WordPlay: Bangkok's first literary festival

WordPlay, Bangkok's first literary festival, hits the Neilson Hays Library on May 22 and features a full day of talks and workshops conducted by prominent local writers. 

Here's a quick run down of the speaker line-up:

• Author-chefs Ken Hom ("My Kitchen Table"; Ken Hom's Chinese Cookery BBC series) and David Thompson ("Thai Street Food").
• Bangkok Noir writers Christopher G. Moore ("Vincent Calvado Private Eye" series and editor of recently published "Bangkok Noir"), John Burdett ("Bangkok 8") and Stephen Leather ("Private Dancer"). 
• Philip Cornwell Smith (author of  bestselling "Very Thai" and editor of Time Out).
• Translators of the Thai classic "The Tale of Khun Chang Khun Phaen," Chris Baker and Pasuk Phongpaichit.
• Photographer and author Nic Dunlop ("Lost Executioner").
• Sandy Dodd and Jennifer Baccon (literacy promotors) will explain how to create a life-long love of reading in children.
• Author Tom Vater ("Sacred Skin").
• Short story writer Ruth Heald.
• Childen's author Janice Santikarn ("Little Blue Tuk Tuk" series). 
• Readings from the Bangkok Poetry Group.

Throughout the day there will also be podium readings, bookstalls and a story and a visit from the SCAD dogs to entertain children.

In addition to the talks are six workshops: "Breaking Through" by photographer Gavin Gough and author Paul Sochaczewski; "Writing from the Unconscious Mind" by author and writing coach Anette Pollner; "Make Your Own Handmade Book" by design technology teacher Kate Macdonald; "The Art of Story-telling," by artist and actor Louise Truslow; "Writing Stories, A Workshop for Children" by author Janice Santikarn; and a critique service by author B.L. Sauder.

There is no admission charge and the talks are free however organizers say donations are appreciated.  For the workshops there is a charge per session and registration is necessary to guarantee a spot. 

For the latest schedule and to register, visit the Neilson Hays Library WordPlay page.