2025 marks the 25th anniversary of the internationales literaturfestival berlin (ilb) – a milestone year for one of the world’s most influential literary gatherings. Each September, ilb transforms Berlin into a vibrant stage for global storytelling, bringing together over 100 international authors for book premieres, readings, and thought-provoking discussions.
With its rich stylistic and thematic spectrum – spanning prose, poetry, non-fiction, graphic novels, and children’s literature – the festival continues to champion literary diversity and dialogue. The programme welcomes around 20,000 visitors annually and includes a dedicated Young Program for children and young adults, running this year from 9 to 18 September.
This year, seven UK authors are participating: Abdulrazak Gurnah, Isabella Hammad, Samantha Harvey, Anna Hoghton, Alan Hollinghurst, Sharon Dodua Otoo, and Hekma Yagoub.
We’re pleased to share an interview with Anna Hoghton, who reflects on her creative process, writing for young audiences, and the themes that shape her work.
Interview with Anna Hoghton
What books are on your bedside table?
I don’t get a lot of reading time at the moment with two young children, but I just finished Dragonborn by Struan Murray and loved it. I’m doing lots of audiobooks while I’m up during night feeds at the moment. I’m currently listening to A Brief History of Everything by Bill Bryson in an attempt to finally beat my husband at University Challenge.
I’m also reading The Artist’s Way for Parents. I’m raising two boys, and it saddens me to hear how much children — especially boys — are reading less these days. I want them to experience the same joy and escapism I found in childhood, whether through reading or by stomping around the woods building forts. I’m hoping this book will spark some inspiration so I can be sure to give them that.
Which book or author do you always return to?
I’m not a big re-reader – there’s so much I still have to read! And I hate already knowing the ending.
What kind of reader were you as a child?
Voracious. I read history, fantasy, adventure, romance … The Georgia Nicolson books will always have a special place in my heart, as will His Dark Materials, Lord of the Flies and Coram Boy.
What writing habit do you have that is impossible to shift? (That could be a particular snack, writing hours, location, caffeine consumption etc.)
Getting pen on the sheets. Messy notebooks. Daydreaming.
When working on a new project, how do you sift through competing ideas in order to move forward?
I write the one that grabs hold of me and won’t let go.
The internationales literaturfestival berlin has become essential to Berlin’s literary calendar. What do you connect with the city?
I’ve been to Berlin once before and loved it. We stayed with a friend who took us swimming in the lakes during the day and partying at night. A music festival was on, and I saw Nathan Ball play for the first time. I also visited the Memorial exhibit, which I found incredibly moving. I am so excited to return to this amazing city for the Internationales Literaturfestival Berlin.
