The Emerging Writers’ Festival starts at the end of the month and I’m excited to highlight some top picks for you – but, as ever, it won’t be easy as it’s a packed program! Having worked for the previous two EWFs myself, I know the sweat and long hours that goes into pulling them off, and so it’s always exciting to see what’s happening and who’s going.

The National Writers’ Conference

I snapped up my tickets to the National Writers’ Conference (also known as ‘Town Hall Writers Conference’ – I still call it that, from habit) as soon as they were available. The EWF goes back to a single weekend this year, thus making the Conference the middle – heart – again. I adore it, I really do. There’s going to be amazing talent, plus my friend Lily Mae Martin is going to be an official artist. How cool!

Amazing Babes

I bought Amazing Babes for Keira for her birthday; I think it’s a wonderful picture book that is a worthy, dare I say essential, addition to anyone’s bookshelf. This event will feature wonderful writers telling stories about the women who have inspired them. I can’t wait.

Keeping Your Book in the Bookshop

As any author (or publisher) will tell you, it’s great to have a book ‘out there’ in the bookshops of the world, but it can sometimes be hard to keep them there. Shelf space can be hotly contested, for example. This session will talk about these issues, and many more. Plus – it’s free!

Industry Insiders: The Future of Teaching Writing

This is relevant to my interests, as the saying goes! Both as a teacher and from the debate that often gets tossed around, if writing can, in fact, even be taught. The panel members all know their stuff, so I really hope to get along to hear what they have to say.

Tweeties for Sweeties: Narrative in Grindr and Social Media

While I’ve dabbled in using social media for poetic purposes (like my #mop14 poems, for example), I’ve always felt I could – should? – take it further storytelling wise, if for no other reason than to be experimental and playful. This free session looks like it could provide the creative ‘push’ some of us might need.

Last…

Industry Insiders: DIY-Hards: Self-Publishing and Zines

I will hosting the above panel. Here’s the blurb from the website:

With the rise of ebooks, Print on Demand and zines, self-publishing is no longer a dirty word. But how can writers put their best work out by themselves in the highest possible quality? These DIY legends don’t cut any corners, creating beautiful work that speaks meaningfully to their communities.

Featuring Darrell Pitt, Karen Andrews, Anna Dunnill and Torre DeRoche.

I’m very excited, to be able to talk about self-publishing and there’s a very important word in that blurb – communities. I don’t think it gets mentioned as much as it should, and it certainly can be a significant driving factor as to a book or project’s success. Do come along, I’d love to see you there!

Flick image source: Mark Gambino