Taipei, Dec. 29 (CNA) Visitors to the Taipei International Book Exhibition, one of Asia's largest books fairs, will get the opportunity to meet writers, illustrators and artists from around the world when the fair kicks off in February.
Among the writers will be Maria Duenas, the Spanish author of the international bestseller The Time In Between and American author Hugh Howey, who penned the popular science fiction series WOOL, according to the Taipei Book Fair Foundation, organizer of the exhibition.
On Feb. 8, Duenas will give a speech at the fair, while Howey will promote Dust, the final book in his series, and talk about his independent publishing experience, the foundation said.
Duenas' debut novel has been translated into over 20 languages and has sold millions of copies, while Howey's series has also sold millions of print and e-copies, the foundation said.
Also to appear at the exhibition are Japanese writer Mizuki Tsujimura, as well as Japanese novelist Ira Ishida of the urban mystery series Ikebukuro West Gate Park, which was made into a popular Japanese TV drama.
Ishida will greet readers and give a speech Feb. 7. Both writers are winners of the prestigious Naoki Prize, a Japanese literary award.
Meanwhile, French author Gilles Legardinier of the romantic comedy novel Demain J'arrete! is also scheduled to speak at the fair Feb. 7, according to the foundation.
Other highlighted foreign writers and artists are Guatemalan-American writer David Unger, Polish writer and reporter Wojciech Gorecki and French illustrator Beatrice Vellion.
Chinese comic artist Hong Lin and Taiwanese writer Giddens Ko and light novelist Yu Wo will also be among the artists and writers to hold signing events at the fair.
The annual exhibition will take place Feb. 5-10 at the Taipei World Trade Center Exhibition Halls 1 and 3.
This year's theme countries are Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Thailand.
Publications and writers from these countries will be featured at the fair and forums will be hosted to strengthen cultural and publishing ties between Taiwan and countries in the region, the foundation said.
(By Christie Chen)