Since when have coffee houses become alienating spaces? Where guys prefer starring at their mobile devices or papers over pretty girls? Well, expect none of that at Literary Death Match (LDM).

Since when have coffee houses become alienating spaces? Where guys prefer starring at their mobile devices or papers over pretty girls? Where people are so territorial than when you ask to share a table they react like the Iams’ cat in the advert, when disturbed by the bell? In London, it’s a trend.

Well, expect none of that at Literary Death Match (LDM). Here, books are not excuses for people who come out of their house to a public space only to pretend they are busy reading. LDMs are, first and foremost, convivial events. Books are an excuse to have a good time. Last time I went to one (for LDMs pop up unpredictably in cities across the world), co-creator and quirky host, Todd Zuniga, even turned into a bit of a matchmaker, encouraging singles to come forward and mingle.

The concept is that new writers and more established ones compete by reading or otherwise performing select pieces from their repertoire within a tight time frame. Three judges then give their verdicts, I guess a bit like ‘talent’ shows, but at LDM, instead of talentless wannabes doing vocal gymnastics, you have interesting people saying interesting things. The two finalists battle to become the winner. Think literary salon on speed. LA Weekly blogger, Joseph Lapin, speaking of the latest one in LA said that LDM was ‘drenched in sex jokes, blondes in leather knee-high boots and an electric ambience that feels one step away from something you'd see on TV’.

At the forthcoming LDM, expect trio of all-star judges including author Joanne Harris (Chocolat & Five Quarters of the Orange), writer/musician Rhodri Marsden (who pens The Independent's  "Life on Marsden" column) and comedian Suzi Ruffell. The night's foursome of readers include writer/actor Steve Furst (a Little Britain regular), Katy Darby (author of The Whores' Asylum), Sarah Tucker (author of The Playground Mafia) and North Morgan (author of Exit Through The Wound)! Hosted by LDM's own Suzanne Azzopardi & Nicki Le Masurier. Todd, currently in LA, will be hosting the next London one in March.

...................................................................................................................
COMPETITION: Win 1x Pair of tickets to attend Literary Death Match at Shoreditch House at 19:00 on Thurs 16 Feb. To enter the competition, send an email to jamie@run-riot.com with the correct answer in the ‘subject’ box. The winner will be randomly selected.

Q: Who starred in the film version of Chocolat?
A: .1) Johnny Depp .2) Christian Slater .3) Brad Pitt