Stella Duffy: The book that inspired me to write

"I grew up in a timber town in New Zealand, the closest city with a professional theatre company was three hours drive away, and yet, at fifteen, I would sit night after night in the kitchen of our tiny two-bedroom home, reciting Hamlet's soliloquies until I learned them by heart".

"I didn't know then that girls like me could grow up to be writers and theatre-makers, I thought only 'posh people' had jobs like that. But I did know that language and passion and stories moved me - and it was the language that grabbed me first.  I don't think I've become a 'posh person', but I have become a writer and theatre-maker, and that's very much down to my parents' love of reading, their enthusiasm for books" Stella added.

Stella joins a host of famous faces who are urging the nation to get involved in the Big Book Swap including X Factor host Dermot O'Leary, comedian Frank Skinner, folk singer Frank Turner and actress Jane Asher.

Swap books this October!

Hosting a book swap is easy! Having one at home is the perfect opportunity to catch up with friends or why not get together with work colleagues to share your favourite books? Get everyone to make a donation and then pass on the proceeds to Bowel Cancer UK.

• Simply download a fundraising pack or call the fundraising team on 020 7386 4006 to receive yours

• Invite your guests and ask them to bring one or several books to swap

• Ask your guests to donate between £5 and £10

• Talk about your books and swap!