Sneak peek into publishing world

Behind-the-scenes secrets of some of the most innovative books being published in the next 12 months will be revealed on Saturday.

Now in its third year, Merlin publishers have revamped their fun book event called Tsek-tsik sneak peak to present audiences with a brand new take on their flagship evening.

The concept behind Tsek-tsik is as simple as it is fun: each guest speaker has 15 slides, and can talk over each for 20 seconds exactly, after which the slide moves on automatically.

There is no manual control, no delays possible, and this forces the speaker to ‘chase’ his or her slides. The result is a fast, exciting, visual theatrical evening unlike any other book event.

This year Merlin will be offering audiences an exclusive sneakpeek into their publishingstudio, where all the most exciting new books are being prepared.

The tsek-tsieka will each let the audience have a peek into their newest manuscript.

It will include some of this year’s most awaited new titles: new works by Trevor Żahra, Clare Azzopardi, Mark Camilleri, John Bonello, two debut authors Joe Pace and Ivan Bugeja(winner of the Teenage Literature Award) as well as themuch-awaited return of bestselling authors Simon Bartolo and Loranne Vella, of Fiddien fame.

Over the past two years, Tsek-tsik has gained a loyal following of young and not-so-young fans, including a considerable number of people who would not usually be termed book lovers.

And for Merlin’s director of publishing, Chris Gruppetta, this is one of the key reasons for doing Tsek-tsik: it proves that a book-related event can still be fun, light, chatty, visual and – why not – at times funny.

Past tsek-tsieka (as the guest speakers are called) have included some of Malta’s top authors, reviewers and journalists, editors, illustrators, and politicians.

And the subjects covered have ranged from the thrills and pitfalls of being a writer, the creative process, censorship, the lure of digital media, online browsing, satire and food.

Tsek-tsik sneak peak is being held at the Malta Book Fair, at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, on Saturday at 8 p.m. Entrance is free but is on first-come-first-served basis.

Doors open at 7.45 p.m., and wine is available before and after the event.