Discussion points

The highlights

English-language novelists, poets, historians and non-fiction writers will discuss their works at the Hong Kong Book Fair in a series of public talks. Register at hkbookfair.hktdc.com. All sessions at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, unless otherwise noted.

July 20

English creative writing workshop: introductory event conducted by Xu Xi, writer-in-residence at City University's English department, 2pm-2.30pm, rooms S426-427 Global launch: The Opium War by Julia Lovell. The British historian discusses her latest book; moderated by Chip Tsao, 4.30pm-6pm, rooms S426-427

July 21

'Bringing History to Life': British novelist Justin Hill speaks with fair literary adviser Peter Gordon on historical novels, 2pm-3.30pm, rooms S426-427

'Life, Love and Family in Contemporary Poetry': British poet Wendy Cope, 4.30pm-6pm, room S428

'From Flaming Fingernails to Peter Pan - One Writer's Journey': US author Ridley Pearson on crime fiction for adults, 6pm-7.30pm, rooms S426-427

July 22

'Worlds Within Our World - Use of Reality in Fantasy Fiction': Pearson on young adult novels, 2pm-3.30pm, room S221

Open Public Forum: 'How and What and Why Do Writers Write?' Historian David Starkey, novelist Nicholas Coleridge, critic A.A. Gill and food writer Tom Parker Bowles discuss; moderated by David Tang, 6pm-8pm, Theatres 1 & 2; second session, July 23, 10am-12pm, University of Hong Kong, Loke Yew Hall, Pok Fu Lam

July 23

'Fiction vs Non-Fiction - Which Format is Best for Telling Your Story?': writer Karl Taro Greenfield turned to fiction in 2006 to best tell his stories; moderated by Mark Clifford, 4.30pm-6pm, room S428

July 24

Public session by Tabish Khair: Indian writer Tabish Khair, author of The Thing About Thugs, nominated for the Man Asian Literary Prize, on his work, 2pm-3.30pm, room S421