Description

The weekend kicks off with an industry panel and readings on Friday night. Saturday opens with a keynote speech by Eoin Colfer, whose internationally acclaimed Artemis Fowl books come to the big screen in May. Lissa Evans, the bestselling author of books including Old Baggage and Wed Wabbit, will give a second keynote on Sunday. Highlights include workshops with picture book author Chitra Soundar, novelist and memoirist Nick Barlay, fantasy and horror writer Cliff McNish, and crime fiction publisher Joel Richardson. There will also be talks on the craft of writing with award-winning novelist Claire Fuller, publisher Scott Pack, novelist Judith Heneghan, and HarperCollins editorial director Phoebe Morgan. There are a number of packages to choose from, including a new virtual package for those who are unable to attend. The Writers’ Weekend will also hold four writing competitions: Short Fiction Prize – sponsored by Writing Magazine, The Skylark Fabulous Fiction for Fives to Teens Prize, The Bright Agency Picture Book Prize, and the Opening of a Novel Prize. A number of bursaries are available to assist with package fees, plus two scholarships for young writers who are 18-25 years-old to attend the full weekend, generously provided by Monica Wood. The programme is available and booking opens on 3 March. For all details and information about the Writers’ Weekend programme, competitions, scholarships and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.writersweekend.uk.