Writing Events Part 2: The changing shape of writing events
There are so many crafted spaces for writers to learn, network and be inspired.
The writing world is full of events of different stripes; we have our main ones such as festivals, conferences, fairs as well as other general events. However, with the circumstances brought upon us by Covid-19, many organisations went digital in order to continue their mission of bringing writers and readers together via books. Today’s post is a sequel to my earlier article about events which is found here. Previously, I spoke about the main reasons for going to writing events such as networking and other learning opportunities as well as giving some places on where to look for events. In today’s article, I extend my previous points by giving more varied examples of events for writers to go to which have utilised digital and virtual means to reach bigger audiences, as well as using physical spaces when possible for writers to venture to.
General Events
General writing events such as workshops, seminars, panels and talks can be organised by different organisations such as institutes, publishers, libraries and other publishing/writing organisations—all with the goal of spreading information and bringing people in the industry together. Underneath is a list of places doing this both in person and online.
Writing Development Agencies such as Spread the Word, New Writing South, New Writing North, Writing West Midlands, Writing East Midlands, Literature Works, Creative Scotland and Literature Wales
Festivals
There are many festivals around the country catering to different genres and age groups. These festivals bring together authors, publishers, and other parts of the publishing trade in panels, talks and workshops to share their love of good books. Writers can get a lot out of these festivals such as hearing about authors’ writing processes and journeys and hearing about upcoming or just released books. Below is a list of festivals available in digital and physical form.
Winchester Writers’ Festival (Geared towards writers, with opportunities to meet agents and editors)
Jericho Writers Summer Festival of Writing (Another festival geared towards writers)
Cymera - Scotland's Festival of Science-Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Writing
Writing Conferences
Writing conferences occur yearly and are a place where unpublished and published authors, agents, editors and publishers gather for various sessions over a single day or potentially an entire weekend. Conferences are brilliant for networking and to socialise with other authors as well as publishing professionals. There are a variety of events aimed at writers such as 1 to 1’s with agents, manuscript critiques and sessions with editors. They are also plenty of opportunities to learn and improve your writer’s craft at sessions concentrating on editing, structure and plotting.
Fairs
Fairs are important dates in the publishing calendar, where members of the book trade from all over the world come together under one roof. Books are promoted, rights are sold and insightful events from various corners of publishing are held. Though mainly for those who work in publishing, fairs do have certain elements which are applicable to writers. Beyond this, fairs are brilliant places to gain industry insights into what is going on in the world of publishing. This year and last year, book fairs around the world adopted digital approaches to ensure business can continue. The virtual format spreads a wider net allowing those who might not otherwise have been able to attend, the opportunity to do so and this includes writers. Examples of popular book fair include:
Publishing has been permanently changed as a result of Covid-19; the changes will ultimately reshape the industry moving forward. It is highly likely this digital approach we have seen in publishing is here to stay and we shall see a hybrid model as we move into the future.
Have you been to any physical or digital writing events recently? Which ones do you recommend? Please share in the comments section.
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— Davina Tijani (@dee_tijani)