Does it make a difference if a writer is male or female

A spirited debate about whether gender plays a part in literature is due to take place this week as part of the eighth Literary Leicester festival, running until 14 November on campus.

A panel of professional writers, a publisher and students will discuss a number of issues around male and female authors – and talk about how it affects the writing, interpretation and perception of classic and modern books.

The event, 'Does it Make a Difference if a Writer is Male or Female?', is being held at the Peter Williams Lecture Theatre on Friday 13 November, at 1.15pm.

Taking part will be leading young adult authors, Lisa Williamson and Bali Rai, senior editor at publisher Myriad Editions, Vicky Blunden and young adults from local schools.

This free event is being held in partnership with Whatever it Takes – a campaign to get every child in Leicester reading – and Leicester Secondary Education Improvement Partnership.

Author Bali Rai said: “The debate should be lively and we have two local students taking part, alongside industry professionals. It's a chance to debate one of the hot topics in children's and young adult publishing and to hear what readers, writers and publishers think.”