: What did Jane Austen REALLY look like?
The literary legend bore little resemblance to her image on the new £10 note.
