WHETHER correct or not, literary festivals are often accused of being elitist, appealing only to bookish snobs.

Perhaps there's some truth in it, given that writers of popular fiction rarely feature in book festivals, despite the fact they account for the largest percentage of book sales.

As if in reaction to this prevailing perception, next month's Books 09 is the very antithesis to this, as it will be accessible, inclusive and populist. Everyone from lovers of chick-lit to crime, mystery to memoir and all other genres in between will be catered for.

With Ireland being such a breeding ground for literary talent, it's entirely fitting that we should host a large-scale book festival. Now, in its second year, Books 09 has mushroomed into a bigger, more high-profile event, and this year has attracted some of the world's finest literary legends such as Sebastian Faulks, William Boyd, Nick Laird and Marina Lewycka as well as our very own award-winning stalwarts John Banville and Edna O'Brien among others.

But aside from offering a stellar line-up, what sets this books festival apart is that it's not just a readers' event. A gallery of leading writers will host workshops and seminars offering advice to those about to (or who have tried but failed to) embark on the literary path. It's the literary equivalent of getting a private golf lesson from Padraig Harrington, or a free-kick-taking master class from David Beckham.

These workshops are an invaluable tool for writers who may have the writing ability and sources of inspiration, but are perhaps unsure how to turn the seed of an idea into a money-making, best-seller-topping product. The authors involved in the workshops have been through it all, they've endured the knocks, enjoyed the success and are prepared to share with you their secrets. In Amanda Brunker and Claudia Carroll's case, both have come from decidedly un-bookish professional backgrounds (Amanda Brunker was a former beauty queen, Claudia an actress in Fair City), yet both have succeeded in making the transition to successful author. They will explain how.

It's hard enough to get published, but in the current climate it's made all the harder, with publishers operating on more modest budgets and as a result are far less inclined to take a chance, particularly on the unknown. Author Clodagh Murphy will explain whom best to approach about getting a publishing deal and how best to go about it.

Meanwhile, Roisin Meaney and Fiona O'Brien will help fuel your imagination and offer tips on how to overcome what is invariably an author's biggest obstacle -- writer's block. The workshop entitled "Knowing Your Audience", will make for particularly interesting listening, given that it will be conducted by Tara Heavey, Niamh Green, Noelle Harrison and Catherine Dunne -- four of Ireland's leading ladies, the former two of whom write popular women's fiction, the latter who have more literary leanings. Essentially, all angles are covered and all have something different to share.

By rights, you really couldn't put a price on the kind of advice being offered at these creative workshops, which are taking place in the city-centre-based Independent Colleges, but thankfully Books 09 believes in being kind to your wallet, and is offering tickets for the workshop day for an all-inclusive €25.

With affable gardener and TV presenter Diarmuid Gavin and actress, rugby WAG and author Amy Huberman among those participating, the festival will also provide an opportunity to mingle with some bona fide Irish celebrities. And while demand is fierce to see the big names, the author events will remain intimate, allowing audience members to interact with the writers they have come to see and hear.

Boasting native talents such as Arlene Hunt, Declan Hughes, Ava McCarthy, Alex Barclay, Tana French and Gene Kerrigan, crime writing is fast becoming one of the most popular areas of contemporary fiction in Ireland. Declan Hughes, author and editor of Crime Always Pays (a website that supports Irish crime writing), will moderate the crime events (which also includes workshops) at Books 09. Explaining the inexorable rise of this genre, Burke says, "Rising levels of crime in society get people fascinated as to the stories behind the headlines, and they start reading crime fiction and true crime to get a richer account of the whys and wherefores. I think it's also as simple as there being more Irish crime writers working in the field now -- arguably, because Irish women's fiction writers proved that there was an Irish audience for genre fiction. And crime fiction allows a writer to cover pretty much all the bases -- it broaches taboos, explores the darker side of humanity... maybe it even teaches us something about ourselves that we're not always willing to acknowledge. And, most of all, when it's done right, it's wonderful entertainment."

Among the many highlights of Books 09's crime events, Ruth Dudley Edwards will host a debate between successful journalists Paul Williams, Emer Connolly and Niamh O'Connor on the nature of Irish crime journalism and what it takes to turn a newspaper story into a best-selling novel. "It was a terrific get-together of crime writers at Books 2008 last year, probably the first event of its kind in bringing so many Irish crime writers together, and it was great to meet other writers, because writing can be a pretty lonely business at times. It's nice to know there are fellow strugglers out there! This year, we have the cream of Irish crime writing all appearing on the one day. It may prove to be historic," says Declan Burke.

If you speak to any of the authors involved in Books 09, all will lovingly extol the virtues of meeting their audience and the extent to which it makes them better writers. They're not bluffing, or filling their readers with saccharine-coated niceties in an attempt to sell more copies of their books. They mean it. Who can blame them for enjoying literary festivals, given that they make a career out of working in solitary confinement? As many authors will tell you, the interaction keeps them sane.

Children's events will also be integral to the festival. Sarah Webb, writer of adult and children's fiction, will host a workshop for young writers. "The workshop is called Writing Magic and we'll be looking at two main areas: creating characters that leap off the page, and ideas and inspiration. We'll be doing some fun writing exercises, like the Magic Ideas Box, and Writing Whispers, as well as talking about the elements of a brilliant book, and tapping into your own writing voice. I hope the young writers will go home with their minds buzzing with ideas," Sarah Webb says, before adding, "Children gain so much from meeting writers -- and most importantly it can inspire them to try writing for themselves. I'd encourage any parent/grandparent/aunt/uncle to grab a child and bring them along to Books 09."

Of the festival, Webb says, "The children's events are really strong this year and I'm delighted to be included in the line-up. I'm particularly looking forward to hearing Roddy Doyle and John Connolly talking about their new children's books. And Derek Landy never fails to make me laugh."

The stunning surroundings of Trinity College will only add to the culturally-rich and stimulating nature of the festival. And in case you needed another incentive, look at Books 09 as an escape, because given the nonentity of a summer we've endured and the daily doom and gloom, we're in desperate need of enrichment. Books never fail in this regard.

Books 09 runs from September 10 to 13 with Children's Books 09 on the following weekend, September 19 to 20. For more information visit www.books2009.ie

- Andrea Byrne