Martyn Bedford began his career as a journalist and is the author of five books for adults, including The Houdini Girl which won the Yorkshire Post Best First Novel Award, Acts of Revision and Black Cat. Flip is his first book for teens. He later became the director of the novel writing programme at the University of Manchester, as well as fiction critic for the Literary Review. Martyn currently teaches the creative writing module at Leeds Trinity University College and is a Royal Literary Fund Fellow. He lives in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, with his family.
Martyn Bedford began his career as a journalist and is the author of five books for adults, including The Houdini Girl which won the Yorkshire Post Best First Novel Award, Acts of Revision and Black Cat. Flip is his first book for teens. He later became the director of the novel writing programme at the University of Manchester, as well as fiction critic for the Literary Review. Martyn currently teaches the creative writing module at Leeds Trinity University College and is a Royal Literary Fund Fellow. He lives in Ilkley, West Yorkshire, with his family.
Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
VideoMay 12 2026
Laurent Binet – Perspective(s) Q&A
Check out our Q&A with Laurent Binet, author of shortlisted title Perspective(s), as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey
VideoMay 8 2026
Ali Smith – Gliff Q&A
Shortlisted author Ali Smith discusses the creative inspirations behind Gliff and reflects on the significance of libraries throughout her reading and writing life in our latest Q&A.