February 6, 2019 - 10:06am by Steve

As a freelance journalist, writer, editor and presenter, I have enjoyed many years meeting and interviewing fascinating people, and visiting wonderful locations worldwide.

I regularly conduct on-stage interviews with authors and personalities at festivals and events, and for more than 10 years co-hosted a monthly on air book club with Lesley Dolphin at BBC Radio Suffolk.

Details of my events, book reviews and recommendations can be found on my website moreaboutbooks.com and all the latest information is available in my weekly e-newsletter which you can receive by signing up here or read recent issues here.

Or follow me on Twitter @catherinelarner

In the press

Magazine cover pagesAs a journalist I contribute lifestyle features and profiles for regional and national newspapers and magazines. Earlier in my career, I was the launch editor of what became the leading business journal for the fitness industry in Europe, and I regularly contributed articles about the market for a US publication.

published articles

On the radio

For more than 10 years I co-hosted an on-air book club on BBC Radio Suffolk with Lesley Dolphin. Listen to past discussions here.

In addition, my print articles and author interviews often feature as podcasts. You can listen to an interview with former Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams for Premier Radio here.

view archive on moreaboutbooks.com

At events

Hosting book launches and talks for festivals and events throughout Suffolk, I regularly interview authors on stage with audiences from 30 to 300. I have been in conversation with Esther Freud, Salley Vickers, Victoria Hislop, Rev Richard Coles, Elly Griffiths and Patrick Gale (pictured).

view event listings on moreaboutbooks.com

Recent articles

Life in the Norfolk Alps
in 'Norfolk', October 2026
His social media posts were never intended for publication, but they have become a warm, funny and personal record of life in the county. Bestselling author Louis de Bernieres discusses writing, belonging and finding inspiration in everyday moments.
Keeping up with the Cazalets
in 'Suffolk', October 2026
Louisa Young, niece of 'The Cazalet Chronicles' writer Elizabeth Jane Howard, discusses continuing her aunt's legacy ahead of her appearance at Bury Literature Festival.
Patching the puncture
in 'Suffolk', October 2026
Eight years after his dementia diagnosis, Suffolk's Peter Berry is still cycling and sharing his story - with friend and author Deb Bunt by his side.
From salon to sermon
in 'Woman's Weekly', September 2026
Anthea Mitchell juggles two very different jobs, but both serve the community in their own way.
Could you work with your son?
in 'Woman's Weekly', September 2026
Three women share the joys and challenges of having their offspring as a colleague.
'I want to live for today'
in 'Woman ', September 2026
Caroline Quentin on not being nostalgic, selling up and her new book.

More about books

Catherine LarnerFor my book reviews, event information and blog, please visit moreaboutbooks.com

 

 

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Choosing your words

There have been various theories on why this is the case - the blockbuster movie 'The Odyssey' and 'Instapoetry' are two key factors, it's thought. But I've been particularly interested to learn from a number of sources that we may be turning to poetry to help us deal with our troubled world.

The 'Guardian's Culture Editor Charlotte Higgins wrote recently that 'poetry is the only language for these times of violence and chaos'.

Jacqueline Saphra agrees. She is a poet and trustee of the Poetry in Aldeburgh festival which takes place on 5-8 November. ‘I think people turn to poetry in times of trauma and trouble,' she told me for an article in next month's 'Suffolk' magazine.

'We're living in very difficult times and people need consolation. They turn to reading and writing poetry as a way of trying to express how they feel about the world.’

And I stumbled across a quote from the poet Pascale Petit this weekend. She says: 'Literature is important because it can transform the pain of life into beauty. I don't think it should hide the pain, but it has this magical ability to transform.'

I wonder what poems and poets we'll be introduced to on National Poetry Day and what consolation and comfort they might bring?

Thank you for reading.