Literary Book Festivals.
Ever thought about going to a literary book festival, but haven’t been sure of what to expect or worried it might be too highbrow? I think for us first-time writers, new to the literary scene, it can feel like these are exclusive clubs with well-known authors, intellectual discussions full of academics, and not a place for us.
This was definitely my perception and so I was pleasantly surprised when I went to my first one, the Primadonna festival in Suffolk recently. I chose it over the bigger more mainstream ones because the scale of it felt less intimidating for my first rodeo and because of it’s focus on celebrating female and LGBTQ+ writers. Plus the price of the ticket was reasonable, so even if it wasn’t for me at least it would be a nice weekend away.
Thankfully, it was both brilliant and a lovely weekend away and these are some of the reasons why;
1. Networking Opportunities It’s probably one of the few places that new writers can meet editors, publishers and authors in one place. Because of the intimacy of the festival, everyone was super nice and happy to have conversations without any self-consciousness.
2. Inspiration and Education I went to all sorts of panel discussions from whether politics belongs in art, to how to get published. Thought-provoking expert-led conversations that I loved having an ear in on.
3. Meeting Experienced Authors I loved hearing from authors from all over the world, talking about their books, their writing journey and their routes to getting published and the challenges they faced. It was a brilliant opportunity to learn directly from those who have followed the path I’m on and had their work published to great acclaim. It also gave me a sense of anything is possible but also how challenging the road ahead is, which is important to know.
4. Time With The Experts There were opportunities to book a slot to chat one-on-one with a literary agent. To ask them anything I wanted too. Unfortunately, the spots were gone in the blink of an eye, but it was great to know the opportunity was there. Next time!
5. Sense of Community One of the biggest selling points of the festival, was the sense of community and empowerment, the emotional support on hand, interacting with people who shared the same passion and dreams.
If all of this has gotten you excited about book festivals, here are some links to ones in the UK which look great for first-time writers:
31st August - 1st September 2024 in London.
A festival focused on emerging talents, with discussions and events ideal for new writers to network and learn. I’ve just booked my tickets for this so will let you know how I get on.
26th - 29th September 2024, in Wiltshire.
This festival focuses on emerging talent and offers a mix of author discussions, competitions, and family-friendly activities.
26th - 29th September 2024 in St Endellion
An intimate festival offering workshops, readings, and performances, perfect for writers looking for a more personal and engaging experience.
Cheltenham Literature Festival
4th - 13th October in Cheltenham.
One of the oldest and most prestigious literary festivals in the UK, with over 500 events including workshops, interviews, and debates.
This one has already taken place but one to look out for 2025. It brings together readers and writers from around the world, with workshops, talks, and panels that cater to both seasoned and new writers
Same as above, this one has already happened but pencil it in for next year. It features a range of speakers, both well-known authors and emerging writers.
In my next post, I’ll be sharing tips and strategies I learned from the How To Get Published panel discussion where I garnered invaluable insights direct from a publisher, an agent, and author. So until next time, embrace the journey and enjoy the ride.
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