This is the first in-person event the SoA’s Authors North group has hosted since 2020, and the aim is to re-establish meetings in the north of England on an annual basis.
The conference in Sheffield will focus on AI and the creative workforce, sharing practical tools and advice for authors in this age of AI, while celebrating the importance of human connection.
Author Jeevani Charika, former Chair of Authors North, is hosting a networking session at the conference. She said:
“How wonderful to have a face-to-face Authors North event again! Quite apart from the helpful talks – which provide us creative types with useful Continuing Professional Development, we have a huge range of talent in the north and these Authors North events give us the opportunity to meet.
“The local groups are excellent for support, but meeting people from other groups allows us to access fresh ideas and information that might not have reached us otherwise.
“I’ve met the most fascinating people at previous events – usually in the queue to get a cup of tea or in the pub after the event. So, come for the helpful talks. Stay for the random chats and the serendipitous connections.”
The conference line-up includes bestselling author, parenting blogger and influencer Matt Coyne (aka Man vs Baby), who shot to fame after his social media post about surviving the first few months of parenthood went viral.
He said:
“I’m really looking forward to being part of the Authors North conference in Sheffield and fascinated by this year’s theme ‘AI and the creative workforce’.
“There are serious questions about what happens to creative livelihoods when art is treated as free raw material for machines. Those conversations matter, and I’m glad the conference is making space for them.”
Dr Mojisola Kareem, Artistic Director and CEO of Sheffield’s Utopia Theatre, is the keynote speaker for the event and Bec Evans, writer, coach and consultant, will host a debate on AI and its impact on creative careers, with author insights from writer and poet, Akeem Balogun.
The programme also includes a talk and guided drawing session with illustrator Lisa Maltby, and a session on perimenopausal aphasia (a communication disorder) and its impact on writers, led by Rachel Barnett-Jones, writer, educator and arts advocate.
Anna Ganley, CEO of the Society of Authors, said:
“We’re very excited about bringing this conference to Sheffield. We have a fantastic line-up of speakers from several creative disciplines, and so authors of all kinds, whether emerging or established, are guaranteed to take away valuable insights and tips from the day.
“In this age of AI, creating opportunities to connect in person is more important than ever. The Society of Author has members across the UK, and so we try to get out and about as much as possible to speak to authors where they are.”
The conference is taking place on Saturday 19 September at the Work Station, Paternoster Road, Sheffield. The event is generously sponsored by Hachette UK.
Early bird tickets are £50 for members and £70 for non-members and are available to buy now.