BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Society of Authors - ECPv6.18.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://societyofauthors.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Society of Authors REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260902T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260902T150000 DTSTAMP:20260729T153540Z CREATED:20260729T151801Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260729T153540Z UID:10002222-1788357600-1788361200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Group Chat: Carers Network Meeting DESCRIPTION:Join us for an online meet-up on Wednesday 2 September at 2pm.  \nAs we restart our quarterly group chats join us for an informal virtual get-together. This will be a chance to chat to one another and to meet the network co-ordinators\, Robyn Law and Andy Lapham.   \nThese meetings are not recorded to allow for privacy and open discussion. If you have any questions you want support with\, please bring them along to the meeting.  \nAbout the Carers Network   \nThe SoA Carers’ Network supports members who also have caring responsibilities to keep in touch with their professional community\, to keep working and to help each other through difficult times.  \nThere are lots of organisations\, such as Carers UK and Carers Trust that offer practical help\, advice and support to carers. The aim of our network is to offer support to SoA members\, helping them to keep working whilst fulfilling their caring responsibilities.  \nMembers of our network have different caring roles\, responsibilities and experiences\, but they have one thing in common: they’re SoA members.  \nWe run quarterly get-togethers using Zoom\, where you can chat informally online with others. Depending on your computer or device\, you can take part either using audio or video. Please let us know if you have any specific needs that will help you take part.  \nOur online meet-ups are free to attend for Carers Network members only. To join us\, click the Going button below and enter your details in the RSVP form. We’ll send you an email with a link to join us on Zoom.  \nIf the confirmation email doesn’t arrive in your inbox\, please check your junk mail folder!   \nIf you have any access questions please contact us at rlaw@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/group-chat-carers-network-meeting-2/ CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Carers Network ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Carers-Network-2.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Robyn Law":MAILTO:rlaw@societyofauthors.org LOCATION:https://societyofauthors.org/event/group-chat-carers-network-meeting-2/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260915T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260915T113000 DTSTAMP:20260728T090007Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T090007Z UID:10001811-1789466400-1789471800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Professional Development - Book marketing on TikTok - the next steps DESCRIPTION:This more advanced session focuses on taking things to the next level and growing on TikTok. If you’re already set up on the platform but want to use it more strategically\, you’re in the right place. Perhaps you’re struggling to connect with readers effectively\, or perhaps you’re looking for some fresh\, practical ideas for content that will have a real impact. \nJoin Communications specialist and author\, Anna Caig\, as she looks at how to integrate TikTok content creation into your routine and build a sustainable ongoing presence on the channel. \nThis session is for writers who are already set up on TikTok but would like to grow and give their book marketing there a boost\, as well as writers who’d like an injection of fresh ideas for using the platform strategically.  \n  \nOnline Professional Development events – free for SoA Members \nNot a member? Sign up here. \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\nWe’ll cover: \n\n\n\nTikTok formats – do you know your stitches from your duets? How to use different formats to best effect \nA practical content planning template – ideas\, inspiration and options for authors to take away and have a go at\nContent creation that fits into your routine – how to build a sustainable presence\nHow to work with existing BookTokers to promote your work.\n\n\n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Lilly Brend-Fish – Events & Engagement Manager\, SoA (3 mins)\nPresentation by Anna Caig (60 mins)\nComfort Break (5 mins)\nQ&A with audience (20 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email Lilly Brend-Fish on LBrendfish@societyofauthors.org with ‘TikTok – the next steps’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nThe Line-up\nAnna Caig\nAnna Caig trains creative people to do their own marketing\, running courses and working one-to-one with many writers. She’s worked in communications for over 20 years. Anna’s novel The Wise Witch of Orkney will be published in February 2026. She is obsessed with the hidden voices of women in history.  \nWebsite: annacaig.co.uk |Instagram: @AnnaCaig | TikTok: @AnnaCaig \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nSoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details\, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID\, please email info@societyofauthors.org. \nNon-members: Choose one of the two ticket options below\, complete the registration form\, then fill out the billing info to finalise your payment. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \nSoA Members – Free \nNon-Members – £35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/professional-development-book-marketing-on-tiktok-the-next-steps/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Book-marketing-on-TikTok.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260917T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260917T203000 DTSTAMP:20260915T130748Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T130748Z UID:10002223-1789671600-1789677000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Industry Insider – Neurodiversity\, disability justice\, and writing in Wales DESCRIPTION:This session on neurodiversity and disability will spotlight the work of Sofia Brizio\, an Italian writer\, translator and editor based in Wales. Sofia lives with cerebral palsy and writes about disability rights\, LGBTQ+ rights\, and trans-inclusive intersectional feminism. She is currently a PhD researcher in Media Diversity at Birmingham City University. \nChaired by Francesca Sobande\, a neurodivergent writer and reader in Digital Media Studies at Cardiff University\, this session will include discussion of the interlinked nature of different inequalities and their impacts on authors.  \nThis event is in conjunction with the Society of Authors Cymru \n  \nOnline Industry Insider events – free for all + donation \nAll donations made go towards the Society of Authors’ Access Fund. The fund is to help provide authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. If you would like to make a donation with your booking\, please do so when registering for the event below. \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\nFocusing on Sofia’s writing and research in recent years\, the event will highlight matters related to: \n\nDisability justice\nCreativity\nWriting\nSocial media\nAnd the cultural industries in Wales and beyond. \n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Francesca Sobande (3 mins)\nPanel discussion chaired by Francesca Sobande with Sofia Brizio (60 mins)\nComfort break (5 mins)\nQ&A with audience (20 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Emma Boniwell – Head of Membership & Author Communities\, SoA\n\n  \nThe Line-up\nFrancesca Sobande\nFrancesca Sobande is a writer and reader in digital media studies at Cardiff University. She is author and co-author of books published by 404 Ink\, Bloomsbury\, Palgrave Macmillan\, SAGE\, and University of California Press. Her recent writing includes the free self-published zine\, Black Life in / and “Alt” Music Subcultures\, and an essay on “Echoes: Soft Space and Solidarity in the Legacy of Hardcore Punk” (Folding Rock). Francesca is currently working on a self-published comic\, Balsamic Night\, and illustrated poetry collection\, Haar. \n  \nSofia Brizio\nSofia Brizio is an Italian writer\, translator and editor based in Wales. Living with cerebral palsy\, Sofia writes about disability rights\, LGBTQ+ rights\, and trans-inclusive intersectional feminism. She is currently a PhD researcher in Media Diversity at Birmingham City University. \n  \nAbout the Society of Authors Cymru\nThe Society of Authors Cymru is a national group of the Society of Authors. Established in 2018\, we provide professional advice and support for Welsh writers at all stages of their career\, whether they write in English or Welsh. \nWe organise regular events and host socials across the year via a volunteer steering committee and local groups. Join us to meet authors across Wales\, find out what’s happening in your area and be a part of your local Society of Authors community. \nFind out more here \n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email EBoniwell@societyofauthors.org with ‘Neurodiversity\, disability justice\, and writing in Wales’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nPlease either use the form titled ‘Register – no donation’ or the option of the different ticket options with a donation amount depending on how much you would like to donate towards the Society of Authors Access Fund. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/industry-insider-neurodiversity-disability-justice-and-writing-in-wales/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Society of Authors in Wales ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Industry-Insider_Neurodiversity-Disability-justice-and-writing-in-Wales-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260918T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260918T114500 DTSTAMP:20260728T090014Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T090014Z UID:10002193-1789729200-1789731900@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Feel Good Friday - Transforming doubt into creativity DESCRIPTION:As writers\, do we constantly juggle inspiration with self-doubt? Can this lead us to question every word we write\, even when we have a track record of being successfully published? How does this impact our output and ability to cope with the inevitable rejections all writers face? Is self-doubt a necessary part of the creative process\, and can we learn to make it a friend rather than an enemy? \nThis session led by writer\, Jenny Mitchell is for any writer who has felt their work isn’t good enough or who has moments of self-doubt\, especially after facing rejection. The workshop will be non-judgemental whilst still asking participants to challenge themselves.  \n  \nOnline Feel Good Friday events – free for SoA Members | £5 for Non-Members \nNot a member? sign up here. \n  \nWhat will this session cover? \n\nHow do we recognise self-doubt and not dismiss our work because of it?\nWhat is at the root of self-sabotage?\nAre there any events\, feedback or people that set our work off course?\nHow do we find ways to ‘disobey’ them so that we continue to write?\nIf we do all of this\, can we access more power and creativity?\n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Lilly Brend-Fish – Events & Engagement Manager\, SoA (3 mins)\nPresentation by Jenny Mitchell – attendees are encouraged to contribute during the session (30 mins)\nQ&A with audience (10 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email Lbrendfish@societyofauthors.org with ‘Doubt into creativity’ in the subject header. \n  \nThe Line-up\nJenny Mitchell\nJenny Mitchell has three collections: Her Lost Language was joint winner of the Geoff Stevens Memorial Prize; Map of a Plantation won the Poetry Book Awards and is a university set text. Resurrection of a Black Man contains three prize-winning poems. She is a poetry co-editor for the Morning Star. \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nSoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details\, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID\, please email info@societyofauthors.org. \nNon-members: Choose one of the two ticket options below\, complete the registration form\, then fill out the billing info to finalise your payment. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \nSoA Members – Free \nNon-Members – £5 \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/feel-good-friday-transforming-doubt-into-creativity/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Feel-Good-Friday_Transforming-doubt-into-creativity-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T120000 DTSTAMP:20260914T102204Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T102204Z UID:10002167-1789988400-1789992000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Industry Insider – How to make a successful audio drama 2026 DESCRIPTION:If you love the escape of listening to audio drama\, the freedom of writing audio drama\, or you just want to find out more about the medium\, join industry experts as we unpick what makes a truly great audio play hosted by SoA Scriptwriters (SWG) Committee Member Robin Mukherjee.  \nPanellists include fellow SWG committee members James Clarke and Sean Grundy; this year’s Imison Award winner\, Sylvia Anne Parker and Imison Award shortlistee Sherise Blackman. \nThis event is in conjunction with our Scriptwriters Group (SWG). \nOnline Industry Insider events – free for all + donation \nAll donations made go towards the Society of Authors’ Access Fund. The fund is to help provide authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. If you would like to make a donation with your booking\, please do so when registering for the event below. \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\n\nIntro to the panel\nWhat made each panellist fall in love with audio drama?\nThe importance and impact of scripting for audio; sound design; actingand direction \nWhat the panel would like to hear more of\, in audio drama?\nWhat makes the medium unique?\nAdvice for aspiring audio drama writers…\nWhere to find great audio drama!\n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Robin Mukherjee (3 mins)\nPanel discussion chaired by Robin Mukherjee\, with James Clarke\, Sylvia-Anne Parker\, Sherise Blackman and Sean Grundy (40 mins)\nQ&A with audience (15 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Sophia A Jackson – Head of Events & Engagement\, SoA and Scriptwriters Group Coordinator.\n\n  \nThe Line-up\n  \nRobin Mukherjee\nRobin Mukherjee has contributed extensively to television drama\, both returning series (EastEnders\, Casualty\, The Bill\, etc) and serials (including Grushko with Brian Cox and Andy Serkis\, and Plastic Man with John Thaw and Frances Barber). He has also written for radio and theatre. His first feature film\, Dance of the Wind\, won the Audience Prize at the London Film Festival. His most recent film\, Lore\, was critically acclaimed worldwide\, winning Best Adapted Screenplay at the Australian Writers Guild Awards\, the Public Prize at Locarno\, and many others. It was Australia’s official entry to the Oscars. \nHis original three-part serial\, Combat Kids\, for CBBC/BBC1 was nominated for a BAFTA. Recent work includes Hetty Feather for CBBC\, and a feature film adaptation of Satish Kumar’s memoir No Destination. His current projects include an adaptation of Paul Scott’s (Booker Prize winning) novel Staying On supported by the BFI\, and a feature film\, Petrichor\, also supported by the BFI\, co-written with BAFTA winning director Esther May Campbell. His book\, The Art of Screenplays – A Writer’s Guide\, is published by Kamera Press\, and his novel\, Hillstation\, by Oldcastle Books. He is Course Director of MA Scriptwriting at Bath Spa University. \nWebsite: https://robinmukherjee.com/ \n  \nJames Clarke\nJames Clarke is a writer and educator with a focus on cinema and literature. James was educated at the University of Warwick and at the University of Bristol. James has taught on the MA Screenwriting course at London Film School and is a guest tutor at Falmouth University. He has also worked as a Script Reader for the British Film Institute. Currently\, James is developing a feature film screenplay with a UK-based production company and is also writing a new book about filmmaking. \nInstagram: @jameswriter72 \n  \nSylvia-Anne Parker\nSylvia-Anne Parker’s writing journey has taken her from script supervisor to directors including Danny Boyle\, Cary Fukunaga\, Yorgos Lanthimos and Clio Barnard to winning the 2026 Imison Award. She enjoys fusing fact with fiction to create stories featuring characters who despite being up against the system manage to survive. \n  \nSherise Blackman\nSherise Blackman is a multi-hyphenate actor\, writer\, and producer with a sharp\, fearless voice. She is the creator and lead writer on Audible Original scripted comedy series Do Not Disturb where she also stars as the lead character ‘Saffron’. Her writer credits include staff writer on Sky’s Dreamland (S2) and writers’ assistant on Netflix/Shondaland’s Bridgerton (S2). Sherise is a dynamic creative with a passion for bold ideas\, fresh perspectives\, and storytelling that resonates.  \nInstagram: @iamsheblackman \n  \nSean Grundy\nSean Grundy is a radio dramatist whose work spans comedy\, drama and factual storytelling. His work includes Cavity (“glitteringly original” – The Guardian)\, spy comedy Sony-nominated The Recordist\,  and Tinniswood Award-nominated Far Side of the Moore. Recent writing includes the radio dramas The Poor Olympics\, ReadyPLayerMarx\, Rita\, Rue and Bob Too and the acclaimed BBC Sounds serial drama How to Burn a Million Quid. \nHe is also an Emmy-winning\, BAFTA-nominated director for audio\, TV and film. His latest feature film is tHE iNVISIBLES\, a surreal\, no-budget comedy musical adapted from his first radio play\, Cavity. \n  \nAbout the Scriptwriters Group (SWG)\nThe Scriptwriters Group (SWG) is a community of scriptwriters and broadcasters. It represents writers and makers across digital\, broadcast\, AV and theatre. \nWe support members and associates by providing professional\, individual advice\, negotiating collective minimum terms agreements with organisations such the BBC\, and lobby on policy and legislation to promote the interests and protect the rights of scriptwriters. \nIn addition\, we manage a series of seminars\, panel discussions and ‘in conversation’ style events throughout the year\, on matters of concern and interest to members working across these industry sectors. We also publish interviews and develop resources for publication on the SoA website and via our quarterly journal\, The Author. \nThe Group is made up of an elected committee and the Group Chair is Rhiannon Tise. Whilst the committee directs the work of the group\, the day-to-day administration is handled by Co-Administrators Sophia Jackson and Theo Jones. Contact either Sophia or Theo with any scriptwriting-related topics\, concerns or suggestions that you might wish to raise with the committee. \n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email SJackson@societyofauthors.org with ‘How to make a successful audio drama’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nPlease either use the form titled ‘Register – no donation’ or the option of the different ticket options with a donation amount depending on how much you would like to donate towards the Society of Authors Access Fund. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/industry-insider-how-to-make-a-successful-audio-drama-2026/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Scriptwriters Group ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Industry-Insider_How-to-make-a-successful-audio-drama-2026-3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260924T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260924T150000 DTSTAMP:20260717T135112Z CREATED:20240804T201437Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T135112Z UID:10001833-1790258400-1790262000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Group Chat - Authors with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses Network Meeting DESCRIPTION:Join us for our next online meet-up on Thursday 24 September from 2pm. \nSeptember is one of our general chat months for members to talk in a relaxed environment\, share their experiences and ask for help and advice. \nThese meetings are not recorded to allow for privacy and open discussion. If you have any questions you want support with\, please bring them along to the meeting. \nAbout the Authors with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses Network  \nThe Authors with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses network is a member-led peer support network aims to break feelings of isolation by connecting authors facing common experiences\, in an online community that offers continuing professional and personal support. \nWe run monthly get-togethers using Zoom\, where you can chat informally online with others. Depending on your computer or device\, you can take part either using audio or video. Please let us know if you have any specific needs that will help you take part. \nOur primary aim is to offer a friendly and supportive space where you can feel safe to ask questions\, share experiences\, offer advice\, and make new connections. For more information\, visit our Network page here. \nOur online meet-ups are free to attend for ADCI Network members only. To join us\, click the Going button below and enter your details in the RSVP form. We’ll send you an email with a link to join us on Zoom. \nIf the confirmation email doesn’t arrive in your inbox\, please check your junk mail folder!  \nIf you have any access questions please contact us at disabledauthors@gmail.com URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/group-chat-authors-with-disabilities-and-chronic-illnesses-network-meeting-240926/ CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,ADCI,Authors with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses Network ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/ADCI-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Elsa Woodmeade":MAILTO:ewoodmeade@societyofauthors.org LOCATION:https://societyofauthors.org/event/group-chat-authors-with-disabilities-and-chronic-illnesses-network-meeting-240926/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260924T143000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260924T151500 DTSTAMP:20260922T152434Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T152434Z UID:10002282-1790260200-1790262900@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:How I write - in conversation with Selina Brown DESCRIPTION:Grab a cuppa and get to know author and founder of Black British Book Festival\, Selina Brown. \nSelina will be in conversation with author and activist\, Karen Arthur\, to discuss her work and career and to offer a glimpse into her creative routines. \nOnline in conversation events – free for all + donation \nAll donations made go towards the Society of Authors’ Access Fund. The fund is to help provide authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. If you would like to make a donation with your booking\, please do so when registering for the event below. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Karen Arthur (3 mins)\nIntroductions to Selina Brown\, and a glimpse into her creative routines (20-25 mins)\nSelina will do a short reading from her book My Rice is Best (2-3 mins)\nQ&A with audience (10 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Sophia A Jackson – Head of Events & Engagement\, SoA\n\n  \nThe Line-up\nSelina Brown\nSelina Brown is the Founder and CEO of the Black British Book Festival (BBBF)\, Europe’s largest celebration of Black literature. \nFounded in 2021 with her own savings and no industry backing\, BBBF has grown under Selina’s leadership into a major force in British literary culture. Its work now spans a flagship national festival\, two Black Book Community Libraries\, regional programmes in Birmingham and Manchester\, schools and community initiatives\, and a landmark publishing collaboration with Pan Macmillan. \nA former librarian\, Selina has curated literary programming at Glastonbury Festival\, Cheltenham Literature Festival\, Hay Festival and Wolverhampton Literature Festival\, and built partnerships with global brands including Audible\, Spotify\, Paramount and Penguin Random House. \nIn March 2026\, she became the inaugural recipient of the Queen’s Reading Room Medal and was named a National Reading Hero at Clarence House. She has also been named FutureBook Leader of the Year by The Bookseller\, Trailblazer of the Year at The London Book Fair and a BBC 1Xtra Future Figure. \nSelina is also a Penguin Random House children’s author. Her debut picture book\, My Rice Is Best\, became the fastest-selling debut picture book of 2025 and received major award nominations. \nAcross festivals\, publishing\, libraries and education\, Selina is building cultural infrastructure that is reshaping who gets to participate in — and influence — British literary life. \nInstagram: @theselinabrown \n  \nKaren Arthur\nKaren Arthur is an author\, broadcaster and artist. She founded the groundbreaking podcast Menopause Whilst Black\, The Joy Retreat Barbados for Black women in menopause and hosts the radio show Can We Talk? Her award winning children’s book\, Grandmas Locs which celebrates the diversity of Black hair is recently out in paperback. She lives contentedly by the sea \nInstagram: @thekarenarthur \n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email SJackson@societyofauthors.org with ‘Selina Brown – Question’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nPlease either use the form titled ‘Register – no donation’ or the option of the different ticket options with a donation amount depending on how much you would like to donate towards the Society of Authors Access Fund. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/how-i-write-in-conversation-with-selina-brown/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/How-I-write_in-conversation-with-Selina-Brown.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260925T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260925T114500 DTSTAMP:20260728T100021Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T100021Z UID:10002071-1790334000-1790336700@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Feel Good Friday – Building resilience: Navigating rejection and knockbacks DESCRIPTION:You’ve written your book. You’ve researched agents. You’ve taken the leap and sent your query and then you wait. \nWhat happens next? For many\, it’s a polite reply “thank you\, but this isn’t right for us.” Sometimes you might not hear back at all. Both scenarios can sting\, and for some writers\, that rejection is enough to stop them sending their book out again. \nThis session hosted\, by confidence and resilience coach Kelly Weekes\, explores how you can move forward after a “no” without losing confidence or momentum. \n  \nOnline Feel Good Friday events – free for SoA Members | £5 for Non-Members \nNot a member? Sign up here. \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\nWe’ll cover: \n\nWhy rejection can feel so painful (and why that feeling is normal)\nWhat to do in the short term after a knockback\nHow to avoid common negative spirals\nHow to reframe rejection and take important learnings\nHow to decide\, and plan\, what to do next\n\nWhile this session will mainly focus on resilience after an agent or publisher rejection\, the tools and strategies shared can be applied to other knockbacks you may face in your author career. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Lilly Brend-Fish – Events & Engagement Manager\, SoA (3 mins)\nPresentation by Kelly Weekes (30 mins)\nQ&A with audience (10 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email Lbrendfish@societyofauthors.org with ‘Building resilience’ in the subject header. \n  \nThe Line-up\nKelly Weekes\nKelly Weekes is an ICF-accredited confidence and resilience coach for authors. She has held senior marketing roles in publishing\, and now works directly with authors. She combines her industry knowledge with her coaching skills to help authors navigate the ups and downs of their careers.  \nWebsite: www.kellyweekes.co.uk | Instagram: @kelly_weekes \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nSoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details\, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID\, please email info@societyofauthors.org. \nNon-members: Choose one of the two ticket options below\, complete the registration form\, then fill out the billing info to finalise your payment. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \nSoA Members – Free \nNon-Members – £5 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/feel-good-friday-building-resilience-navigating-rejection-and-knockbacks/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Feel-Good-Friday_Building-Author-Resilience-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260929T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260929T113000 DTSTAMP:20260728T091352Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T091352Z UID:10002224-1790676000-1790681400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Professional Development - Substack for beginners DESCRIPTION:Substack can provide a powerful tool for authors to grow their audience and connect with readers. It combines blogging\, social media and newsletters\, with the option to earn from paid-for subscriptions. \nIn this session you’ll learn how to set up your Substack the right way\, consider your launch\, explore monetisation options and grow sustainably and with joy. The event is led by Audience Development Consultant and Substack expert Claire Venus\, who has more than 14K subscribers on Substack. \n  \nOnline Professional Development events – free for SoA Members \nNot a member? Sign up here. \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\n\nSubstack set up – claim your handle\, name your publication and your url\nWhat to do next (your about page\, hero post and welcome emails)\nYour growth and monetisation plan long term – with joy! \n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Lilly Brend-Fish – Events & Engagement Manager\, SoA (3 mins)\nPresentation by Claire Venus (60 mins)\nComfort Break (5 mins)\nQ&A with audience (20 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email LBrendfish@societyofauthors.org with ‘Substack for beginners’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nThe Line-up\nClaire Venus\nClaire Venus lives on the Northumberland Coast with her family.  After a career in festivals and events she pivoted to work online and grew a global six-figure business primarily teaching audience development and Substack. \nShe’s writing a book a year for 10 years on the way to a traditional book deal.  Her co-authored Substack education book How to Build a World Class Substack has sold thousands of copies and is available wherever you get your books. \nWebsite: www.creativelyconscious.co.uk | Substack: Sparkle on Substack \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nSoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details\, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID\, please email info@societyofauthors.org. \nNon-members: Choose one of the two ticket options below\, complete the registration form\, then fill out the billing info to finalise your payment. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \nSoA Members – Free \nNon-Members – £35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/professional-development-substack-for-beginners/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Professional-Development_Substack-for-beginners.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260930T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260930T193000 DTSTAMP:20260728T092950Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T092950Z UID:10002225-1790791200-1790796600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Comics Creators Network Meeting DESCRIPTION:Join members of the Comics Creators Network (CCN) Steering Committee at our next networking meeting. This is a chance for current SoA members (or those of you that maybe wish to join us in the future) to meet the committee and other fellow comic creators. \nWe will start the event with general welcomes from the committee and will open the floor for any attendees who may wish to introduce themselves (please note that this is fully optional). We will then move onto the breakout rooms where attendees will be put into smaller discussion groups. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome and introductions from the Comics Creators Network Steering Committee (5-10 mins)\nWelcome from attendees (optional) (10 mins)\nBreakout rooms hosted by the Comics Creators Network committee members for informal chat\, networking\, information sharing (45 mins – three 15 min sessions)\nReturn to the main room where we will discuss: (20 mins)\nWhat can the Network do for you?\nWhat are our aims for 2027?\nHow can we address challenges facing comics creators and advocate for better industry standards?\nClosing comments (5-10 mins) \n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email comics@societyofauthors.org  with ‘CCN Meeting’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nThe Line-up \nNyla Ahmad  \nNyla Ahmad is Reading Communities Manager at Scottish Book Trust\, leading on programming Book Week Scotland. Nyla was the inaugural awardee of Literature Alliance Scotland’s Next Level Award and currently serves on the Glasgow Zine Library board of trustees. She previously co-led the BHP Comics project\, Full Colour\, a mentoring programme for young comics creators from BAME backgrounds. She has also worked for the Glasgow Women’s Library on their museum access project\, Equality in Progress. Nyla’s MPhil thesis examined South Asian and Muslim representation in comics. She served as chair of the Scottish Independent Comic Book Alliance Awards for three years.  \nX: @NylaNylaNyla \n  \nHannah Berry \nHannah Berry is a comics creator\, cartoonist\, writer\, illustrator\, and current UK Comics Laureate. She is the author of three highly acclaimed and occasionally award-winning graphic novels published by Jonathan Cape\, and in 2018 was inducted as a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.  \nX: @streakofpith  | Website: www.hannahberry.co.uk | Instagram: @streakofpith \n  \nAlice Nuttall \nAlice Nuttall is an indie comics creator and writer of three webcomics\, Footloose\, Cherry\, and Black Market Magic\, co-created with artist Emily Brady. She is an admin for The CVA\, an online group supporting UK-based indie comics creators\, and a regular attendee at comic conventions around the UK.  \nInstagram: @alicenuttallbooks | X: @Ally_Nuttall \n  \nWoodrow Phoenix \nWoodrow Phoenix is a writer\, artist\, and graphic designer based in London and Cambridge. His work has appeared in national UK newspapers\, in magazines and comics across Europe\, the USA and Japan\, and in television projects for Walt Disney and Cartoon Network. His most recent book\, Crash Course\, was published in August 2020 by Street Noise Books.  \nX: @mrphoenix | Website: @woodrowphoenix.co.uk \n  \nSimon Moreton \nSimon Moreton is an artist and author. He draws and writes about everyday life\, memory\, identity\, and our relationship to the histories of the places we live in. As well as being a committed self-publisher\, his comics have been published by Avery Hill\, Uncivilized\, Kilgore Books\, and Retrofit. His latest book\, WHERE?\, was published by Little Toller in 2021\, and is about his father’s death and his childhood in the Shropshire countryside. He is Associate Professor of Creative Economies at UWE Bristol\, working to support equitable futures for cultural and creative work.  \nInstagram: @simon.moreton | Website: www.simon-moreton.co.uk | X: @simon_moreton \n  \nZara Slattery \nZara Slattery is a graphic novelist\, illustrator and tutor and author of the award-winning graphic memoir\, Coma. She collaborates with writers and organisations in creating work on issues around the environment\, identity\, health\, disability and was recently the disability consultant for Canterbury Cathedral’s Miracle Windows comics project. She’s currently working on the medieval eco-fable\, Sweeney’s Progress\, with writer Gregory Norminton.  \nX: @inksplattery | Instagram: @zaraslattery | Website: www.zaraslattery.com \n  \nMaria Stoian\nMaria Stoian is an award-winning comics artist and illustrator based in Edinburgh\, where she teaches at Edinburgh College of Art. She is the author of the graphic novel Take it as a Compliment\, a collection of real-life stories of sexual violence. In collaboration with writer Heather Parry she designed and illustrated The Illustrated Freelancer’s Guide and The Illustrated Fair Work Guide. Her work has been published in The New Yorker\, The Nib and in anthologies such as We Shall Fight Until We Win and the Eisner-winning Drawing Power.  \nWebsite: www.mariastoian.com | X @mariadraws | Instagram: @maria_stoian \nAccessibility \n\nAttendees have the option to turn on the live captions\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nBook your place using the registration form below. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/comics-creators-network-meeting/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Comics Creators Network ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Comics-Creators-Network-Meeting-4.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR