Join us at Conversations on the Coast
At Conversations on the Coast, we celebrate the rich literary heritage of Scotland. Whether you’re a fan of contemporary fiction, historical novels, crime, or non-fiction, our festival has something for every book lover. Join us as we delve into the minds of talented authors, exploring their latest publications and the stories behind their writing.
Hosted in the stunning seaside town of Elie and Earlsferry, this festival invites you to indulge in the natural beauty of the Scottish coastline while you indulge your literary appetite. Perhaps, while you’re here, you can also enjoy some local cuisine or take a walk along the Seaside Award-Winning beach!
WHAT'S ON
The Night Train to Odesa
Join journalist Jen Stout as she shares powerful first-hand stories from Ukraine’s frontlines, captured in her award-winning book Night Train to Odesa. A gripping journey into the human cost of war.
Jen Stout
We Are Now the Problem
Join bestselling author Denise Mina, dubbed 'crime-writing royalty', as she introduces her latest thriller, The Good Liar. This dark forensic mystery takes you on a tense journey through life-changing decisions and harrowing truths, and asks you — what secrets are you willing to keep?
Denise Mina
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The Shapeshifter's Daughter
Join Sunday Times bestselling author Sally Magnusson as she introduces her new release, The Shapeshifter's Daughter, the spellbinding feminist retelling of the Norse myth of Hel, the Goddess of the Underworld, set in the magical landscape of Orkney.
Sally Magnusson
Grantchester and More
Join James Runcie as he delves into The Grantchester Mysteries and his other novels, exploring themes of murder, love and hope. A captivating insight into the stories—and humanity—behind the mystery.
James Runcie
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Game, Set & Murder
Join bestselling author Judy Murray as she serves up secrets, suspense and tennis drama in her cosy mystery Game, Set & Murder. Expect insider insights, killer twists — and plenty of surprises.
Judy Murray
NEWS
The Cliff House: Chris Brookmyre to take audience inside his locked-room mystery at Fife festival
Chris Brookmyre is a returning author to this year’s Conversations on the Coast. Read his interview in The Courier about his latest novel The Cliff House and his thoughts on being part of the festival.
Another year comes to a close…
Our 2023 Conversations on the Coast festival concluded this year with Botany and Scandal in Enlightenment Edinburgh, featuring author Sara Sheridan. At this event Sara delved into the Waterstones Scottish Book of the Year 2022, The Fair Botanists.
First year of the Conversations on the Coast festival hailed a success
In its inaugural year Conversations on the Coast has welcomed more than 300 visitors to the village of Elie and Earlsferry. As the first in what is hoped to be many annual literature festivals set in the East Neuk, organisers are celebrating the success of its four events, which were hosted over November.
Visit the beautiful East Neuk of Fife
Our festival is set in the beautiful village of Elie and Earlsferry in the East Neuk of Fife. Locals know Elie and Earlsferry as the perfect seaside destination with its long golden beaches and curved bay, and it’s a popular tourist destination thanks to its beauty and history. It’s the ideal setting for the East Neuk’s inaugural literary festival, which brings Scottish authors and lovers of literature together to spark conversations.
“The East Neuk has so much to offer.”
