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The 2020 Queen’s Knickers Award – children’s illustrators in lockdown

BySophia A Jackson

2020 is the inaugural year of the Queen’s Knickers Award, founded by children’s author Nicholas Allan and based on the book of the same name. Find out more about this award for an original children’s illustrated book, to discuss the shortlist and what it’s like being an illustrator in lockdown. Paula Johnson, the SoA’s Head…

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Life lessons learned in seven decades – with Frances Kay

BySophia A Jackson

As well as being a business writer, Frances Kay was a full-time carer for her husband and is used to coping with challenging times. In this session, Frances shares the 10 life lessons she has learned over the last seven decades. Frances Kay is a member of our Carers’ Network. Broadcast live by the Society…

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Afternoon Tea with… Cressida Cowell

BySophia A Jackson

In Week Nine of the SoA @ Home Festival, and on the day of our 2020 SoA Awards announcement, Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell invited us round for tea, shared insights into what she’s currently working on, and how she is adapting to working through the lockdown. Broadcast live on 18 June 2020. Presented by Jo…

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The Society of Authors’ Awards 2020 – announcing the winners

BySophia A Jackson

On Thursday 18th June we announced the 32 winners of the 2020 SoA Awards. Presented by Joanne Harris and members of the SoA staff team. – The Somerset Maugham Awards – The ALCS Tom-Gallon Trust Award – The Travelling Scholarships – The Paul Torday Memorial Prize – The Queen’s Knickers Award – The McKitterick Prize…

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Afternoon tea with… Sarah Waters

BySophia A Jackson

In Week Eight of the SoA @ Home Festival Sarah Waters shared a mini tour of her creative workspace, insights into what she’s currently working on, and how she is adapting to working online. Sarah is an SoA Council Member and a judge for this year’s Paul Torday Memorial Prize, part of the SoA Awards….

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Shortlisted in lockdown

BySophia A Jackson

Broadcast live by the Society of Authors on 10 June 2020 as part of the SoA @ Home Festival. Meet some of the 2020 SoA Awards shortlistees. Robyn Law talked to Catriona Ward, Okechukwu Nzelu, Gaby Koppel and Rónán Hession, about writing and being shortlisted during the health crisis. — Rónán Hession is an Irish…

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The changing role of agents in the face of a global pandemic

BySophia A Jackson

Broadcast live by The Society of Authors on 3 June 2020 as part of the SoA @ Home Festival. Author Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin led this panel discussion with publishing agents Catherine Clarke (Felicity Bryan Associates) and Isobel Dixon (MD and Head of Books, Blake Friedmann Literary Agency), alongside acting agent, Lola Williams (New Wonder Management)….

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Afternoon tea with… Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin

BySophia A Jackson

We took an unsanctioned trip to the Republic of Ireland to visit Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin, aka bestselling crime writer Sam Blake, during Week Six of the SoA @ Home Festival. In conversation with Sophia Jackson, Vanessa shared her creative routine, a mini tour of her creative workspace, insights into what she’s currently working on, and…

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How to work well from home

BySophia A Jackson

Matthew Knight, founder of the freelance workers website Leapers (leapers.co), looks at ways to maintain positive mental health and how that might look for you. Featuring advice and tips from Leapers’ resources around coronavirus and mental health. Broadcast live by the Society of Authors on 27 May 2020 as part of the SoA @ Home…

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Developing and pitching content for children’s film and TV – with Curtis Jobling

BySophia A Jackson

Animation industry veteran Curtis Jobling shares insights into how (and what) content to develop and pitch for children’s film and television. Broadcast live by the Society of Authors on 26 May 2020 as part of the SoA @ Home Festival. Presented by Jo McCrum. Curtis Jobling is the designer of hit children’s television show Bob…

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Afternoon tea with… Tracy Chevalier

BySophia A Jackson

We took a quick trip to novelist Tracy Chevalier’s writing space in Week Five of the SoA @ Home Festival. We talked about her writing process, working through lockdown, and quilting. Broadcast live by The Society of Authors on 21 May 2020 as part of the SoA @ Home Festival. Presented by Nicola Solomon. Tracy…

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Industry Insider with Arts Council Wales and Creative Scotland

BySophia A Jackson

Judith Musker Turner (Development Officer at Arts Council of Wales) and Alan Bett (Literature Officer at Creative Scotland) talked to SoA Development Manager Francesca Howell about the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the literature sector, and how organisations have adapted to continue to support authors across the UK. Broadcast live on 20 May 2020…