A TAUNTON bookshop will host three local authors of mixed or non-white heritage for a talk on inclusion and diversity in the publishing industry.

Rachel Edwards, Anita Roy and Karla Neblett will speak at Brendon Books, located in Bath Place, on Friday, November 18 from 7pm.

The authors will also discuss their books and will be available for signings after the panel.

The event forms part of Taunton Literary Festival, which has seen speakers address crowds in different venues throughout the town. 

A spokesperson said: “We have invited three local authors with a national reputation of mixed or non-white heritage to talk about their experiences of writing and being published in the UK.

“This may include negative (or positive) experiences but we will also explore whether their cultural heritage has brought something new and interesting to their writing.

“Are there more barriers to writing about the British countryside (98 per cent white), for someone from a diverse background than writing about fiction?

“We will discuss who their influencers were, or are, that give them the encouragement to write and make them successful at their craft.”

Rachel Edwards has written two novels: Darling and Lucky.

She has also written articles for national newspapers and is a regular guest at literary festivals and on BBC radio.

Anita Roy holds an MA in Travel and Nature Writing.

Her works include A Year in Kingcombe: The Wildflower Meadows of Dorset and Gravepyres School for the Recently Deceased.

Karla Neblett won the Janklow & Nesbit Prize in 2018. Her debut novel, King of Rabbits, was published in March 2021.