BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Society of Authors - ECPv6.18.0//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:The Society of Authors 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:20261102T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261102T113000 DTSTAMP:20260728T090215Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T090215Z UID:10001951-1793613600-1793619000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Professional Development - Writing a synopsis DESCRIPTION:Join Olivia Chapman as she leads this 90-minute workshop sharing practical tips on how to write a synopsis for submission to an agent\, producer or for a competition. \nIn order to participate fully\, you will need to have a complete story (in whatever form) which you can talk about from start to finish. Although you do not need to be published to attend\, you do need to have a complete manuscript as the synopsis will include the full story you have written. \n  \nOnline Professional Development events – free for SoA Members | £35 for Non-Members \nNot a member? Sign up here. \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\nYou’ll learn how to structure your synopsis\, what to include and what to leave out\, and how to pick out the most important parts of your story. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Lilly Brend-Fish – Events & Engagement Manager\, SoA (3 mins)\nPresentation by Olivia Chapman (60 mins)\nComfort break (5 mins)\nQ&A with audience 20 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 ‘Writing a synopsis’ 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\nLiv Chapman\nLiv Chapman is programmer and festival manager who’s worked with writers for over 20 years. She currently works with Hexham Book Festival\, Word Up North in Bradford and Cheltenham Festivals\, as well as the Society of Authors. \nWebsite: https://livchapman.co.uk/ \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-writing-a-synopsis/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Professional-Development_Writing-a-synopsis-4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261102T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261102T200000 DTSTAMP:20260922T124935Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T124935Z UID:10002295-1793646000-1793649600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:SoA Cymru end of year review and online social DESCRIPTION:Join the SoA Cymru Group for their end of year review and online social. \nFind out what the committee has been doing this year and look ahead to 2027. Meet the committee informally and spend time meeting and talking to other Cymru members. \nThis event is for SoA Members. Not a member? sign up here \n  \nProgramme\n\nEnd of year review: Find out what the Cymru committee has been doing this year and look ahead to 2027. Including time for Q&A. (30 mins)\nMeet the committee informally and spend time chatting with other SoA Cymru members online via Zoom and in a variety of different breakout rooms hosted by the committee (30 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Emma Boniwell – SoA Head of Membership and Author Communities\, Cymru coordinator\, SoA\n\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  \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. This event is for SoA Members only. \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/soa-cymru-end-of-year-review-and-online-social/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Society of Authors in Wales ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SoA-Cymru_end-of-year-review-and-online-social.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261103T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261103T180000 DTSTAMP:20261009T112315Z CREATED:20261009T111641Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261009T112315Z UID:10002310-1793725200-1793728800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:North Wales Group catch-up DESCRIPTION:Join the North Wales Group online on Tuesday 3 November from 17:00 for our next online meeting. \nOur next Zoom meeting will be an opportunity to meet other members of the group. Come and share ideas and information about your own experiences\, projects and plans. \nAll members welcome! \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/north-wales-group-catch-up-031126/ CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up,Society of Authors in Wales ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/North-Wales.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org LOCATION:https://societyofauthors.org/event/north-wales-group-catch-up-031126/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261104T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261104T153000 DTSTAMP:20260730T131629Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T131629Z UID:10002232-1793800800-1793806200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Industry Insider - Connecting with your audience DESCRIPTION:Our educational writing experts will discuss their experiences and top tips for writing and engaging with a broad range of readers.     Panellists include Dr Amina Douidi\, equity\, diversity\, inclusion (EDI) and intercultural communication consultant in education and English Language Teaching; Paul Naylor author\, underwater photographer\, videographer and marine biologist; and Dr James Williams\, emeritus reader in science education and communication at the University of Sussex. This event will be chaired by author Ken Wilson.  \nThis event is in conjunction with our Educational Writers Group (EWG). \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?\n\nHow to reach specific audiences – for example\, children\, academics\, politicians\, the general public\nDifferences in writing style – academic\, formal and inform\nAvoiding difficulties in writing – hedging\, signposts and structure\nChallenging stereotypes\, reducing harm and creating room for stories and perspectives that often get overlooked\nEngaging people with nature\nThe importance of story-telling\n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Ken Wilson (3 mins)\nPanel discussion chaired by Ken Wilson with Dr Amina Douidi\, Paul Naylor and Dr James Williams (60 mins)\nComfort break (5 mins)\nQ&A with audience (20 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Tilly Zeeman – Contracts Advisor and EWG co-ordinator\, SoA\n\n  \nThe Line-up\nKen Wilson\nKen Wilson is a prolific author of English Language Teaching materials with about thirty titles to his name\, including more than a dozen series of course books. His first ELT project was an album of teaching songs called Mister Monday\, which he wrote and recorded when he was 23.His UK publishers include Oxford University Press\, Macmillan and Cengage. He has also been published locally in Spain\, Germany\, Poland\, China\, Vietnam and Indonesia. Ken completed a Masters in Creative Writing at Birkbeck College in 2017 and has since published two novels. \n  \nDr Amina Douidi\nDr Amina Douidi is an equity\, diversity\, inclusion (EDI) and intercultural communication consultant in education and English Language Teaching. She helps publishers\, education institutions and ministries\, in creating EDI policies\, reviews\, strategy and research with the aim of reducing harm and empowering those most invisibilised in education publishing. Amina holds a PhD in Modern Languages and Applied Linguistics from the University of Southampton and a joint MA from Tlemcen University\, Algeria and University of Balearic Islands\, Spain. She is a past co-chair of TESOL Intercultural Communication Interest Section and current community coordinator\, as well as a mentor for Africa ELTA women in leadership mentorship scheme. \n  \nPaul Naylor\nPaul Naylor is an underwater photographer\, videographer and marine biologist who is passionate about showing a wide audience what beautiful and intriguing creatures live around our UK coasts\, from vivid sea anemones to talented cuttlefish and decorating crabs to charismatic nest-building fish. This has led to him writing the book Great British Marine Animals (now in its 4th edition) and co-authoring Coastal Seas (in Bloomsbury’s British Wildlife Collection). Paul also writes magazine articles and scientific papers\, works with the media and conservation organisations\, and gives talks to groups including primary school children\, university students\, public bodies and wildlife enthusiasts.  \n  \nDr James Williams\nDr James Williams is an emeritus reader in science education and communication at the University of Sussex. A former science teacher and teacher‑-educator\, his research focuses on the nature of science\, scientific method\, and evolution education. He has authored textbooks\, academic articles\, and writes a weekly column for his local newspaper. He is a regular contributor to BBC radio and TV on education issues.  \n  \nAbout Educational Writers Group (EWG)\nEWG is a professional network for SoA members who produce educational materials for all settings including schools\, higher education and academic institutions\, and the English Language Teaching sector.   \nWe welcome emerging career authors who are interested in producing educational materials in the future as well as established authors.   \nThe group is run by an elected committee of volunteers with expertise in different areas. For all inquiries please email co-ordinator Tilly Zeeman. Not a member of the SoA yet? Sign up today using the discount code EWG20. \n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email MZeeman@societyofauthors.org with ‘Connecting with your audience’ 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-connecting-with-your-audience/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Educational Writers Group ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Industry-Insider_Connecting-with-your-audience.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261104T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261104T193000 DTSTAMP:20261002T102201Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261002T102201Z UID:10002303-1793815200-1793820600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Industry Insider - Imagining new funding futures DESCRIPTION:With the Scottish government recently confirming plans to pilot a basic income scheme for artists\, this panel discussion will survey today’s funding landscape\, imagine some more equitable future possibilities and begin to map out how we might get there. \nCurrent discussions around funding across the publishing industry seem to suffer from a lack of imagination: there is both intense criticism of current situations and\, in some cases\, a desire to return to a past that is unlikely to return. But we are creative people! If anyone can help to imagine equitable and sustainable futures for workers in the books industry\, surely it is the writers\, translators and illustrators who make up the SoA. \nWhile the conversation will have a particular focus on Scotland\, the session is for any writers and book workers who would like to see a better funded publishing industry for everyone. \nThis event is in conjunction with the Society of Authors in Scotland (SoAiS).  \nWhat will this session cover?\n\nDifferent visions for more equitable and sustainable publishing\nThe role of trade unions such as the SoA in making these ideas a reality\nCurrent problems and how to solve them\nTesting new funding models\, such as Universal Basic Income\n\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  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Tom Jeffreys (3 mins)\nPanel discussion chaired by Tom Jeffreys\, Sam Gonçalves and Jessica Gaitán Johannesson (60 mins)\nComfort break (5 mins)\nQ&A with audience (20 mins)\nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Elsa Robert – Executive Administrator\, SoA\n\n  \nThe Line-up\nTom Jeffreys\nTom Jeffreys is a writer who lives in Edinburgh. His work is mostly creative non-fiction in response to art and place\, and he regularly collaborates with artists and cultural organisations.Tom’s books include: Walking: Documents of Contemporary Art (Whitechapel Gallery and The MIT Press\, 2024); To an island in a loch on an island in a loch\, with Kirsty Badenoch (Mouldy Books\, 2023); The White Birch: A Russian Reflection (Little\, Brown\, 2021); and Signal Failure: HS2 on Foot (Influx Press\, 2017). He is represented by Zoe Ross at United Agents.  \nInstagram: @tom__jeffreys | Website: https://www.tom-jeffreys.co.uk \n  \nSam Gonçalves\nSam Gonçalves is a writer from Brazil\, currently living in Glasgow. He is the author of How Does Change Happen?: Scenes from the Frontlines of Activism (2025).Sam brings a background in community development and organising: he was the SoA’s Senior Policy Officer (Scotland) from 2024 to 2026\, and previously worked with organisations like Creative Dundee\, The Ferret\, Hot Chocolate Trust\, Greater Govanhill and others – both in the Third Sector and in the Creative Industries. \n  \nJessica Gaitán Johannesson\nJessica Gaitán Johannesson is a writer and organiser based in Edinburgh. She’s the author of the Desmond Elliot Prize-nominated novel How We Are Translated (2021)\, and the essay collection The Nerves and Their Endings (2022). She’s the Programme Director for Edinburgh’s Radical Book Fair. \n  \nAbout Society of Authors in Scotland (SoAiS)\nMembers with a Scottish postcode are added to the group when they join the SoA. If you have not been added but would like to join this group\, please contact us. \nWe offer a varied calendar of activities organised by a committee of volunteers and staff coordinator Elsa Robert. Group activities are reported in the SoA’s quarterly magazine\, The Author. \n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email ERobert@societyofauthors.org with ’New funding futures’ 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-imagining-new-funding-futures/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Society of Authors in Scotland ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Industry-Insider_Imagining-new-funding-futures-4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261104T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261104T210000 DTSTAMP:20261019T112458Z CREATED:20261019T111317Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261019T112458Z UID:10002335-1793818800-1793826000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Tufnell Park Writers: Talk with Jonathan Pollock DESCRIPTION:Join the Tufnell Park Writers on Wednesday 4 November from 19:00 to hear from neurosurgeon and author Jonathan Pollock. \nJonathan will be talking to us about his book A Short History of Neurosurgery in the UK and Ireland: Influences\, Founders and Units and his publishing experiences so far. Be prepared to be enthralled as he shares some personal anecdotes and fascinating insights into his world. \nPollock is a consultant Neurosurgeon at Essex Neurosciences Centre\, Queens Hospital with a focus on tumours of the brain and skull base and the treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. He is also a joint Archivist at the Society of British Neurological Surgeons. He has presented and published widely on the history and development of neurosurgery. \nYou can purchase Jonathan’s book via this link. For on the night only he has managed to obtain discount copies for just £30 which is over half price!\nCash or phone transfer only. Please understand that Jonathan is a specialist with considerable expertise thus his book is medical academia which is reflected in the price. \nIf you can afford to and have any interest in the subject then please support him. I have been privy to some of his discoveries already and (excuse the pun but) they will blow your mind! \nWe will meet at The Lord Palmerston\, 33 Dartmouth Park Hill\, London NW5 1HU. \nImportant Note: \nThe Lord Palmerston now has a new owner and as a consequence we no longer have our 10% food discount. Please continue to support the pub as much as possible as we still get the room for free! \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. \nPlease contact member-volunteer group organiser Jon-Jon Jones with any questions about the event. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/tufnell-park-writers-talk-with-jonathan-pollock-041126/ LOCATION:The Lord Palmerston\, 33 Dartmouth Park Hill\, London\, NW5 1HU CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Tufnell-Park.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Jon-Jon Jones":MAILTO:jonjonwriting@yahoo.co.uk GEO:51.5594469;-0.1405178 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Lord Palmerston 33 Dartmouth Park Hill London NW5 1HU;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=33 Dartmouth Park Hill:geo:-0.1405178,51.5594469 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261105T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261105T123000 DTSTAMP:20260717T135712Z CREATED:20251121T123016Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T135712Z UID:10001798-1793872800-1793881800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Oxfordshire Group: Shut Up and Write! DESCRIPTION:Join the Oxfordshire Group on Thursday 5 November from 10am for an online writing session alongside other authors in your area. \nWriting can be lonely and sometimes it’s difficult to self-motivate\, so this event is an opportunity to meet other writers\, share updates on your work\, and progress your own writing projects in company. It’s a collegiate and focused space to get work done at the same time as providing a low-stakes environment in which to meet other writers. We look forward to seeing you there! \nSchedule: \n10am: welcomes and goal-setting \n10.15am: silent writing (cameras off if preferred) \n11am: check-in and a cup of tea \n11.15am: second writing session \n12pm: check in and chat \n12.30pm: end \nAll members welcome! \nTo join us\, click the Going button below and enter your details in the RSVP form to receive the Zoom joining details online. Please contact us with any questions. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/oxfordshire-group-shut-up-and-write-051126/ CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Oxfordshire.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Alice Little":MAILTO:fiction@alicelittle.co.uk LOCATION:https://societyofauthors.org/event/oxfordshire-group-shut-up-and-write-051126/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261105T143000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261105T151500 DTSTAMP:20261019T140327Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261019T140327Z UID:10002333-1793889000-1793891700@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:How I write - in conversation with Gemma Cairney DESCRIPTION:Grab a cuppa and get to know multi-award-winning broadcaster\, author and activist\, Gemma Cairney. \nGemma will be in conversation with marketer\, event producer and audience development consultant\, Micallar Walker 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 Micallar Walker (3 mins)\nIntroductions to Gemma Cairney\, and a glimpse into her creative routines (20-25 mins)\nGemma will do a short reading from her book (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\nGemma Cairney \nGemma Cairney is a multi-award-winning broadcaster\, published author\, production company founder\, magpie\, and life enthusiast. \nGemma is a writer\, broadcaster\, documentary maker\, journalist\, and cultural producer. A former Brit School pupil and fashion stylist\, Gemma has presented across the breadth of the BBC\, having been the regular presenter of the 1Xtra Breakfast Show\, 1Xtra’s 1-4 afternoon’s slot\, the Radio 1 Weekend Breakfast Show\, Radio 1’s Early Breakfast Show\, The Surgery and is host of series The Leisure Society (BBC6 Music) and The Sound Odyssey (BBC Radio 4 & BBC World Service). \nShe has written for\, edited\, and contributed to The Guardian\, Company Magazine\, Red\, Glamour\, and Cosmopolitan. She has won Sony awards for her documentaries on subjects such as domestic abuse and produced podcasts and theatre productions. Her drive is humanity and communication in all areas of her wide-spanning work. \nWebsite: https://www.gemmacairney.co.uk/ | Instagram: @gemagain \n  \nMicallar Walker\nMicallar Walker is a cultural marketer\, event producer and audience development consultant with 20+ years’ experience across books\, film and the arts. She founded inclusive consultancy Dark Matter in 2021\, curates Picturehouse Cinemas’ author events\, broadcast live nationwide\, and is English Programme Manager at the Emirates Literature Foundation in Dubai. \nInstagram: @MicallarWalker | @DarkMatterMktg | Website: www.darkmatteragency.co.uk  \n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email SJackson@societyofauthors.org with ‘Gemma Cairney – 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-gemma-cairney/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/How-I-write_in-conversation-with-Gemma-Cairney.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261105T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261105T210000 DTSTAMP:20261009T113014Z CREATED:20261005T090829Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261009T113014Z UID:10002305-1793905200-1793912400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:North West London Group: Traditional\, Hybrid\, or Self? DESCRIPTION:Join the North West London Group for our next meet-up on Thursday 5 November from 19:00 at Kensal Rise Library\, Bathurst Gardens\, London NW10 5EU. \nAt this meeting\, we will be discussing traditional\, hybrid and self-publishing. What is your experience and thoughts on the best way to be published? To what degree are an agent\, editorial support\, finance\, and marketing key factors? \nBring your own drinks and snacks — wine glasses\, cups\, mugs\, and hot water will be available (bring your tea/coffee bags\, alcoholic drinks also allowed). The toilet is wheelchair accessible\, and there is free wi-fi. \nIf you know of local writers who may be interested in the group\, do invite them along. They can attend up to two meetings before being asked to join the SoA to continue attending. \nKensal Rise Library is within walking distance of Kensal Rise Station (Mildmay Line) and Kensal Green Station (Bakerloo + Lioness Line) and bus routes 6\, 18\, 28\, 52\, and 187. There is free residential street parking in the area but spaces are limited. \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/north-west-london-group-traditional-hybrid-or-self-051126/ LOCATION:Kensal Rise Library\, Bathurst Gardens\, London\, NW10 5EU CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/North-West-London.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:51.5337662;-0.225801 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Kensal Rise Library Bathurst Gardens London NW10 5EU;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Bathurst Gardens:geo:-0.225801,51.5337662 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261106T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261106T120000 DTSTAMP:20261013T103235Z CREATED:20261013T102614Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261013T103235Z UID:10002320-1793959200-1793966400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Manchester Group: Making Tax Digital with Rachel Freeman DESCRIPTION:Join the Manchester Group on Friday 6 November from 10:00 for our next in person catch-up with guest speaker Rachel Freeman. \nRachel Freeman from Freeman Accountancy (Rochdale) will speak to the group about Making Tax Digital\, VAT and what authors can and cannot put through as earnings/expenses etc. \nIf you have any questions about accounts/tax issues\, you are very welcome to bring them along to ask. \nWe’ll meet at The Social Refuge\, 27 Ancoats Street\, Manchester\, M4 5AJ who kindly lets us meet in a private room in the book/coffee shop for free. All they ask is that we purchase a tea/coffee/piece of cake to support their business. \nWe’ll meet from 10am – 12pm\, with the option to stay for a drink after. \nAll members welcome. We hope to see you there! \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/manchester-group-making-tax-digital-with-rachel-freeman-061126/ LOCATION:Social Refuge\, 27 Great Ancoats Street\, Manchester\, M4 5AJ CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Manchester.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:53.48422;-2.2314114 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Social Refuge 27 Great Ancoats Street Manchester M4 5AJ;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=27 Great Ancoats Street:geo:-2.2314114,53.48422 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261106T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261106T123000 DTSTAMP:20260803T144712Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260803T144712Z UID:10002196-1793959200-1793968200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:SoA Community Hub | Shut Up & Write! ® DESCRIPTION:Join us this November for a writing focused Community Hub event at our London office on Bedford Row. \nAmaia Robertson Nogues from Shut Up & Write! ®\, will facilitate a morning of writing. Shut Up & Write! ® is a nonprofit that brings writers together to build consistency\, beat procrastination\, and finally make progress on their projects. \nWhether you’re writing a novel\, finishing a dissertation\, or tackling daily creative work\, our free in-person and online writing sessions connect you with a global network of writers who show up\, write\, and succeed. \nThis event is structured around a silent writing period\, so remember to bring headphones if you’d like to minimise background noise. \nPlaces are limited and subject to availability. \nThis event is free to SoA Members. Not a member? Sign up here. \n  \nProgramme\n\n10am – Event starts | Refreshments on arrival\n\n\n10.30am – Welcome and introductions from SoA\n\n\n10.35am –Welcome from Amaia Robertson Nogues. Writing workshop begins\n\n\n12.30pm – Close\n\n  \nThe Line up\nAmaia Robertson Nogues\nAmaia is a Community Manager at Shut Up & Write!\, a global community hosting writing groups in over 80 countries. Her work focuses on fostering creative communities through accessible writing sessions. With a research background at the University of Cambridge\, she also works with academic writing groups to support researcher wellbeing in higher education. \n  \nAbout Shut Up & Write\nShut Up & Write!® is a free\, global community of writing groups built around showing up to write. Come for the accountability\, stay for the community. No critique. No read-alouds. Just focused writing time\, alongside others. \n  \nAccessibility\n\nOur Events space is located on the ground floor of our office. We have a wheelchair ramp at the side entrance of the building. We also have an accessible toilet by the side entrance.\nIf you have any access requirements\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nFeeling unwell?\nWe recommend the following: \n\nStaying home if you’re feeling unwell or have flu-like symptoms\nWashing your hands when coming in from the outdoors and / or before touching your face\nApplying alcohol hand sanitiser (we will have these on site)\nWe advise attendees to wear a face mask if they feel comfortable doing so\n\n  \nBooking\nBook your place using the booking from below. Places are limited. \nPlease read our event booking Terms and Conditions: https://societyofauthors.org/legal-privacy/event-terms/ \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/soa-community-hub-shut-up-write/ LOCATION:The Society of Authors\, 24 Bedford Row\, London\, WC1R 4EH\, London\, WC1R 4EH\, GB CATEGORIES:SoA Community Hub,SoA in Person ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SoA-Community-Hub_Shut-Up-Write-3.jpg GEO:51.5206792;-0.1162502 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Society of Authors 24 Bedford Row London WC1R 4EH London WC1R 4EH GB;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=24 Bedford Row\, London\, WC1R 4EH:geo:-0.1162502,51.5206792 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261106T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261106T123000 DTSTAMP:20261008T092501Z CREATED:20261008T092024Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261008T092501Z UID:10002307-1793962800-1793968200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Bristol Group social meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the Bristol Group for an in person meet-up on Friday 6 November from 11:00. We will meet in the café/bar area of Watershed\, 1 Canons Road\, Harbourside\, Bristol BS1 5TX. \nThis is a social meeting where we will catch up over a drink and have a chat about all things writerly. This meeting will be hosted by Elizabeth Haylett Clark\, Senior Contracts Advisor at the SoA\, and we will also be looking for a new member-volunteer organiser for the group. \nAll members welcome! \nTo join us\, click the Going button below and enter your details in the RSVP form so we have an idea of how many people are planning to attend. Please contact us with any questions. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/bristol-group-social-meet-up-061126/ LOCATION:Watershed Cafe\, 1 Canon's Road\, Bristol\, BS1 5TX\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Bristol.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:51.4513939;-2.5982539 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Watershed Cafe 1 Canon's Road Bristol BS1 5TX United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=1 Canon's Road:geo:-2.5982539,51.4513939 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261106T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261106T140000 DTSTAMP:20261016T103541Z CREATED:20261008T093628Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261016T103541Z UID:10002308-1793962800-1793973600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Monmouth Group meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the Monmouth group on Friday 6 November from 11:00 for a social catch-up. \nUnfortunately\, Luisa Jones is now unable to give her presentation\, so this will be a social  catch-up instead. \nWe will first be meeting from 11am for a coffee and catch up at Creates Bistro\, 7 Church Street\, Monmouth NP25 3BX before having the 12pm meeting at Monmouth Library and Community Hub\, Whitecross Street\, NP25 3BY.  \nBring your own lunch. There are tea and coffee making facilities at the Library. \nIf you haven’t been before\, both venues are close together in the centre of Monmouth not far from the Glendower St carpark. Come and join us for a chat. \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/monmouth-group-meet-up-061126/ LOCATION:Monmouth Library\, Monmouth Library\, Whitecross Street\, Monmouth\, NP25 3BY\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up,Society of Authors in Wales ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Monmouth.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261110T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261110T110000 DTSTAMP:20260805T112353Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T112353Z UID:10002208-1794304800-1794308400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Industry Insider – How to write pantomime DESCRIPTION:In this session we’ll be looking at the practical aspects of constructing a pantomime\, the varying levels of performance\, traditional routines\, gags\, story structure and breaking the fourth wall. \nSoA Scriptwriters Group member and writer Ian Billings will be joined by writers Geoffrey Aymer\, Trish Cooke and Susie McKenna.  \nThis event is in conjunction with our Scriptwriters Group (SWG). \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?\nMembers will take away: \n\nAn insight in the mechanics of pantomime\nA strong sense of story structure\nAn understanding of panto characters and\nInspiration to take on their own panto script.\n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Ian Billings (3 mins)\nPanel discussion chaired by Ian Billings\, with Geoffrey Aymer\, Trish Cooke and Susie McKenna (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\n\n  \nThe Line-up\nIan Billings\nIan Billings is the veteran of 53 pantomimes having written\, directed and appeared with Frankie Howerd\, Sylvester McCoy\, Brian Cant\, Bernie Clifton\, Julie Goodyear\, Little and Large\, Cannon and Ball and Timmy Mallett. Sometimes clocking up four or five pantos a year in various posts. He has worked in venues as diverse as Theatre Royal\, Nottingham\, the Grand Theatre\, Wolverhampton\, Gatwick Airport and Harwich Docks. For eight years he was resident director\, writer and performer at the Place Theatre\, Telford. He recently appeared in Sleeping Beauty at the Stafford Gatehouse.Besides panto Ian is a playwright having penned six radio plays for BBC Radio Four\, a children’s author of 50 books and a stand-up comic for kids having visited 2000 schools in 20 countries.2025 saw him commissioned by BBC Radio 4 to adapt “Gulliver’s Travels” and by Claybody Theatre to write a pay about the Theatre Royal in Hanley. He is currently finishing a children’s primary website entitled “Eureka!” funded by Arts Council England.Website: https://ianbillings.com/ \n  \nGeoffrey Aymer\nTheatre as writer includes:Alice In Wonderland\, Pan!\, Rapunzel\, Scroogelicious\, Men-TALL\, The Wonderful (all for Theatre Peckham); Anansi and the Magic Mirror (Talawa Theatre); The Oddest Couple (Theatre Royal Stratford East)\, What A Wonderful World.(Blue Elephant Theatre)   \nAlso\, coming up this Christmas 2026: A Ladd In Peckham (Theatre Peckham) \nTheatre acting credits include: Into The Woods (Noel Coward Theatre/Jamie Wilson Productions and Bridge Theatre) Hamlet (Chichester Festival Theatre); The Crucible (Sheffield Crucible); Romeo and Juliet (Royal Exchange Theatre\, Manchester); The Wizard of Oz (Curve Theatre\, Leicester/London Palladium); Clutch (Bush Theatre); Jitney (Old Vic Theatre/Headlong/Leeds Playhouse); The Taxidermist’s Daughter (Chichester Festival Theatre); Sunset Boulevard (Royal Albert Hall); GHBoy (Charing Cross Theatre); Apollo 13:The Dark Side Of The Moon (Original Theatre Online Production); Two Trains Running (ETT UK tour); The Color Purple (Leicester Curve/Birmingham Hippodrome); Robin Hood And The Arrow Of Destiny (Theatre Peckham); The Plague (Arcola); Driving Miss Daisy (Frinton Summer Theatre/Canal Cafe Theatre); The Importance Of Being Earnest (Original Theatre UK tour); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Young Vic); To Kill A Mockingbird (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre/UK tour/Barbican); MacBeth and The Lightning Child (Shakespeare’s Globe); Neighbors (Nuffield Theatre\, Southampton); Angel House (Eclipse UK tour); The Big Life (West End); \nTelevision includes: Casualty\, Mr Winner; Guerrilla; EastEnders; The A Force; The Real McCoy. Film includes:  Wicked; Sket; RagTag  \n  \nTrish Cooke\nTrish Cooke writes scripts for theatre\, TV\, and radio drama. She also writes children’s books. Her Christmas shows and pantos include Anansi Trades Places (Talawa Theatre Company)\, Olivier nominated Cinderella (Theatre Royal Stratford East)\, and the Great British Pantomime Award winner Rapunzel.  In 2025 Trish received a Black British Theatre Award in recognition of her body of work (book and lyrics). Current work includes the adaptation of her book\, The Magic Callaloo\, (Walker Books) for the Unicorn Theatre\, to run from 19th March to 18th April 2027. \n Instagram: @trishcookewriter | Facebook: Trish Cooke Writer \n  \nSusie McKenna\nSusie is an actor\, writer\, and director with over 40 years working in theatre\, television and film. \nWorking in pantomime throughout her career\, she played Principal boy at the age of 19 at Oldham Coliseum \, going on to appear as Principal boy at Nottingham Playhouse for eight years. Susie wrote and directed the critically acclaimed Hackney Empire pantos from 1998 to 2020. Since 2023 she has written three and directed two pantomimes at Broadway Theatre Catford.   \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-write-pantomime/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Scriptwriters Group ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Industry-Insider_How-to-write-pantomime-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261110T120000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261110T140000 DTSTAMP:20261013T100512Z CREATED:20261013T095614Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261013T100512Z UID:10002319-1794312000-1794319200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Surrey Group: Talk with Tracy Cook DESCRIPTION:Join the Surrey Group on Tuesday 10 November from 12:00 for a talk with author Tracy Cook. \nTracy Cook is author of Wings over Valletta\, a novel set in Malta in World War Two about a mother’s search for the child she was forced to give up years before. \nTracy will be talking about the challenges of writing historical fiction in the current literary market.She will be looking at how to find great ideas and why they should resonate today\, how to research but without letting the research drive your story\, and how to make your characters feel and sound like real people. \nWe’ll also cover the value of immersion in your era\, the importance of the tiny detail and tackle the biggest question facing any historical novelist – accuracy versus authenticity.  Should we ever change historical fact to better tell our story? \nWe will meet at The Seahorse\, 52-54 The Street\, Shalford\, Guildford\, GU4 8BU. All writerly and bookish guests welcome. \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. \nPlease email member-volunteer Howard Matthews with any questions. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/surrey-group-talk-with-tracy-cook-101126/ LOCATION:The Seahorse\, 52-54 The Street\, Guildford\, GU4 8BU CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Surrey.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Howard Matthews":MAILTO:howardsmatthews@gmail.com GEO:51.2183052;-0.5690283 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Seahorse 52-54 The Street Guildford GU4 8BU;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=52-54 The Street:geo:-0.5690283,51.2183052 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261110T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261110T203000 DTSTAMP:20260717T141919Z CREATED:20260119T114337Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T141919Z UID:10001912-1794339000-1794342600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Hertfordshire Writers online meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join Hertfordshire Writers on Tuesday 10 November from 7.30pm for our next online social meet-up. \nIn each meeting\, we focus on a particular theme\, inviting an open discussion on literary-focused topics. So come along for a catch up and some writerly chat! \nAs always\, all members welcome! \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/hertfordshire-writers-online-meet-up-101126/ CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Hertfordshire.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org LOCATION:https://societyofauthors.org/event/hertfordshire-writers-online-meet-up-101126/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261111T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261111T120000 DTSTAMP:20260717T141123Z CREATED:20260122T130941Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T141123Z UID:10001944-1794391200-1794398400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Warwickshire Group: Creative Coffee Morning DESCRIPTION:Join the Warwickshire Group on Wednesday 11 November from 10am for an informal session to come together and work on our various projects – bring your laptop or notebook! We’ll spend 5-10 minutes at the start of the meeting to set our individual goals\, then everyone will concentrate on their work before reconvening at 11.50 to share what we have achieved.  \nWe will meet at Café Desa\, 3 Regent Grove\, Leamington Spa\, CV32 4NY. Free to attend\, but everyone is asked to buy a drink or two (and a snack if you fancy) from the cafe as they kindly allow us to use their space for free. On-street parking in Regent Grove or Hamilton Terrace\, bike racks are 50 yards away by the town hall or a bus stop is just round the corner on The Parade. \nAll members welcome from the surrounding area! \nTo join us\, click the Going button below and enter your details in the RSVP form so we have an idea of how many people are planning to attend. Please contact us with any questions. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/warwickshire-group-creative-coffee-morning-111126/ LOCATION:Café Desa\, Regent Grove 3\, Royal Leamington Spa\, Warwickshire\, CV32 5AA\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Warwickshire.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Ignaty Dyakov":MAILTO:hello@lifesensei.uk GEO:52.2891944;-1.5345424 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Café Desa Regent Grove 3 Royal Leamington Spa Warwickshire CV32 5AA United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Regent Grove 3:geo:-1.5345424,52.2891944 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261111T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261111T140000 DTSTAMP:20260720T084741Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260720T084741Z UID:10002209-1794394800-1794405600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Presentation skills for authors DESCRIPTION:Presenting your work in person is an increasingly important part of being an author; whether you’re speaking at festivals\, bookshops\, schools\, industry events or on panels. This practical workshop will help you build confidence and sharpen your delivery\, exploring how to communicate your ideas clearly\, connect with an audience and present yourself authentically. Together\, we’ll look at how to structure your message\, manage nerves\, use your voice and body language effectively and handle Q&As or challenging moments with greater ease. The seminar will include an interactive presentation practice session.This session is for authors and writers at any stage of their career who want to feel more confident and engaging when speaking in front of an audience. \nTickets for this event include lunch and additional light refreshments throughout the session. \n  \nWhat this session will cover\nAttendees will take away:  \n\nPractical techniques to manage nerves and build confidence before and during a presentation\nTools for structuring talks\, readings and panel contributions clearly and effectively\nGreater awareness of voice\, pace\, presence and body language\nStrategies for connecting with different audiences and holding attention\nTips for handling audience questions and unexpected moments with confidence\nA clearer sense of your own presentation style and strengths\n\n  \nProgramme\n\n10.45am – Refreshments\n11am – Welcome and introductions from Sophia A Jackson – Head of Events and EngagementSoA\n11.05am – Workshop hosted by Ronke Lawal\n12pm – Comfort break\n12.15pm Workshop resumes\n1.30 pm – Lunch\n2pm – Event closes\n\n  \nThe Line up\nRonke Lawal\nRonke Lawal is a passionate PR & comms consultant and founder of Ariatu PR. With a focus on diverse storytelling and authentic brand voices\, she empowers entrepreneurs and creatives to shine through her personal branding and media coaching work. Ronke is a vocal advocate for inclusion\, representation and confidence in communication across media\, business and public speaking platforms. \nWebsites: www.ronkelawal.com | www.ariatupublicrelations.com \n  \nAccessibility\n\nOur Events space is located on the ground floor of our office. We have a wheelchair ramp at the side entrance of the building. We also have an accessible toilet by the side entrance.\nIf you have any access requirements\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nFeeling unwell?\nWe recommend the following: \n\nStaying home if you’re feeling unwell or have flu-like symptoms\nWashing your hands when coming in from the outdoors and / or before touching your face\nApplying alcohol hand sanitiser (we will have these on site)\nWe advise attendees to wear a face mask if they feel comfortable doing so\n\n  \nTickets \n\nSoA Members – £25\nNon-Members – £35 \n\nTickets for this event include lunch and light refreshments throughout the session. \n  \nBooking\nBook your place using the booking from below. Places are limited. \nPlease read our event booking Terms and Conditions: https://societyofauthors.org/legal-privacy/event-terms/ \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/presentation-skills-for-authors/ LOCATION:The Society of Authors\, 24 Bedford Row\, London\, WC1R 4EH\, London\, WC1R 4EH\, GB CATEGORIES:SoA in Person ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Presentation-skills-for-authors.jpg GEO:51.5206792;-0.1162502 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Society of Authors 24 Bedford Row London WC1R 4EH London WC1R 4EH GB;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=24 Bedford Row\, London\, WC1R 4EH:geo:-0.1162502,51.5206792 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261111T173000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261111T190000 DTSTAMP:20260717T125524Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T125524Z UID:10002138-1794418200-1794423600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Translators Association end of year review and online social DESCRIPTION:Join the Translators Association (TA) for their end of year review and online social. Find out what the committee has been doing this year and look ahead to 2027\, meet the committee informally and hang out and chat with other TA members. \n  \nProgramme\n\nEnd of year review: Find out what the TA committee has been doing this year and look ahead to 2027. Including time for Q&A. (30 mins)\nMeet the committee informally and hang out and chat with other TA members online via Zoom and in a variety of different themed breakout rooms hosted by the committee (60 mins)\nBreakout rooms\n\nThemes will be notified nearer the date and are subject to change depending on the interests of the attendees.  Attendees are welcome to join or leave rooms as they wish. Please contact Catherine Fuller if you would like to suggest a particular topic for discussion. \n  \nAbout the Translators Association (TA)\nThe Translators Association (TA) provides a source of expert advice for individual literary translators and is also a collective voice representing the profession as a whole.  \nTranslators automatically become a member of the TA on joining the SoA. \nThe TA is run by a committee of 8 members and coordinated by Catherine Fuller and Ambre Morvan. Catherine and Ambre are also members of the SoA Contracts Advisory team \n  \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. This event is for SoA Members only. \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/translators-association-end-of-year-review-and-online-social/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Translators Association ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TA-end-of-year-review-and-online-social-4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261113T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261113T160000 DTSTAMP:20261015T093855Z CREATED:20261006T101830Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261015T093855Z UID:10002306-1794578400-1794585600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:West Midlands Group: Self v Traditional Publishing DESCRIPTION:Join the West Midlands Group on Friday 13 November from 14:00 for an in-person discussion on self-publishing versus traditional publishing. \n What are the connections and differences between the two modes of publication? What questions should you ask yourself when deciding between these two routes? What is the role of the author in each of these modes of publication? This is an opportunity for you to share your own experiences of publishing and ask questions of others. \nDon’t worry if you haven’t been to a meet-up before – come along and say hello! \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/west-midlands-group-self-v-traditional-publishing131126/ LOCATION:The Exchange\, 3 Centenary Square\, Birmingham\, B1 2DR CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/West-Midlands.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:52.4785257;-1.9077552 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Exchange 3 Centenary Square Birmingham B1 2DR;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=3 Centenary Square:geo:-1.9077552,52.4785257 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20261114 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20261116 DTSTAMP:20261008T081938Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261008T081938Z UID:10002296-1794614400-1794787199@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Society of Authors at Thought Bubble Comic Convention 2026 DESCRIPTION:We’re excited to be returning to Thought Bubble Comic Convention this November. \nWe’ll be at the convention on Saturday and Sunday\, located in Bubbleboy Hall\, at Table B30. \nOur Events & Engagement Manager and co-ordinator of the SoA’s Comics Creators Network\, Lilly Brend-Fish will be at the stand throughout the weekend. Come along to meet the team\, and connect with members of the Comics Creators Network. \nJoin the Society of Authors’ Senior Contracts advisor\, Theo Jones\, and award-winning comics creator\, scriptwriter and campaigner\, Hannah Berry\, as they explore the professional side of being a comics creator in 2026\, and the challenges this brings in the face of AI. \n  \nUnion Support for Comics as a Profession\nSaturday 14 November\, 15.15-16.15 | Queen’s Suite\nJoin the Society of Authors’ Senior Contracts advisor\, Theo Jones\, and award-winning comics creator\, scriptwriter and campaigner\, Hannah Berry\, as they explore the professional side of being a comics creator in 2026\, and the challenges this brings in the face of AI. This session offers essential and practical advice on navigating copyright\, negotiating contracts\, and protecting your income and intellectual property. \nThey’ll also delve into how the SoA and the Comics Creators Network are campaigning for creators’ rights and fighting for changes in Parliament. Learn how to protect your work and your career\, and leave empowered to raise your voice alongside your fellow comics creators. \nTickets are available to purchase via Thought Bubble’s website here: https://www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/tickets  \n  \nThe Line-up\nHannah Berry\nHannah Berry is an occasionally award-winning comics creator\, scriptwriter and campaigner\, and is a founding committee member of the Comics Creators Network and co-director of the Comics Cultural Impact Collective. She is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and was UK Comics Laureate 2019-21. \nWebsite: hannahberry.co.uk | Instagram: @streakofpith | Bluesky: streakofpith.bsky.social \n  \nTheo Jones\nTheo Jones advises members on contracts and issues. He is joint coordinator of the Scriptwriters Group and co-produces and co-presents the SoA Advisory Clinic podcast covering the key topics\, issues and challenges affecting writers today. \n  \nAbout the Comics Creators Network\nThe Comics Creators Network is a pressure group of working authors that advocates for the rights of traditionally and self-published creators of comics and graphic novels in the UK. \nThe comics industry has a history of treating people who work in it as disposable\, and this is something that needs to change. It can be hard to push back when bad conditions are often viewed as standard practice\, but if you publish comics you are an author just like every other poet\, essayist or novelist\, and you deserve to be treated the same way. No one should accept substandard treatment because they are grateful for being published. \nPlease get in touch with us at comics@societyofauthors.org if you have any questions about how to join. \n  \nBooking\nTickets are available to purchase via Thought Bubble’s website here: https://www.thoughtbubblefestival.com/tickets URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/society-of-authors-at-thought-bubble-comic-convention-2026/ LOCATION:Harrogate Convention Centre\, King's Road\, Harrogate\, HG1 5LA CATEGORIES:Comics Creators Network,SoA in Person ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SoA-x-Thought-Bubble-2026-1.jpg GEO:53.999302;-1.5401868 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Harrogate Convention Centre King's Road Harrogate HG1 5LA;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=King's Road:geo:-1.5401868,53.999302 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261114T130000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261114T150000 DTSTAMP:20260720T114806Z CREATED:20260720T105732Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260720T114806Z UID:10002212-1794661200-1794668400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:East Midlands Group Nottingham hybrid meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the East Midlands Group in-person and online on Saturday 14 November from 1pm for an informal chat at our next social. This is a chance to meet fellow authors in your area\, share your latest projects\, and discuss what you’re currently working on. \n\n\nWe will meet in person at the Library\, The Broadway\, 14-18 Broad Street\, Nottingham NG1 3AL. We will also meet online\, on Zoom. Please RSVP for the link. \nDon’t worry if you haven’t been to a meet-up before – come along and say hello! \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/east-midlands-group-nottingham-hybrid-meet-up-141126/ LOCATION:The Library\, The Broadway\, The Library\, The Broadway\, 14-18 Broad Street\, Nottingham\, NG1 3AL CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/East-Midlands.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:52.9543037;-1.1437646 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Library The Broadway The Library The Broadway 14-18 Broad Street Nottingham NG1 3AL;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=The Library\, The Broadway\, 14-18 Broad Street:geo:-1.1437646,52.9543037 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261116T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261116T160000 DTSTAMP:20261013T131544Z CREATED:20220121T162059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261013T131544Z UID:10001866-1794823200-1794844800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:SoA Author Photos DESCRIPTION:SoA members are offered the chance to have a professional author photo taken by photographer Adrian Pope for a fraction of the usual cost. The usual price for professional headshots is around £200 or considerably more for a longer studio session. \nCome and update your headshot at the SoA offices on Bedford Row – this is offered at a discounted price of £40 for SoA members and £60 for non-members on a first come\, first served basis to members. \n  \nWhat do you get?\n\nYou’ll be given a 10 minute slot.\nBasic light retouching included (general lightening\, darkening\, crop and portrait softening as needed) to your chosen photo.\n\n  \nNeed to know\n\nLicence for usage. Your photo can be used across your social media channels\, websites\, press and PR\nThe licence does not include usage for above the line advertising or book jackets – please contact Adrian Pope for permission.\n*Above the line advertisement means paid for advertising\, for example\, a poster on the underground\, bus shelter\, above the M4 motorway\, multiple points of sale displays in book shops. Where a small fortune is being spent on a marketing – advertising campaign\, a fee is required to use the photo.\nPlease note that your photos will include the head-to-shoulder/chest area.\n\n  \nGetting to the Society of Authors\n\nOur address: 24 Bedford Row\, London WC1R 4EH\nNearest tube stations: Chancery Lane or Holborn\nClick for Map \n\n  \nAccessibility\n\nOur events space is located on the ground floor of our office\, we have a wheelchair ramp round the side entrance of the building. We also have an accessible toilet by the side entrance.\nIf you require BSL interpretation to take part in this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org.\nIf you have any other accessibility needs\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nFeeling unwell?\nWe recommend the following: \n\nStaying home if you’re feeling unwell or have flu-like symptoms\nWashing your hands when coming in from the outdoors and / or before touching your face\nApplying alcohol hand sanitiser (we will have these on site)\nWe advise attendees to wear a face mask if they feel comfortable doing so\n\n  \nBook your author photo slot\n£40 for SoA Members \n£60 for Non-Members \nOnce we have received your booking\, a Calendly link will be manually sent for you to confirm your slot. Slots are between 10am and 4pm on Monday 16 November 2026 at the SoA. \n  \nBooking\nBook your place using the booking from below. Places are limited. \nPlease read our event booking Terms and Conditions: https://societyofauthors.org/legal-privacy/event-terms/ \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/soa-author-photos-2/ LOCATION:The Society Of Authors\, 24 Bedford Row\, London\, WC1R 4EH\, London\, WC1R 4EH\, GB CATEGORIES:AGM week,SoA in Person ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Author-Photos-Day-3.jpg GEO:51.5206792;-0.1162502 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Society Of Authors 24 Bedford Row London WC1R 4EH London WC1R 4EH GB;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=24 Bedford Row\, London\, WC1R 4EH:geo:-0.1162502,51.5206792 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261117T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261117T173000 DTSTAMP:20260914T084928Z CREATED:20260914T084928Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T084928Z UID:10002280-1794931200-1794936600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Cambridge Group translators meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the translators of the Cambridge Group on Tuesday 17 November from 16:00 for an informal chat at our next meet-up. Bring anything you’d like to discuss – knotty problems\, tricky word play\, contractual dilemmas\, massive generalised self-doubt – and come to meet some fellow translators. \nDon’t worry if you haven’t been to a meet-up before\, come along and say hello. If you run into any local translators in the meantime please do invite them along! \nWe’ll meet in the The Parlour (through iron gates at side\, then across hall)\, Cambridge Unitarian Church\, 5 Emmanuel Road\, Cambridge CB1 1JW. There is a kitchen so we can have some tea etc. \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/cambridge-group-translators-meet-up-171126/ LOCATION:Cambridge Unitarian Church\, Emmanuel Road\, Cambridge\, Cambridgeshire\, CB1 1JW\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Cambridge.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:52.2050254;0.1264028 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Cambridge Unitarian Church Emmanuel Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB1 1JW United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Emmanuel Road:geo:0.1264028,52.2050254 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261117T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261117T210000 DTSTAMP:20260717T141605Z CREATED:20260108T142535Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T141605Z UID:10001886-1794942000-1794949200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Harrogate and North Yorkshire Group meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the Harrogate and North Yorkshire Group on Tuesday 17 November from 7pm for their next social meet-up! Come along for a drink and a chat about all things writerly. \nWe will meet at North Bar\, 2D Oxford Buildings\, Cheltenham Parade\, Harrogate\, HG1 1DA. We have booked the room upstairs to reduce background noise\, under the name ‘Society of Authors Harrogate’. \nAll members welcome! \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. \n  URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/harrogate-and-north-yorkshire-group-meet-up-171126/ LOCATION:North Bar\, Mount Parade\, Harrogate\, North Yorkshire\, HG1 1BX\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Harrogate-North-Yorkshire.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:53.9952602;-1.5394869 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=North Bar Mount Parade Harrogate North Yorkshire HG1 1BX United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Mount Parade:geo:-1.5394869,53.9952602 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261118T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261118T120000 DTSTAMP:20260807T142826Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T142826Z UID:10002235-1794999600-1795003200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:AGM online member social DESCRIPTION:Join us for a pre-AGM online social for SoA members to chat informally with fellow members\, SoA staff\, and Committee members. Whilst we can’t promise drinks and nibbles\, we’ll make every effort to ensure you meet new people and have meaningful conversations. \nYou can register for this year’s Annual General Meeting here \nThis event is for SoA Members only. Not a member? sign up here \n  \nHow it works\nAfter an initial introduction\, we will throw open the break-out rooms which will be hosted by Committee members and supported by a member of staff. There will be two rounds of 20-minutes. \nThe main Zoom room will remain open to help members get in and out break-out rooms. When the second break-out room session ends\, we will reconvene in the main Zoom room to close. Everyone is welcome in any room. \nJust like any in-person social event\, we encourage you to drop into any break-out room\, and we hope you can chat with fellow members.  The break-out rooms are intended to be purely social. \nThe breakout rooms will be: TBC \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Anna Ganley – Chief Executive\, SoA and Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin – Chair of the SoA Board (3 mins)\nBreakout rooms hosted by SoA staff and Board members for informal chat\, networking and information sharing (40 mins – two 20 mins sessions)\nReturn to the main room for general discussion (15 mins)\nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Elsa Robert – Executive Administrator\, SoA\n\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. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \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/agm-online-member-social/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,AGM week ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/AGM-online-member-social-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261119T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261119T190000 DTSTAMP:20260921T152825Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T152825Z UID:10002234-1795107600-1795114800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:SoA Annual General Meeting 2026 DESCRIPTION:Join us online this November for our 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) hosted via Zoom. The AGM is conducted online to allow access to as many members as possible. \nYour votes and participation are important to us. We encourage all Full Members to vote at the AGM or to appoint a proxy and register a voting instruction in advance. Associate Members are encouraged to attend but cannot vote.  \nVoting is managed securely and confidentially by Mi-Voice. They will contact all Full Members with instructions on how to vote\, both on the day or in advance by appointing a proxy to vote on your behalf if you are unable to attend the AGM. If we have an email address on file for you\, Mi-Voice will email you directly. If we only have your postal address\, they will send you printed voting instructions.  \nAt the AGM\, resolutions are put to a vote via electronic poll. If you have voted by proxy\, you may attend the AGM but you will be unable to vote.  \nAny questions? Email events@societyofauthors.org. \nWe are hosting a pre-AGM onlinie social for all SoA Members\, which you can register for here \n  \n5pm – SoA AGM Agenda\nThe Society of Authors’ AGM is open to Full Members and Associate Members of the SoA only. \nA. Introduction and welcome by Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin\, Chair of the SoA’s board (Management Committee). \nB. The SoA’s ‘Year in Review’ video. \nC. Report on the year’s activities. \nD. Report on the elections to the board.  \nE. To consider and\, if thought fit\, to pass the following Resolutions: \n\nResolution 1: that the minutes of the meeting held on 20 November 2025 be approved.\nResolution 2: that the annual report and accounts for 2025 be approved.\nResolution 3: that the full-subscription members nominated by the Management Committee to become SoA Fellows be ratified (details to follow).\n\nImportant information – please read: \nNo additional resolutions have been received from the Management Committee or from groups of 10+ Full Members (in accordance with our Articles). Should any groups of 10+ Full Members wish to submit a Resolution for consideration at the AGM\, please contact the SoA at your earliest convenience\, and by Friday 2 October 2026. We will circulate the full and final wording for the 2026 AGM Resolutions together with voting instructions week commencing Monday 19 October 2026.  \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. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \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/soa-annual-general-meeting-2026/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,AGM week ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SoA-AGM-2026.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261120T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261120T160000 DTSTAMP:20261019T104107Z CREATED:20261019T100835Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261019T104107Z UID:10002334-1795183200-1795190400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Brighton and Hove Group: Good News Meet DESCRIPTION:Join the Brighton & Hove Group on Friday 20 November from 14:00 at The Regency Town House for a special meeting celebrating the successes\, milestones and good news in our writing lives. \nDue to the popularity of our first Good News Meet we have unanimously decided upon a second such format. \nIt was a wonderful opportunity for local authors in the community to gain a glimpse of the wealth and diversity of the successful writing talent we have here amongst fellow members in East Sussex. Thank you to the 6 speakers who shared their incredible news and the backgrounds behind their many varied books. \nRecap: \n\nThelma McGough’s fascinating life story – art school with John Lennon\, dating Paul McCartney\, marriage to Roger McGough…and news of her agent and publishing deal with HarperNorth.\nJane Peyton shared her inspiring and serendipitous voyage on how she got her agent through Byte the Book for her cosy crime book set about the ‘ethical assassin.’\nJudy Ridgway\, author of 78 books\, expert in vegetarian cuisine\, wine and international olive oil expert shared (and signed my copy of) her booklet on Olive Oil…\nDavid Hendy talked about the story behind the story behind the story of how The Circus: The Men and Women Who Fought Nazi Germany Over the Airwaves evolved and came to be published with Profile Books.\nElizabeth Darling PhD Architectural Historian who just published her new book\, Palace of the Ether\, Broadcasting House and the Architecture of the BBC. The building of Broadcasting House – the design\, materials and construction sourced only from Britain and its Empire.\nVictor L Moore of Myth&Magick Children’s/YA Fantasy Author\, Playwright and Children’s Drama Tutor who has written series of wonderfully imaginative books for all ages.\n\nIf anyone else is interested in taking one of two more 15 minute slots then please get in touch to localgroups@societyofauthors.org. We already have 4 speakers lined up to share their good news next month\, see below: \n\nMaxine Pancaldi whose debut novel Burning Lies was long listed for the Cheshire Novel Prize 2026 – down to the last 6% of the International writing competition.\nEmer Rohan\, a new member who self-published her debut novel in 2026. Between You and Me is a contemporary novel about teenage secrets and parental pressures.\nHelen Croydon who is going to share the many challenges involved in the publication of memoir she ghostwrote (her name is even on the cover) Forbidden Love: A True Story of Adoption\, Reunion and Longing by Sophia Greenwood with Helen Croydon\nLuke Young has written a book about living completely offline with no computer or smartphone since he was 18. Find out more about why he made the decision and the implications it has had.\n\nLet’s celebrate one another\, share what we’ve learned\, and cheer each other on. \nWe’ll meet upstairs in The Regency Town House\, 13 Brunswick Square\, Hove\, BN3 1EH. Tea\, coffee and biscuits\, including gluten-free and dairy-free options\, will be provided by group organiser Rebecca for a donation of £3 via SumUp. \nThe Regency Town House is a charity and lets us meet here very cheaply\, so please make a donation as you leave if you’re in a position to do so. \nAll members welcome! \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. \nTo ensure that volunteers provide enough chairs from the storeroom for everyone\, please email member-volunteer group organiser RebeccaERennie@gmail.com with any last-minute RSVPs or cancellations. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/brighton-and-hove-group-good-news-meet-201126/ LOCATION:The Regency Town House\, 13 Brunswick Square\, Hove\, BN3 1EH CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Brighton-Hove.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:50.8242824;-0.1583492 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Regency Town House 13 Brunswick Square Hove BN3 1EH;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=13 Brunswick Square:geo:-0.1583492,50.8242824 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261125T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261125T110000 DTSTAMP:20260804T093840Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T093840Z UID:10002217-1795600800-1795604400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Working Class Writers Network online meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the Working Class Writers Network on Wednesday 25 November from 10am for a member-led networking session. Come along and get to know your fellow authors! \nMeeting structure \n\n30 minutes – Whole group discussion on a theme. Send any theme suggestions to localgroups@societyofauthors.org. \n30 minutes – Breakout rooms to get to know other members in smaller groups.\n\nWe look forward to seeing you there! \nWorking Class Writers Network\nThe Working Class Writers Network is an informal\, member-led network established in 2026 for working class authors\, illustrators and translators to meet\, chat and share their experiences through online networking meetings. To join the mailing list and be kept up to date on the network’s events and activities\, please email membership@societyofauthors.org. \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/working-class-writers-network-online-meet-up-251126/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Underrepresented Writers Networks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Working-Class-Writers.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261125T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261125T130000 DTSTAMP:20261005T085524Z CREATED:20260119T132045Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261005T085524Z UID:10001922-1795604400-1795611600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Salisbury and Wiltshire Group meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the Salisbury and Wiltshire Group for an in person meet-up on Wednesday 25 November from 11:00. \nWe will meet at Fig and Fox\, 46 High Street\, Salisbury\, SP1 2NT \nThis is a social meeting where we will catch up over a drink and have a chat about all things writerly. \nAll members welcome! \nTo join us\, click the Going button below and enter your details in the RSVP so we know how many people to expect. This venue does have stairs and might be tricky for those with accessibility issues; if this will affect you please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/salisbury-and-wiltshire-group-meet-up-251126/ LOCATION:Fig and Fox\, 46 High Street\, Salisbury\, SP1 2NT CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Salisbury-Wiltshire.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:51.067585;-1.7977339 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Fig and Fox 46 High Street Salisbury SP1 2NT;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=46 High Street:geo:-1.7977339,51.067585 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR