Ladbrokes and Paddy Power report that betting on the Man Booker Prize is at a record level with New Zealander Catton's novel The Luminaries sitting equal second favourite with most bookmakers.

Bill Bryson tells Stephen Jewell he is drawn to American subjects in his writing.

She was born in Canada just 28 years ago. She wrote her first novel - a three-page job - at the age of 5.

Brain expert Jenni Ogden was one of handful of specialists granted access to the most studied patient in medical history.

"Toe-curling, clunking disappointment": New Bridget Jones reviews are in, and they're not good.

Simon Schama's beginning is Egypt. But it is not the beginning of patriarchs and prophets.

British writer Margaret Drabble is beloved by generations of readers, especially women.

Tom Clancy, whose high-tech, Cold War thrillers such as 'The Hunt for Red October' made him the most widely read military novelist of his time, has died.

Sharon Osbourne hurled a hot cup of coffee at husband Ozzy, pulled his hair and demanded a divorce after discovering his recent drink and drugs relapse.

Spoiler alert for Bridget Jones fans and tissues at the ready...

Muskan Devta admits she sometimes talks too much. She also writes a lot and can often be found hunkered down with a good book at the library.

Bring me all the Stephen King novels in the land. Yes, all of them. I know, I know. I'll build a new bookcase. I'll buy a bigger house.

Norwegian crime writer Jo Nesbo talks to Jake Kerridge about his latest Harry Hole novel and his fascination with what makes ordinary people do evil things.

No sooner does Jamie Oliver's latest cookbook hit the shops, than the Naked Chef goes and says something which whips up a frenzy.

Wizards and witches, vampires and the tale of a one-eyed donkey are what Kiwi children love to read about.

Since the novel Puberty Blues first scandalised the complacent Australian middle classes in 1979, there have been a couple of updates.

The smartest young writer anyone is ever likely to have coffee with is cosily wrapped in a knitted jumper against the spring freshness.

Talent and hard work are important but chance plays a big part, economist Tim Harford tells David Larsen.

As a coming-of-age story, this first novel by a young Australian writer would alarm those who leaped to condemn Ted Dawe's Into The River, which recently won this country's Young Adult Fiction award.

The book will be entitled Santiago, The Dreamer in the Land Among the Stars and will be released on November 14 simultaneously in Spanish and English.

The creators of Kiwi comic anthology Faction aren't in it for fortune and glory - they just want to get their comics out into the world.