IF YOU like books, it's time to stop reading and start listening.

Litfest in Lancaster is coming around again - and promising has a fantastic range of new fiction and fine poetry from international writers to the best regional talent live and in your face'.

The festival takes place at the Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, from November 9 to 13, with more than a dozen novelists takingtheir work along to showcase.

Guests include Maggie Gee, Rodge Glass and Kitty Fitzgerald and the festival will also have screen writing from Oscar-nominated Trevor Griffiths, co-writer of Reds with Warren Beatty.

There's poetry from Robert Crawford and Vicki Feaver, and a return visit to Litfest from San Franciscan novelist Peter Plate.

Also on the guest list is Carol Birch, who lives in Lancaster and is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished novelists working in Britain today, and headline guest Carol Ann Duffy with her new collection 'Rapture'.

Festival artistic director Andy Darby says:"This year's litfest is a great chance to get new inspiration for your reading. Each event features up to three different writers - when was the last time you read three different novels in an evening?

Litfest is also repeating its popular 3 for 2 offer - book two events a week in advance and you can get a third event free.

For a brochure call 01524-62166 or email mailing@litfest.org. Or log on at the festival website at www.litfest.org