University Vice-Chancellor to quiz former glossy magazine editor

Professor Kathryn Mitchell, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Derby, is set to interview author Wendy Holden as part of this year’s Derby Book Festival.

Wendy Holden has ten consecutive Sunday Times Top Ten best-selling novels to her name. She grew up in Yorkshire, went to Cambridge University and became a journalist in London working on Harper’s Bazaar, Tatler, The Mail on Sunday and The Sunday Times, where she was deputy editor of the Style section and ghostwrote a column for the late Tara Palmer Tomkinson.

The interview will cover Wendy’s journalistic background and her move into creative writing. Wendy will also be talking about the inspiration for her books, including her latest release, Laura Lake and the Hipster Weddings, and how she has come to settle in Derbyshire.

“My move to Derbyshire 10 years ago was a very fruitful move. My third book, Pastures Nouveaux, was inspired by my move from London to a Derbyshire village,” said Wendy.

“My new novel (my fourteenth), Laura Lake, goes back to my years on glossy magazines and is a satire about the many weird and wonderful ways people get married these days.”

Professor Kathryn Mitchell added: “I am looking forward to interviewing a local talent. Wendy has had such a varied career and I can guarantee that the event will be full of interesting stories.”

Wendy received an honorary degree from the University of Derby in 2012.

The event, called ‘Morning Coffee with Wendy Holden’, will be held at the Cathedral Quarter Hotel in Derby on June 15.

It is part of the annual Derby Book Festival, which runs from June 9-17. This is the third year that the festival has taken place.

Morning Coffee with Wendy Holden begins at 11am and refreshments are provided. Tickets are priced at £8 and can be purchased.

Find out more about other events that are taking place as part of Derby Book Festival.