In 2008, when Melissa Long was drumming up authors for Hong Kong's annual English-language book-fest, she discovered that Margaret Atwood liked birdwatching.
Long's letter of invitation to the multi-award-winning Canadian author mentioned the Mai Po Nature Reserve and the unique opportunities it afforded twitchers. The Man Hong Kong International Literary Festival notched up another star for its line-up.
Such are the footnotes to one of the city's landmark celebrations - more low key than Lunar New Year, more intimate than the arts jamboree, more cerebral than the Tuen Ng festival (despite its poetic antecedents) - and a festival that's surprisingly well attended given that folklore has it that Hong Kong's primary reading is spreadsheets.
Now in its tenth year, the festival - which starts on March 11 - draws writers who are household names from around the world, while acting as a showcase for local literary talent.
'The appeal of the festival is that it remains niche, boutique,' says Long, who has been general manager for the past three years.
'There are writers of the stature of Alexander McCall Smith and Louis de Bernieres, but they are speaking at small venues to an audience of a few score, so it's intimate as well as interesting.'
