Appearing at this year’s LitFest:

* Writer and newspaper columnist A N Wilson, right. Known as an historian and biographer, he will be talking about his first novel for five years, The Potter’s Hand, with Josiah Wedgwood as its central character (one of A N Wilson’s ancestors). Appearing at 2pm on Saturday, September 28 at the town hall.

* Marina Lewycka is best known for her debut international bestselling novel, A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian. Her latest novel, Various Pets Alive and Dead, is, in her own words, “my family saga about bankers, hippies and hamsters”. Appearing at 4pm on Saturday, September 28 at the town hall.

* Two young and exciting authors, Peter Hobbs and Sarah Butler, will be in conversation about their respective novels which both concern love and loss. Appearing at noon on Sunday, September 29 at The Merchant’s House.

* Crime writing discussion by two experienced authors, Laura Wilson and Andrew Martin. Laura is the Guardian’s crime fiction reviewer and two of her novels have been shortlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger. Andrew is a freelance journalist, broadcaster and prolific author, most well-known for his Jim Stringer crime novels. Appearing at 2.30pm on Sunday, September 29 at The Merchant’s House.

* Kevin Jackson, left, is an English writer, broadcaster, filmmaker and pataphysician who frequently collaborates on media projects including films, cartoons, comic books, songs, rock opera and radio plays. He’ll be talking about his latest novel, Constellation of Genius. Appearing at 5.30pm on Sunday, September 29 at the town hall.