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

My life as a fisherman
in 'Woman's Weekly', April 2026
One woman shares her story of swapping her desk job for the sea.
Millinery Magic
in 'Woman's Weekly', April 2026
In our grandmothers' day, everyone wore a hat. Meet three women who want to spread this habit.
Fashioning the Crown
in 'Norfolk', April 2026
Author Justine Picardie tells the story of the house of Windsor through the clothing choices of the women and the couturiers who created them in her fascinating new book.
Inside the 77th Aldeburgh Festival
in 'Suffolk', April 2026
World-class performers and the next generation of musical talent will soon descend on Snape Maltings. Andrew Comben, CEO of Britten Pears Arts, explains why this year is extra-special.
From the frontline to Hollywood
in 'Suffolk', April 2026
As biographer to the stars, she's told the stories of Audrey Hepburn, Cher, Captain Sir Tom Moore and many others. Now Suffolk writer and ex-journalist Wendy Holden shares her own story with us.
Keeping her promise
in 'Woman's Weekly', March 2026
Diana Boston has dedicated decades to preserving the home of her mother-in-law, beloved children's author, Lucy M Boston.

More about books

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

 

 

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Taking another view

It's been another eventful week in local, national and global affairs and it's easy to feel rather overwhelmed by it all. But I was encouraged by a short speech I heard at the launch of this year's Felixstowe Book Festival.

A friendly gathering of supporters and volunteers heard from patron of the festival, Sir Terry Waite who told us a little of his recent work with his charity, Hostages International, before talking of the value of books and reading.

We know how books provide escapism, entertainment and information, he said, but through festivals like the one at Felixstowe, they also bring readers and writers together in community.

And though a book festival may not seem hugely impactful when considered alongside the suffering of hostages and other tragic events taking place throughout the world today, it does have a role, he said.

People often ask him what they can do to make the world a better place, he said, to bring about change when the issues facing society seem so complex and intractable, and when we feel we have no power, no agency.

Sir Terry said we all have the opportunity to bring about change, and work for good, in the areas we move in socially, personally and professionally, and with the people we meet.

Instead of being burdened with the huge problems, we should focus on where we can make a difference in 'our own circle of influence', he said.

He sent us out feeling heartened and empowered and I hope you feel the same as we go into this new week.

Thank you for reading.