Alright you literary lovelies, it’s time to sharpen those pencils and get them typing fingers at the ready — The Nottingham Writers’ Studio and the Society of Authors will be hosting their big networking event for 2018 on Saturday 3 March, following the Writing East Midlands Writer’s Conference. In preparation, we asked journalist, copywriter, and Writers’ Studio alumni Natalie Mills to have a chat with Society of Authors Head of Staff Anna Ganley about what can be expected on the night.
First off, what is The Writing East Midlands Writer’s Conference?
The Writing East Midlands Writer’s Conference is a one-day conference that gives the East Midlands’ writing community access to leading professionals from the industry. The day includes panel events, debates, seminars, workshops and activities that cover a range of writing disciplines including fiction, poetry, social media for writers, working with literature festivals, and explores topics and trends on all aspects of writing and publishing.
I've never had anything published — can I still come along to WEMconf?
Sure! Whether you’re established or an emerging writer, the Writers’ Conference is an invaluable opportunity for you to make new contacts, learn more about getting published, take part in workshops and get tips and advice on funding a career as an author. It’s definitely worth having a poke around in the event programme to see what’s on.
What exciting stuff can I expect at the networking event?
Wine, nibbles and writerly chat. Come along and mingle with some of the lovely people from the Society of Authors (yes, ok, I’m biased, one of them is me), find out who we are and what we do. If you don’t already know about the Nottingham Writers' Studio, you can also chat with the friendly folk at the heart of Nottingham’s Creative Quarter. We also have two fantastic guest speakers coming to share their writerly wisdom: Crystal Mahey-Morgan from the storytelling lifestyle brand OWN IT! and local children’s author Jonathan Emmett. After more mingling (aka drinking), listen to some fabulous live readings from a selection of home-grown talent. What’s not to like?!
So I’m allowed to ask you annoying questions about all things writing?
Absolutely — us SoA types are always happy to get people up to speed on publishing and the business of writing. No question too small (annoying or otherwise)!
Who is your favourite Nottingham-based author and why?
Predictably, DH Lawrence. We recently revisited ‘Sons and Lovers’ for book club and were reminded why Lawrence is one of the great English novelists!
There you have it, lit-lovers! Whether you're a budding poet, journalist, screenwriter or author, NWS offers a supportive environment to hone your craft. You can expect professional advice, fun competitions, urban retreats and plenty of feedback on your work. Plus, you'll meet colourful characters at various stages of their writing careers, ready to guide you through the agony of trying to get published. There’s no better time or place to get hobnobbing!
The Joint Networking Event will be held at the Nottingham Writer’s Studio in Hockley between 6pm–9pm. Tickets can be booked online at www.societyofauthors.org/Events/Events/Joint-Networking-Event-with-Nottingham-Writers-Stu.
We have a favour to ask
LeftLion is Nottingham’s meeting point for information about what’s going on in our city, from the established organisations to the grassroots. We want to keep what we do free to all to access, but increasingly we are relying on revenue from our readers to continue. Can you spare a few quid each month to support us?
