A Stoke-on-Trent author will be attending a book fair in Stockport this month, to discuss his novel, climate change and the growth of AI.

Brendan Nugent, a novelist from Stoke-on-Trent, will be at The 'Enchanted Fictionary Fair' when it makes its inaugural appearance at Stockport Masonic Guildhall on Sunday 28 June.

More than a dozen authors will be making an appearance, plus 15 stationery and book-related traders.

Among the authors are debut novelists Brendan Nugent and Clive Simpson, who will be discussing the impact of climate change and the growth of AI.

Brendan explores the consequences of artificial intelligence evolving beyond human control in his book The Sentient Ones.

Clive Simpson's Flood Waters Down, meanwhile, imagines a flooded future version of the Lincolnshire Fens where communities struggle to adapt to the effects of climate change.

The two will be in conversation on the day from 12.15pm.

Brendan said speculative fiction offered a powerful way to examine where society might be heading.

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"Stories about the future allow us to ask difficult questions about the choices we're making now," he said.

"Technology, climate and the way people respond to change are things that affect all of us, and fiction can sometimes explore those issues in ways that stay with readers."

A Derby-born journalist and Editor-in-Chief of the international magazine ROOM Space Journal, Clive now lives in Lincolnshire and draws heavily on place and landscape in his fiction.

Speaking ahead of the event, Clive said fiction can sometimes help people think differently about major global issues.

"Climate change and artificial intelligence can often feel abstract," he said.

"But fiction gives us a way to explore those ideas through people, places and stories in a way that feels more immediate."

Sue Chadwick, organiser of the Enchanted Fictionary Fair, said the event aimed to bring together a love of books, creativity and independent makers.

"As a lifelong book and stationery lover, I wanted to create an event that celebrates both," she said.

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"Our aim is to bring together authors, independent traders and book lovers in a welcoming environment where people can discover new favourites and share their passion for books and creativity.

"We're incredibly excited to bring this new event to Stockport and look forward to welcoming visitors from across the region."