Monday 8 March 2010

New events, new books, new ideas

A very many things to tell you this month...

I spent part of the weekend at the WIC (Writing Industries Conference). This is the second time they've run one of these, and the second time I have been over to Loughborough for it. This one was quite a change from the one before (2008). Sessions on everything from Paranormal Romance to Pitching Scripts, and all brought together beautifully with a Graham Joyce keynote. I confess I was largely unaware of Mr Joyce, but was impressed with his speech on 'diversification for writers' and the generosity with which he gave to other writers throughout the day. 

The day also got me thinking about genre and sub genre, and whether there is an event in there somewhere (after feeling decidedly ignorant about the various sci-fi/fantasy sub-genres mentioned - steampunk, gaspunk, etc). I'm mulling over ways to bring this to this year's Festival in a way that makes it accessible to all and not just a platform for repeating conversations that might be happening elsewhere - or that happened on Saturday!

Today brought a Guardian article featuring Brian Gambles and Mike Whitby on Birmingham's new Library of Birmingham project - something we are following closely, of course, and final planning for our Spring Thing event on May 29th. The line up for this is now complete, and includes some brilliant writers and performers (Carol Ann Duffy, Helen Dunmore, Jo Bell and Jenn Ashworth to name but a few....) Tickets should go on sale next week, and details will be posted here as soon as they do.

Next month, before our Spring Thing arrives, we are launching Birmingham writer Christine Coleman's second novel, Paper Lanterns at Ikon Gallery (Oozells Square, Birmingham B12HS) on Tuesday 27th April 2010 at 6.45pm. Christine will be in conversation with her childhood friend and former Fat Lady Clarissa Dickson-Wright. This event is free but must be booked. To reserve a place call Sara on 0121 246 2792 or email sara[at]birminghambookfestival[dot]org.


Also on the drawing board this month are ideas for October workshops. If there is anything you desperately want, feel free to let me know. Currently on the cards is something on blogging for writers, writing for children, poetry, and freelance journalism.

I think that's plenty of things to be going along with... more soon...


Sara

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