Philip Gross has published twenty poetry collections, including four for children, and won many of the major awards in British poetry, from the National Poetry Competition to the T.S. Eliot Prize.With thirty years of appearances at festivals and venues, Philip's readings create a feeling not so much of a performance as a conversation. We are delighted he will be at Xanadu.

Meg Clothier is the Sunday Times bestselling author of seven books. After studying Classics, she sailed from England to Alaska and worked as a journalist in London and Moscow. Her fiction is inspired by bold women in myth and history; her non-fiction by Britain's past and countryside. She now lives and writes in Somerset.

Tina is a former Crime Scene Investigator, teacher and now police journalist. Her dream of becoming an author came true when she published Breakneck Point featuring CSI Ally Dymond. Tina wanted to shine a light on what happens behind the crime scene tape as well as set her stories in North Devon where she grew up. Her latest in the series Death Watch Cottage is out now.

You can follow Tina on Instagram @t_orr_munro

Stephanie Austin is the author of the best-selling Devon Mystery Series: contemporary crime novels set in the Dartmoor town of Ashburton, featuring reluctant amateur sleuth and antique shop owner, Juno Browne. Her latest book, the tenth in the series, A Dartmoor Christmas Card Murder is out in October 2026.

Jim Lander is a Watchet based local author. In his past life Jim was a history teacher, and he has previously published a book about Lincoln & Darwin – Shared Visions of Race, Science and Religion.

Local poetry group

Archers scriptwriter

Grow more, from fewer resources, in less time

2026 winner of the Blue Metropolis Planet Literature Prize, awarded for a body of work that demonstrates the beauty and fragility of the living world and promotes greater ecological awareness.

Author and fossil hunter

Visual artist and Poet

Non-fiction author and podcaster focusing on topics around parenthood.

Sunday Times bestselling author of country tales and folklore.

Composer of sculptural poetry.

Explorer and documentarian on the trail of Sir Francis Drake.

Local poet, (very) retired teacher and festival organiser.

Local performance poet and artist.

Known for maps, trees and editorial illustrations

Producing sound and dance experiences with jazz and latin rhythms.

Author and creative writing tutor.

Author of the Molly Kane series.

Best selling non-fiction author and feminist.

Critically acclaimed mystery and thriller author.

Mystery author, bookseller and festival organiser.