AUTHOR and film producer Peter James will be a key speaker at the 29th Winchester Writers’ Conference, Festival and Bookfair.

The festival will be taking place at The Stripe on the weekend of July 3 to 5.

Peter James, pictured, is famed for his Roy Grace crime novels, which have sold more than two million copies.

He said: “I am very much looking forward to speaking at this major international event. I think it is terrific how the conference goes from strength to strength.”

He will lead a team of more than 60 novelists, poets, playwrights, literary agents, commissioning editors and book industry specialists.

They will be conducting workshops, lectures, seminars and one-to-one appointments at this year’s festival.

‘A Criminal Way with Words’ on Saturday, July 4, will outline Peter’s journey to becoming a writer, highlighting the importance of research in his work.

“I spend an average of one day a week out with the police, all year round,” he added.

To receive a Winchester Writers’ Conference programme, call Barbara Large on 01962 827238 or e-mail Barbara.Large@winchester.ac.uk.