KEY POINTS:
The Auckland Writers & Readers Festival opened with a party for international and local literati at the Aotea Centre on Thursday.
Now in its sixth year, the festival is attracting more International authors to its programme, aided no doubt by scheduling to coincide with the Sydney Writers Festival opening on Monday.
Of the international contingent, actor and author Richard E. Grant, who describes himself accurately as "very low maintenance" enjoyed a visit to Mission Bay and a crayfish at Hammerheads,
American Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Ford was less keen to pose for a photo, expressing impatience with how long the picture was taking. We're sure he'll be more polite during his interview with John Campbell.
Also spotted in the throng: Australian writer Tim Winton, travel writer Don Winslow, Vikram Chandra and Carolyn Burke.
The Auckland Writers & Readers Festival has been held every two years but from now on will be an annual event. Around 11,000 readers attend the event, which ended on Sunday.
- Flash, NZHERALD
