Two Eastern Bay of Plenty writers are preparing to showcase their work at one of the region’s largest literary events, the upcoming Ages of Pages book fair in Hamilton.

Edgecumbe authors Ashlee Sturme and Imke Kauta are among around 140 writers set to attend the popular event, which has been running for several years and will this year fill the largest space at Claudelands Events Centre.

The fair offers readers the chance to meet authors face-to-face, purchase books and have them signed, with a wide range of genres represented by New Zealand and Australian writers, alongside book-related businesses.

Sturme and Kauta will travel to Hamilton for the event, which also features an author dinner and writing workshops.

Kauta is attending for the first time with her book, The Art of Navigating Mum Guilt, and says she is looking forward to the event.

“It’s a great opportunity to put my book out there, meet other authors and learn more about what being an author really means,” she said.

“Being self-published means the marketing is on me, so any opportunity to reach a wider audience is a step in the right direction.”

Alongside her book, Kauta will also be selling her handmade beeswax candles. “What’s better than reading a book by candlelight?” she said.

Sturme, who attended the fair for the first time last year with her business, Maia Publishing House, is eager to return.

“It’s really special to connect with readers and other writers in person,” she said.

“Last year we launched our second anthology and some of our writers came along to sign copies. It’s a real buzz to be part of.”

This year, Sturme will bring two anthologies written by women, as well as a women’s wellness journal.

She believes supporting local authors is vital.

“We have some incredibly talented writers in New Zealand who enrich our literary landscape,” she said.

“It’s important we share New Zealand stories with the world, but it’s not always financially easy, so that support really matters.”

The Ages of Pages book fair is free and family friendly, attracting visitors from across the country. It will be held on Saturday, May 2, from 9.30am to 4pm.

Both authors also sell their books online for those unable to attend.