Meet the Authors & Illustrators

Every great adventure starts with a story - and this year at Questival, you’ll have the chance to meet some of the talented people who bring those stories and worlds to life.

From bestselling authors and comic creators to incredible illustrators and independent storytellers, our guests are bringing their books, characters and imaginations to Port Sunlight for a day of discovery, conversation and creativity.

Come along, meet your favourite creators, discover your next great read, hear about the worlds they’ve created, and perhaps even get a book signed along the way.

Meet the storytellers. Discover new worlds. Begin your next adventure.
Stephen Aryan

Stephen Aryan

Stephen Aryan is an award winning fantasy author. He has written two trilogies, the Age of Darkness, and the Age of Dread, plus a prequel novella, set in the magic-infused world of Mordana. He has also written the Quest for Heroes duology, The Coward and The Warrior, published by Angry Robot Books.

The Coward received a starred review from Publishers Weekly. His latest series, The Nightingale and the Falcon, is a Persian-inspired historical fantasy trilogy.
Visit website
M. H. Ayinde

M. H. Ayinde

M. H. Ayinde is the Sunday Times bestselling author of epic fantasy novel A SONG OF LEGENDS LOST. She is an Ignyte, Locus, and British Fantasy Award finalist. Her short fiction has appeared in FIYAH Literary Magazine, Beneath Ceaseless Skies, Fantasy Magazine, and elsewhere, and she was the 2021 winner of the Future Worlds Prize.

@mhayinde lives in London with three generations of her family and their Studio Ghibli obsession.
Visit website
Kaitlyn Lloyd

Kaitlyn Lloyd

Kaitlyn Lloyd is a freelance Illustrator based in Liverpool, whose work includes ink, gouache and digital illustrations. We love Kaitlyns world of mini witches.

Her stall will include prints, as well as stickers and badges all produced from her original artwork.
Visit website
Ollie Hicks

Ollie Hicks

Ollie Hicks is a comics creator, writer and Eisner-nominated editor who has edited over 40 books. They are also the writer and cocreator the Grand Slam Romance graphic novel trilogy as well as the upcoming Gay Persuasion from Avery Hill.

If you're looking for advice on your writing and story telling, or advice on how to self-publish or pitch your work, look out for Ollie's portfolio review slot.
Visit website
Emma Oosterhous

Emma Oosterhous

Emma Oosterhous is a cartoonist, who has cocreated and drawn the Grand Slam Romance graphic novel trilogy as well as the upcoming Gay Persuasion from Avery Hill.

If you're a comics artist looking for feedback on your portfolio or technical advice to take your art to the next level, look out for Emma's portfolio review slot.
Visit website
CLAMS

CLAMS

The ‘Clocktower Liverpool and Merseyside Society’ (CLAMS for short!) are a Merseyside-based group of players for ‘Blood on the Clocktower’, a Traitors-style social deduction game of deception, murder, and hidden roles!'
Visit website
Rowan, Rook & Decard

Rowan, Rook & Decard

Rowan, Rook & Decard are a UK-based publisher of roleplaying games such as Heart, Spire, Eat the Reich, Hollows, and the upcoming Children of Time RPG.
Visit website
Three Sails Studios

Three Sails Studios

Three Sails Studios are a design studio and publisher of roleplaying games based in Manchester. They make games filled with hope for a better, brighter future - the perfect vibes for Questival!
Visit website
Ryan Cahill

Ryan Cahill

Ryan Cahill is the award-winning author of the bestselling epic fantasy series, The Bound and The Broken.

Born and raised in Ireland, @ryancahillauthor now resides amongst the rolling hills and hobbit holes of Middle-earth, New Zealand. He does not own enough swords, would sell his left kidney for a dragon egg, and despises mushrooms in all their eldritch forms.
Visit website
Michael R Miller

Michael R Miller

Michael R Miller is a Scottish author best known for his series' The Songs of Chaos and The Dragon's Blade. He enjoys writing stories as sweeping in scope as the ancient landscapes he grew up in. His writing is known for rich character arcs, tight pacing, and layered magic systems, creating an epic tale all ages can enjoy.

@michael_r_miller_author is also 'that guy' who enjoys - well, enjoyed... - discussing the mad fan theories of Game of Thrones even more than the books or show, and knows more about World of Warcraft than is probably healthy.
Visit website
Philip Quaintrell

Philip Quaintrell

Philip Quaintrell is the author of the epic fantasy series' A Time of Dragons, The Echoes Saga, The Ranger Archives, as well as the Terran Cycle sci-fi series.

@philipcquaintrell.author lives in Cheshire with his wife and two children. He still finds time between naps and wiping snot off his clothes to remain a movie aficionado and comic book connoisseur, and is hoping this is still just the beginning.
Visit website
Lizzy Kershaw

Lizzy Kershaw

Lizzy is a local illustrator and print maker, who uses a variety of mediums including Lino printing, collage and digital illustration. Her work explores a range of themes, from food and fish to all things whimsical!

Alongside @lizzykershawart 's illustrative practice, she runs a variety of workshops including a Lino Printing Workshop and Collage Club. Keep an eye out for events during Questival!
Visit website
Beau Kay

Beau Kay

Beau Kay is a queer, trans illustrator based on the Wirral. They are inspired by nature, vintage illustration styles, community, identity, the macabre, messages of solidarity, and zines.

@beaukay.illus is also a print maker who explores traditional print methods, like lino-block printing and screen printing as well as riso printing, a digital method of printing. They’ll be selling their illustration work on the day.
Visit website
Matt Garbutt

Matt Garbutt

Matt Garbutt, is a local cartoonist and animation artist who specialises in character design. He's also a member of the Merseyside Ghostbusters, with a passion for spooky quests. Our favourites are his Paranormal Field Guides, packed with fascinating supernatural creatures.

@artmonkeymg will be selling a range of his work on the day, including stickers, books, and more. Be sure to stop by, say hello, and check out his amazing creations.
Visit website