Literary Festivals are back - but not as we knew them. The pandemic hasn't put a stop to traditionally popular writers festivals with three happening in the next few weeks. But a big line up of international guests just can't happen, and these were often the main drawcard for book lovers. Maybe that means local writers, who can struggle for cut through in a Festival programme, will be able to get more attention. Lynn Freeman speaks with Word Christchurch Writers Festival director Rachael King - it opens on 28 October - and with Claire Mabey who runs Verb Wellington, which opens the following week.