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:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/Rome BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0200 TZNAME:CEST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0200 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:CET DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260929T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260929T200000 DTSTAMP:20260909T114405Z CREATED:20260909T112433Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T114405Z UID:10002273-1790708400-1790712000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Scottish Islands Group: AI and how we can protect ourselves DESCRIPTION:Join the Scottish Islands Group online on Tuesday 29 September from 19:00 for an online meeting about AI! \nAI is everywhere and often it can be difficult to distinguish what is human authored and what is generated. In this meeting we will discuss how we can protect ourselves against being accused of using AI. \nWe will also be discussing this article: it is both scary and very hopeful… \nSo come along for a catch-up and some writerly chat – 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/scottish-islands-group-ai-and-how-we-can-protect-ourselves-290926/ CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Scottish-Islands.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org LOCATION:https://societyofauthors.org/event/scottish-islands-group-ai-and-how-we-can-protect-ourselves-290926/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260929T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260929T210000 DTSTAMP:20260922T113051Z CREATED:20260922T113051Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T113051Z UID:10002294-1790710200-1790715600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Hampshire Group catch-up DESCRIPTION:Join the Hampshire Group on Tuesday 29 September 19:30 for their next in-person meeting. \nIn this meeting\, we will be catching up on the progress of our personal writing projects. \nWe’ll meet at the Hyde Tavern\, 57 Hyde Street\, Winchester\, SO23 7DY. The closest place to park is the Cattle Market lot\, which is free after 6pm. \n\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/hampshire-group-catch-up-290926/ LOCATION:The Hyde Tavern\, 57 Hyde Street\, Winchester\, SO23 7DY\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Hampshire.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:51.069184;-1.314876 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=The Hyde Tavern 57 Hyde Street Winchester SO23 7DY United Kingdom;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=57 Hyde Street:geo:-1.314876,51.069184 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260930T120000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260930T140000 DTSTAMP:20260915T103822Z CREATED:20260827T090017Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T103822Z UID:10002262-1790769600-1790776800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:South Buckinghamshire Group online: Goal Setting DESCRIPTION:Join the South Buckinghamshire Group on Wednesday 30 September from 12pm for our next online meeting. \nIn this meeting\, we’re going to discuss goal setting; let’s share what we want to manifest in our marketing for the next few months and explore how we can support each other and pick up some good ideas.  \nWe will now meet online. \nDon’t worry if you haven’t attended any meetings before – all members welcome!  \nTo join the group\, please contact member-volunteer group organiser Judy Bartkowiak. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/south-buckinghamshire-group-goal-setting-300926/ CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/South-Buckinghamshire.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org LOCATION:https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83731021059?pwd=EBoFk4VNP2Q9AaH5f3tTri0aAoPzrg.1 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260930T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260930T193000 DTSTAMP:20260728T092950Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T092950Z UID:10002225-1790791200-1790796600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Comics Creators Network Meeting DESCRIPTION:Join members of the Comics Creators Network (CCN) Steering Committee at our next networking meeting. This is a chance for current SoA members (or those of you that maybe wish to join us in the future) to meet the committee and other fellow comic creators. \nWe will start the event with general welcomes from the committee and will open the floor for any attendees who may wish to introduce themselves (please note that this is fully optional). We will then move onto the breakout rooms where attendees will be put into smaller discussion groups. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome and introductions from the Comics Creators Network Steering Committee (5-10 mins)\nWelcome from attendees (optional) (10 mins)\nBreakout rooms hosted by the Comics Creators Network committee members for informal chat\, networking\, information sharing (45 mins – three 15 min sessions)\nReturn to the main room where we will discuss: (20 mins)\nWhat can the Network do for you?\nWhat are our aims for 2027?\nHow can we address challenges facing comics creators and advocate for better industry standards?\nClosing comments (5-10 mins) \n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email comics@societyofauthors.org  with ‘CCN Meeting’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nThe Line-up \nNyla Ahmad  \nNyla Ahmad is Reading Communities Manager at Scottish Book Trust\, leading on programming Book Week Scotland. Nyla was the inaugural awardee of Literature Alliance Scotland’s Next Level Award and currently serves on the Glasgow Zine Library board of trustees. She previously co-led the BHP Comics project\, Full Colour\, a mentoring programme for young comics creators from BAME backgrounds. She has also worked for the Glasgow Women’s Library on their museum access project\, Equality in Progress. Nyla’s MPhil thesis examined South Asian and Muslim representation in comics. She served as chair of the Scottish Independent Comic Book Alliance Awards for three years.  \nX: @NylaNylaNyla \n  \nHannah Berry \nHannah Berry is a comics creator\, cartoonist\, writer\, illustrator\, and current UK Comics Laureate. She is the author of three highly acclaimed and occasionally award-winning graphic novels published by Jonathan Cape\, and in 2018 was inducted as a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.  \nX: @streakofpith  | Website: www.hannahberry.co.uk | Instagram: @streakofpith \n  \nAlice Nuttall \nAlice Nuttall is an indie comics creator and writer of three webcomics\, Footloose\, Cherry\, and Black Market Magic\, co-created with artist Emily Brady. She is an admin for The CVA\, an online group supporting UK-based indie comics creators\, and a regular attendee at comic conventions around the UK.  \nInstagram: @alicenuttallbooks | X: @Ally_Nuttall \n  \nWoodrow Phoenix \nWoodrow Phoenix is a writer\, artist\, and graphic designer based in London and Cambridge. His work has appeared in national UK newspapers\, in magazines and comics across Europe\, the USA and Japan\, and in television projects for Walt Disney and Cartoon Network. His most recent book\, Crash Course\, was published in August 2020 by Street Noise Books.  \nX: @mrphoenix | Website: @woodrowphoenix.co.uk \n  \nSimon Moreton \nSimon Moreton is an artist and author. He draws and writes about everyday life\, memory\, identity\, and our relationship to the histories of the places we live in. As well as being a committed self-publisher\, his comics have been published by Avery Hill\, Uncivilized\, Kilgore Books\, and Retrofit. His latest book\, WHERE?\, was published by Little Toller in 2021\, and is about his father’s death and his childhood in the Shropshire countryside. He is Associate Professor of Creative Economies at UWE Bristol\, working to support equitable futures for cultural and creative work.  \nInstagram: @simon.moreton | Website: www.simon-moreton.co.uk | X: @simon_moreton \n  \nZara Slattery \nZara Slattery is a graphic novelist\, illustrator and tutor and author of the award-winning graphic memoir\, Coma. She collaborates with writers and organisations in creating work on issues around the environment\, identity\, health\, disability and was recently the disability consultant for Canterbury Cathedral’s Miracle Windows comics project. She’s currently working on the medieval eco-fable\, Sweeney’s Progress\, with writer Gregory Norminton.  \nX: @inksplattery | Instagram: @zaraslattery | Website: www.zaraslattery.com \n  \nMaria Stoian\nMaria Stoian is an award-winning comics artist and illustrator based in Edinburgh\, where she teaches at Edinburgh College of Art. She is the author of the graphic novel Take it as a Compliment\, a collection of real-life stories of sexual violence. In collaboration with writer Heather Parry she designed and illustrated The Illustrated Freelancer’s Guide and The Illustrated Fair Work Guide. Her work has been published in The New Yorker\, The Nib and in anthologies such as We Shall Fight Until We Win and the Eisner-winning Drawing Power.  \nWebsite: www.mariastoian.com | X @mariadraws | Instagram: @maria_stoian \nAccessibility \n\nAttendees have the option to turn on the live captions\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nBook your place using the registration form below. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/comics-creators-network-meeting/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Comics Creators Network ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Comics-Creators-Network-Meeting-4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/Rome:20260930T210000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/Rome:20260930T220000 DTSTAMP:20260909T155126Z CREATED:20260909T154000Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T155126Z UID:10002274-1790802000-1790805600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Italy Group: What is good writing? DESCRIPTION:Join the Italy Group for an online meet-up on Wednesday 30 September from 9pm (CET) \nIn this meeting we will be debating and discussing what good writing is\, according to our member’s own practices and influences. We will be offering our own definitions and reflecting on similarities and differences between our perspectives\, which\, as ever\, will have the Italian twist. \nAnyone with a writing link to Italy 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/italy-group-what-is-good-writing-300926/ CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Italy.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org LOCATION:https://societyofauthors.org/event/italy-group-what-is-good-writing-300926/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261001T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261001T123000 DTSTAMP:20260717T135808Z CREATED:20240112T125413Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T135808Z UID:10001797-1790848800-1790857800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Oxfordshire Group: Shut Up and Write! DESCRIPTION:Join the Oxfordshire Group on Thursday 1 October 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-011026/ 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-011026/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261001T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261001T120000 DTSTAMP:20260914T155047Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T155047Z UID:10002231-1790852400-1790856000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Industry Insider – How to make a living as a children’s author and illustrator DESCRIPTION:Making enough money from book sales alone is hard. So how do most children’s authors and illustrators make a living? Our expert panel Tọlá Okogwu\, Joanna Nadin\, Rikin Parekh and Steve Cole will talk about income streams including making the most of both traditional publishing and self-publishing\, school visits\, funding opportunities\, teaching and more.  \nThis event is in conjunction with our Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group. \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 find sources of income as a children’s writer and illustrator\n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Steve Cole (3 mins)\nPanel discussion chaired by Steve Cole\, with Tọlá Okogwu\, Rikin Parekh and Joanna Nadin (40 mins)\nQ&A with audience (15 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Hope Norman – Membership and Author Communities Administrator\, SoA\n\n  \nThe Line-up\nSteve Cole\nSteve Cole is a prolific British children’s author with sales of over 3 million copies. His work has spanned many genres\, from science fiction and adventure to ‘cli-fi’\, comedy and graphic novels. In addition\, he is Creative Editor for BBC Books’ Doctor Who list. He lives in Aylesbury Vale. \nBlueSky: @stevecolewriter.bsky.social | X: @stevecolebooks \n  \nTọlá Okogwu\nTọlá Okogwu is an award-winning\, best-selling children’s author of the Onyeka\, Daddy Do My Hair and Aziza’s Secret Fairy Door (as Lola Morayo) series. A literacy advocate\, she founded Read Bold\, Wide and Beyond\, encouraging children to build confidence and explore diverse genres. Tọlá lives in Kent with her family. \nWebsite: tolaokogwu.com | Instagram/Threads: @tolaokogwu \n  \nRikin Parekh\nRikin Parekh studied Foundation Studies in Art at Camberwell College of Arts and then Illustration at the University of Westminster\, Harrow. He primarily worked as a Storyboard Artist/Creature Designer in the Film industry\, while also working in retail\, selling books for a national chain\, and then on a Film/TV streaming site. He currently spends his time between working as a primary school SEND Learning Support Assistant\, caring for his mother and writing/illustrating Children’s books. When he’s not drawing\, you’ll probably find him at the cinema\, the zoo\, a museum\, dog-sitting\, or at a Comic Con with friends. \nHe is currently working on his second Author/Illustrator picture book and lots of other fun projects. \nWebsite: www.rikinparekh.com | Instagram: @r1k1n_parekh | Bluesky: @rikinparekh.bsky.social \n  \nJoanna Nadin\nJoanna Nadin is a former broadcast journalist and special adviser to the Prime Minister. Since leaving politics she’s written more than a hundred books for children\, including the Sunday Times #1 bestselling Worst Class in the World Series\, and Joe All Alone\, which is now a BAFTA-winning BBC drama. She is also Associate Professor of Creative Writing at University of Bristol.  \nBluesky: joannanadin.bsky.social \n  \nAbout the Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group (CWIG)\nOur Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group (CWIG) is a professional community of writers and illustrators who create content for the children’s publishing market. \nWe campaign as a group on issues of specific relevance to us\, as well as raising the profile of children’s books more generally.  \nAn elected committee directs the work of the group\, and it is managed day to day by coordinator Sarah Burton. Please see the CWIG committee page for details and deadlines for upcoming vacancies. \n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email HNorman@societyofauthors.org with ‘Making a living as a children’s author and illustrator’ in the subject header. \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nPlease either use the form titled ‘Register – no donation’ or the option of the different ticket options with a donation amount depending on how much you would like to donate towards the Society of Authors Access Fund. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/industry-insider-how-to-make-a-living-as-a-childrens-author-and-illustrator/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Children's Writers and Illustrators ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Industry-Insider_How-to-make-a-living-as-a-childens-authors-and-illustrator-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261001T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261001T200000 DTSTAMP:20260728T090102Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T090102Z UID:10002155-1790877600-1790884800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Translators Association Lates - hosted by Ruth Martin DESCRIPTION:Join us for an in-person event hosted by our Translators Association (TA). Catch up with fellow members\, chat with the SoA staff team\, and hear from our special guest\, translator Ruth Martin. Ruth will share her insights on how to talk about translations to different audiences such as podcasts\, radio interviews or giving a talk in a bookshop. \nPlaces are limited and subject to availability. Please note that there will be limited seating at this event. \n  \nIn Person: SoA Lates events – £9.50 for SoA Members | £19.50 for Non-Members \nNot a member? Sign up here. \n  \nProgramme\n\n6pm – Event starts\n\n\n6.30pm – Welcome and introductions from TA Chair\, Ian Giles\, followed by a short talk from Ruth Martin and the opportunity to ask questions [20 minutes] \n\n\n8pm – Event ends\n\n  \nThe Line-up\nRuth Martin\nRuth Martin studied English literature before gaining a PhD in German. She has been translating fiction and non-fiction books since 2010\, by authors ranging from Joseph Roth and Hannah Arendt to Volker Weidermann and Shida Bazyar. Together with Charlotte Collins\, she won the 2020 Warwick Prize for Women in Translation\, for Nino Haratischwili’s epic novel The Eighth Life. Ruth has taught at the University of Kent and the Bristol Translates summer school. She is a former co-chair of the Translators Association. \nHer translation of Shida Bazyar’s The Nights are Quiet in Tehran was shortlisted for the 2026 International Booker Prize. \nBluesky: @dances-with-voles.bsky.social \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. Translators 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\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 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-lates-hosted-by-ruth-martin/ LOCATION:The Society of Authors\, 24 Bedford Row\, London\, WC1R 4EH\, London\, WC1R 4EH\, GB CATEGORIES:SoA in Person,Translators Association ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TA-Lates-2.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:20261001T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261001T210000 DTSTAMP:20260910T090451Z CREATED:20260910T090451Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T090451Z UID:10002275-1790881200-1790888400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:North West London Group: From idea to published work DESCRIPTION:Join the North West London Group for our next meet-up on Thursday 1 October from 19:00 at Kensal Rise Library\, Bathurst Gardens\, London NW10 5EU. \nAt this meeting\, we will be discussing the journey our ideas take to become published works. Please do come along and share your last book’s journey and what you have learned from that. \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-from-idea-to-published-work-011026/ 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:20261002T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261002T120000 DTSTAMP:20260923T091215Z CREATED:20260825T114119Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260923T091215Z UID:10002297-1790935200-1790942400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Manchester Group: Routines & Websites DESCRIPTION:Join the Manchester Group on Friday 2 October from 10am for our next in person catch-up to discuss our writing routines and learn more about author websites. \nPart 1 – Routines for writing – members are asked to come along and share how they get the writing process going and sustain it! \nPart 2 – Website workshop – for any members without a website\, we’ll be taking a look at how to set one up\, what to include and how to maintain it. Please bring a tablet/laptop so you can have a go if you wish to stay for the second part. \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-routines-websites-021026/ 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:20261002T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261002T140000 DTSTAMP:20260915T111718Z CREATED:20260915T111653Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260915T111718Z UID:10002284-1790938800-1790949600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Monmouth Group: Adapting for Stage and Screen DESCRIPTION:Join the Monmouth group on Friday 2 October from 11am for a catch-up and discussion on adapting stage and screen. \nHow would your novel or story adapt to work on stage or as a film-script? What would go\, what would be better\, what would be lost? Some (most?) writers visualise action as they write as a rolling sequence in their mind’s eye – could that mean the writing really wants to be film? Please register and come along. We’d really like to see you. \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-adapting-for-stage-and-screen-021026/ 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:20261002T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261002T174500 DTSTAMP:20260805T084533Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T084533Z UID:10002227-1790960400-1790963100@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Feel Good Friday - Draw along with Ellen Surrey DESCRIPTION:Join Los Angeles-based illustrator and joint ALCS Educational Writers’ Award winner\, Ellen Surrey for a colourful\, Halloween-themed sketch session to kick off the spooky season. \nInspired by her love of painting and printmaking\, Ellen will walk you through a technique she often uses in her sketchbook to create multiple colours with a limited palette. \nFor this session\, you will need: \n\nPaper (smooth is better)\nPencil and eraser\nTranslucent markers (Ellen will be using Tombow dual brush pens)\nA thin pen in a dark colour (ballpoint\, Micron\, etc)\n\nThis event is in conjunction with our Educational Writers Group (EWG). \n  \nOnline Feel Good Friday events – free for SoA Members | £5 for Non-Members \nNot a member? sign up here. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Tilly Zeeman – Contracts Advisor and EWG co-ordinator\, SoA (3 mins)\nDraw along with Ellen Surrey (35 mins)\nSharing creations (5 mins)\nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\n\n  \n  \nThe Line-up\nEllen Surrey\nEllen Surrey is a Los Angeles-based illustrator whose work captures the unique spirit of the city she calls home. Endlessly inspired by the surrounding film industry\, mid-century design\, and vintage treasures\, Ellen’s work presents a vibrant world of joy and whimsy. Her work spans from digital to gouache illustrations\, appearing in children’s books\, posters\, editorial\, product designs\, and even a USPS postage stamp! No matter the project\, Ellen’s work is always celebratory of the subjects she depicts. \nWebsite: https://www.ellensurrey.com/ | Instagram: @yesurrey \n  \nAbout Educational Writers Group\nEducational Writers Group (EWG) 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  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nSoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details\, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID\, please email info@societyofauthors.org. \nNon-members: Choose one of the two ticket options below\, complete the registration form\, then fill out the billing info to finalise your payment. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \nSoA Members – Free \nNon-Members – £5 \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/feel-good-friday-draw-along-with-ellen-surrey/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Educational Writers Group ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Feel-Good-Friday_Draw-along-with-Ellen-Surrey-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261006T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261006T120000 DTSTAMP:20260804T081229Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T081229Z UID:10001815-1791280800-1791288000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Professional Development - How to create a talk for schools DESCRIPTION:In this session\, experienced author\, teacher and actor Jo Cotterill will lead you through the jargon of primary and secondary school structures and explain how to create an event that inspires and excites while still being within your comfort zone. \nNumbers are strictly limited for this fully interactive workshop to allow enough time for all participants to explore their strengths and the themes of their book(s) through the exercises set. By the end of the session\, you should have a firm idea of the structure and content of your event\, along with a lot more confidence to deliver it! \nAttendees will be able to access a recording of the event afterwards and will also receive the presentation slides. \nPlaces for this event are very limited.  \n  \nOnline Professional Development events – this event is for members only and tickets are priced at £19.50. \nNot a member? Sign up here \n  \nProgramme/What will this session cover\n\nWelcome\, housekeeping and introductions from Hope Norman – Membership and Local Groups Administrator\, SoA (3 mins)\n\nWorkshop programme hosted by Jo Cotterill:\n\nIntroductions from Jo Cotterill\n\nSchools\n\nKey stages\nYear groups\nTimetables\nSEND\n\nYou \n\nYour strengths\, interests and experience\nIdentifying events in your life you could talk about and how.\n\nYour book(s)\n\nAnalysis of the themes in your books\nYour comfort zones regarding social issues\nInteractive exercises linked with your book(s)\n \nComfort Break\n\nStructuring your event\n\nHow to stay on time and keep your audience engaged\nSoftware to use for presentation\n\n \n\n\n\nWhat next?\n\nTalks vs workshops\nPacing your day\nFees and contact with schools\nFinal thoughts\nSummary and closing comments \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email HNorman@societyofauthors.org with ‘How to create a talk for schools’ 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\nJo Cotterill\nJo Cotterill has published over fifty books for children since 2004 with multiple publishers including OUP\, Bloomsbury and Barrington Stoke. She writes for educational publishers as well as trade and regularly visits schools to deliver talks and workshops. Her previous careers in acting and teaching have given her extra confidence in public speaking\, and she particularly enjoys interactive story exercises with large numbers of children. She has spoken at festivals including Hay\, Edinburgh and Oxford\, and is a consultant with EmpathyLab. She is currently working on the fourth book in the series The Starlight Stables Gang with Penguin Random House. \nWebsite: jocotterill.com \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\nBook your place by using the registration below. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID\, please email info@societyofauthors.org. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \nSoA Members – £19.50 \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-how-to-create-a-talk-for-schools-2/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Children's Writers and Illustrators ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Professional-Development_How-to-create-a-talk-for-schools-3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261007T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261007T123000 DTSTAMP:20261001T124243Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T124243Z UID:10002055-1791370800-1791376200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:SoA Listening Session | In person DESCRIPTION:This year\, we’re hosting a series of in-person and online Listening Sessions to understand the biggest issues affecting our members. As we journey through our current five-year strategy period\, 2025-2030\, we want to ensure that we continue to listen to members’ needs. \nThe format for our Member Listening Sessions will involve a small group meeting for members to share the biggest issues affecting them as an author. These meetings will be structured to foster open communication and understanding among members on topics relevant to the business of authorship. \nThis is part of a series of listening sessions we’re hosting in person and online this year. We also have an online survey which you can complete here. \n  \nProgramme\n\n11am – Listening session starts\nDiscussion led by SoA Chief Executive Anna Ganley\, Head of Events & Engagement\, Sophia A Jackson\, Head of Membership and Author Communities\, Emma Boniwell and Chair of the Board\, Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin (90 mins)\n12.30pm – session ends\n\n  \nUpcoming dates\nMembers are invited to book a place to share their experiences at one of the sessions below: \nOnline: \n\nOnline Listening Session | Monday 19 October\, 18.00-19.30\n\n  \nAccessibility\n\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\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.\n\n  \nBooking\nBook your place for this event via the registration form below. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/soa-listening-session-in-person/ LOCATION:The Society Of Authors\, 24 Bedford Row\, London\, WC1R 4EH\, London\, WC1R 4EH\, GB CATEGORIES:London,SoA in Person ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/In-Person-Listening-Session-1.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:20261007T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261007T200000 DTSTAMP:20261007T104856Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261007T104856Z UID:10002228-1791396000-1791403200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Scriptwriters Group Lates - How to work with a dramaturg DESCRIPTION:Join us for an in-person industry insider panel discussion and social hosted by our Scriptwriters Group (SWG). Catch up with fellow scriptwriter members and chat with the SoA staff team. This Scriptwriters Group Lates will include a discussion on how to work with a dramaturg\, hosted by SWG chair Rhiannon Tise with panellists Juliet Gilkes Romero\, Oladipo Agboluaje and Neil Grutchfield. \nThe panel will offer advice on working closely with a dramaturg and how to make the experience and relationship work for you and how you might want to tailor discussions to suit the individual needs of your script. There will be plenty of time for you to put specific questions to the panel.  \nPlaces are limited and subject to availability. Please note that there will be limited seating at this event. \nIn Person: SoA Lates events – £9.50 for SoA Members | £19.50 for Non-Members \nNot a member? Sign up here. \n  \nProgramme\n\n6pm – Event starts – welcome drinks\, nibbles and networking\n6.30pm – 7.15pm – Welcome and introductions from SWG Chair\, Rhiannon Tise followed by a panel discussion on ‘How to work with a dramaturg’ with panellists Juliet Gilkes Romero\, Oladipo Agboluaje and Neil Grutchfield.\n7.15pm – drinks\, nibbles and networking\n8pm – Event close\n\n  \nThe Line-up\nRhiannon Tise\nRhiannon Tise is an award-winning writer for theatre\, radio and television. Her original dramas and adaptations have been broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Radio 3. Her first radio drama The Waltzer won the Richard Imison Award\, and recent adaptions include Louise May Alcott’s Little Women and George Eliot’s The Mill on The Floss\, which won the VLV Drama Award for Best Radio Drama. Her short story Byres Road was recently broadcast on Radio 4\, produced by Sweettalk Productions and read by Sharon Small. Rhiannon is a consultant Fellow and mentor for the Royal Literary Fund.  She is currently chair of the Society of Authors Scriptwriting committee. \nInstagram: @rhiannon_tisewriter | LinkedIn : rhiannon-tise \n  \nJuliet Gilkes Romero\nJuliet Gilkes Romero is an award-winning writer for stage and screen.  She was Writer in Residence at the National Theatre 2022/2023 attached to the New Works Department. \nJuliet is the recipient of the Alfred Fagon award for Best New Play 2020\, the Roland Rees Bursary 2019\, named in honour of the co-founder of the Alfred Fagon Award\, the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain Best Play Award 2009 and the BBC World Service Alexander Onassis Research Bursary. \nHer plays include; The Gift\, a retelling of Medea filmed for Jermyn Street Theatre’s 15 Heroines of Greek Tragedy season 2020\, The Whip performed at the RSC’s Swan Theatre 2020\, Day of The Living performed at The Other Place as part of RSC’s Mischief Festival 2018\, Upper Cut at the Southwark Playhouse 2015\, At The Gates of Gaza\, Birmingham Repertory Theatre & tour\, winner of the Writer’s Guild of Great Britain Best Play Award 2009. \nScreen and audio include – Soon Gone; A Windrush Chronicle co-produced by Sir Lenny Henry’s production company Douglas Road and the Young Vic Theatre\, and One Hot Summer broadcast on BBC Radio 4. \nJuliet has an MA in Writing for Performance from Goldsmiths College\, London University. She is currently an MA Writing for Performance associate lecturer. Juliet is a Trustee at HighTide theatre and the Film & Television Charity. \nWebsite: Juliet Gilkes Romero | Instagram: @JulietGilkesRomero  \n  \nOladipo Agboluaje\nOladipo Agboluaje was the 2018/19 writer-in-residence at the National Theatre. He is a former fellow of the Royal Literature Fund and the International Research Centre\, Berlin. He is the treasurer of the African Theatre Association. He has served on the boards of Soho Theatre and Brixton House. He has lectured in African Theatre and Creative Writing at several universities. He is course director of the Black British Theatre and Performance programme at the British American Drama Academy. \nPlays include: Early Morning\, The Christ of Coldharbour Lane\, Immune\, Crown of Blood \nUzo Aduba is making her National Theatre debut in The Adeyemis – A Family Saga by Oladipo Agboluaje. More details in the National Theatre’s Coming up in 2027 blog post. \n  \nNeil Grutchfield\nNeil Grutchfield is the New Writing Manager at Synergy Theatre Project where he works with prisoner and ex-prisoner playwrights as well as professional writers writing about criminal justice.  \nA freelance dramaturg for over 20 years Neil has worked with emerging\, mid-career and senior playwrights on their plays at all stages of development. \nRecent dramaturgical credits include Ordinary Decent Criminal by Ed Edwards (Paines Plough) and The Boy by Joakim Daun (Soho). For Synergy: Lifers by Evan Placey (Southwark Playhouse) and Providers by Ambreen Razia (Brixton House). \nWebsite: www.neilgrutchfield.com \n  \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  \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 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/scriptwriters-group-lates-how-to-work-with-a-dramaturg/ LOCATION:The Society of Authors\, 24 Bedford Row\, London\, WC1R 4EH\, London\, WC1R 4EH\, GB CATEGORIES:Scriptwriters Group,SoA in Person ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SWG-Lates-2.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:20261007T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261007T200000 DTSTAMP:20261001T115544Z CREATED:20260910T104604Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261001T115544Z UID:10002278-1791399600-1791403200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Ireland Group online meeting: Talk with Kathryn Taussig DESCRIPTION:Join the Ireland Group for our next online meet-up on Wednesday 7 October at 19:00. We’ll meet on Zoom for a talk with author Kathryn Taussig. \nNiamh will interview Kathryn about her many areas of expertise within the business. Please email Niamh (niamhkm@gmail.com) before Monday 5 October with any specific questions you’d like her to ask. There will also be time to put your questions to Kathryn at the session itself. \nAbout Kathryn \nKathryn Taussig has published books across every genre from romance to crime thriller to fantasy. Her authors have repeatedly hit the top ten in the US\, UK and Australian Kindle charts and seen their books become bestsellers in ebook\, audio and paperback. \nAlongside her editorial and acquisitions work\, Kathryn oversees Storm’s international publishing. She manages partnerships with publishers around the world\, leads the translation programme\, and works with authors to get their books into new languages and markets. \nKathryn is driven to help authors hone their stories to reach their maximum sales potential\, wherever their readers are. There’s nothing like getting a book into thousands of readers’ hands\, and so allowing the author to make a good living from doing what they love most. She believes that book publishing should be dynamic and forward-looking\, embracing diversity and cutting-edge technology to knock down the walls that have made it inaccessible to so many in the past. \nShe’s originally from California but has lived in the UK for more than twenty years. \nAll members welcome from the surrounding area. \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/ireland-group-online-meeting-talk-with-kathryn-taussig-071026/ CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Ireland.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org LOCATION:https://societyofauthors.org/event/ireland-group-online-meeting-talk-with-kathryn-taussig-071026/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261007T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261007T210000 DTSTAMP:20260922T105441Z CREATED:20260922T104826Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260922T105441Z UID:10002293-1791399600-1791406800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Tufnell Park Writers: Contracts talk with Sarah Burton (SoA) DESCRIPTION:Join the Tufnell Park Writers on Wednesday 7 October from 19:00 to hear from the SoA’s Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Contracts\, Sarah Burton. \nIn this session\, Sarah will talk about contracts. Whether you’re about to sign one\, preparing for future negotiations or just looking to build your knowledge of the business side of writing. Join the SoA’s Sarah Burton for this session offering practical guidance on: \n\nUnderstanding copyright and permissions\nProtecting your moral rights\nThe essentials of publishing contracts\nAvoiding common contractual pitfalls\nNegotiating with confidence\n\nThere will be a Q&A afterwards so if you have a burning question about contracts either trad or Indie now is your chance. \nAbout Sarah\nSarah Burton is Deputy Chief Executive at the SoA and she leads the advisory service\, which provides members with unlimited professional advice. Working closely with the team\, Sarah supports authors by offering expert guidance on all aspects of the business of writing. As a coordinator of the Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group\, a special interest group within the SoA\, she has a particular interest in industry issues affecting creators of children’s books. \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! \nWe will see what the future brings once we have proved our worth 🙂 \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-contracts-talk-with-sarah-burton-soa-071026/ 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:20261008T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261008T210000 DTSTAMP:20260929T133957Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T133957Z UID:10002072-1791486000-1791493200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Write along DESCRIPTION:Join us for a relaxed evening of writing in good company hosted by Marlene Lowe\, Deputy Chair of the Scottish Committee & owner of Ghost & Quill\, Scotland’s first horror-themed bookshop. Whether you’re deep into a manuscript\, tinkering with a short story\, or just need a reason to sit down and get words on the page\, this Write Along is your chance to carve out dedicated writing time alongside fellow authors. \nThe optional theme for this session is Liminal spaces. Transitions. The unsaid. The moment between one thing ending and another beginning. You’re welcome to write whatever you like\, but if you fancy a shared creative prompt\, take “The Space Between” in whatever direction calls to you — any genre\, any form. We’ll have a chance to discuss our interpretations in the networking session afterwards. \nAll SoA members are welcome. Bring whatever you’re working on\, a notebook\, a laptop\, a cup of tea\, and yourself. \nPlease note that this event will not be recorded or shared afterwards.\n  \nThis event is in conjunction with the Society of Authors in Scotland (SoAiS) \nNot a member? Sign up here \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\n\nWe’ll kick off with introductions and informal networking — a chance to say hello\, share what you’re working on\, and settle in.\nThen we’ll write together in companionable silence for around 90 minutes. No pressure\, no critiquing — just the quiet motivation of knowing others are writing alongside you.\nAfterwards\, there’s another 15 minutes for those who’d like to stick around to chat\, share how the session went\, and connect with other writers.\n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome and introductions from Elsa Robert – Executive Administrator\, SoA (2 mins)\nIntroductions and informal networking (15 mins)\nWrite along workshop led by Marlene Lowe (60 mins)\nComfort break (5 mins)\nWrite along workshop continues (25 mins)\nOptional summary and closing comments (15 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Elsa Robert\, SoA\n\n  \nThe Line-up\nMarlene Lowe\nMarlene Lowe is the founder of The Emerald Agency\, a communications consultancy based in Aberdeen\, Scotland\, specialising in crisis and strategic communications for the organisations the big agencies overlooked. She is also the founder of Ghost & Quill\, Scotland’s first horror-themed online bookshop. She believes the best work happens at the edges. \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 ’Write along’ 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\nThis event is for SoA members only. Book your place using the registration form below.  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n SoA Fundraising Bookshop\n \n Browse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/write-along/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Society of Authors in Scotland ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Write-along-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261009T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261009T123000 DTSTAMP:20260930T105703Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260930T105703Z UID:10002194-1791543600-1791549000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:SoA Community Hub | Underrepresented Writers Networks launch and coffee morning DESCRIPTION:Join us in person for the launch of the SoA’s LGBTQ+\, Writers of Colour and Working-Class Writers networks. This is the inaugural in-person networking event to celebrate the launch of these new\, member-led sessions as part of our community hub programme. Come along and get to know your fellow authors! This is a free event with tea\, coffee\, fruit and biscuits for all. \nThis morning event is hosted by the SoA’s Local Groups Manager\, Elsa Woodmeade\, Head of Events and Engagement\, Sophia A Jackson and Office Manager\, Andy Lapham and all are welcome. It takes place at the SoA’s office on Bedford Row\, London. Places are limited so please register below and let us know of any access or dietary requirements. \nThis event is free to SoA Members. Not a member? Sign up here. \n  \nProgramme\n\n11am – Refreshments and networking\n\n\n11.30am – Welcome and introductions from SoA’s Local Groups manager\, Elsa Woodmeade\, Head of Events and Engagement\, Sophia A Jackson and Office Manager\, Andy Lapham\n\n\n12.30pm – Closes \n\n  \nAbout Underrepresented Writers Networks\nThe Underrepresented Writers Networks are a set of informal\, member-led groups hosting online networking sessions for authors who are underrepresented in the publishing industry. We currently have 3 networks: Writers of Colour\, Working Class Writers and LGBTQ+ Writers. \nTo join any of the networks and hear about any upcoming meetings\, please contact membership@societyofauthors.org. \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-underrepresented-writers-networks-launch-and-coffee-morning/ LOCATION:The Society of Authors\, 24 Bedford Row\, London\, WC1R 4EH\, London\, WC1R 4EH\, GB CATEGORIES:SoA Community Hub,SoA in Person,Underrepresented Writers Networks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Community-Hub_Underrepresented-writers-network-coffee-morning-1.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:20261009T133000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261009T160000 DTSTAMP:20260928T130951Z CREATED:20260908T084826Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260928T130951Z UID:10002272-1791552600-1791561600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:West Midlands Group: Talk with Mark Edwards DESCRIPTION:Join the West Midlands Group on Friday 9 October from 13:30 for an in person talk with Mark Edwards. \nPublishing is more competitive than ever\, and the authors who manage to build and sustain careers are those who are able to build a strong identity and connect with their readers. In this session\, 5 million copy bestselling author Mark Edwards will share his experiences building a brand through social media\, events and\, importantly\, the work itself. Mark will give you practical advice and answer your questions as well as giving you the chance to share your own experiences. \nMark Edwards is the Sunday Times bestselling author of over 20 thrillers including The Wasp Trap\, The Magpies and Here To Stay. Originally from Hastings\, he currently lives in Wolverhampton. \nWe will meet in one of the meeting rooms in Zellig\, Gibb St\, Deritend\, Birmingham B9 4AT. \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-talk-with-mark-edwards-091026/ LOCATION:Zellig\, Gibb Street\, Birmingham\, B9 4AT 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:52.4753297;-1.8837564 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Zellig Gibb Street Birmingham B9 4AT;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=Gibb Street:geo:-1.8837564,52.4753297 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261009T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261009T160000 DTSTAMP:20260929T110542Z CREATED:20260929T110542Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260929T110542Z UID:10002300-1791554400-1791561600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Swansea Group: Then and Now DESCRIPTION:Join the Swansea Group on Friday 9 October from 14:00 for our next in person meeting. \nIn this meeting\, we will discuss how we and our writing practices have changed from when we first started writing (or started writing professionally). We’ll be looking back\, looking forward\, and thinking about how far we’ve come. What do we know now that we wish we’d known when we first started writing? What is the biggest challenge we now face in our writing? How has our idea of ‘being a writer’ changed since we started writing? What’s a skill we didn’t expect to have to learn? Of course please substitute publishing\, illustration and/or translation for writing as needed. \nWe’ll meet at Urban HQ Kitchen\, 37 Orchard St\, Swansea SA1 5AJ. \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/swansea-group-then-and-now-091026/ LOCATION:HQ Urban Kitchen\, The Old Police Station\, The Old Police Station\, Llys Glas\, 37 Orchard St\, Swansea\, SA1 5AJ CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Swansea.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:51.6238067;-3.9435446 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=HQ Urban Kitchen The Old Police Station The Old Police Station Llys Glas 37 Orchard St Swansea SA1 5AJ;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=The Old Police Station\, The Old Police Station\, Llys Glas\, 37 Orchard St:geo:-3.9435446,51.6238067 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261009T160000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261009T180000 DTSTAMP:20260921T094717Z CREATED:20260921T094034Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260921T094717Z UID:10002288-1791561600-1791568800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:South East London Group: Dealing with Rejection DESCRIPTION:Join the South East London Group on Friday 9 October from 16:00 for our next in person meet up.  \nIn this meeting\, Dena Attar will introduce the topic of “Dealing with Rejection” or to put a more positive spin on it “Dealing with getting negative or no feedback” from agents or publishers.  \nWhat do you do with bad news when you get it\, and how do you handle no news at all? We will discuss what not to do and who not to blame. It may not be all bad – so what’s good about it? What can we learn? \nWe will meet at Bell House\, 27 College Road\, Dulwich\, London SE21 7BG. Ring on the bell and we’ll let you in. Refreshments will be DIY\, so please bring your own drinks and snacks. \nAll members welcome! \nLocal Groups meetings are run by our wonderful volunteers\, who kindly give their time to support their local writing community. As such\, please be mindful of limitations on their time and capacity for running the group. \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/south-east-london-group-dealing-with-rejection-091026/ LOCATION:Bell House\, 27 College Road\, Dulwich\, London\, SE21 7BG CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/South-East-London.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:51.4445456;-0.0847204 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Bell House 27 College Road Dulwich London SE21 7BG;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=27 College Road\, Dulwich:geo:-0.0847204,51.4445456 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261010T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261010T120000 DTSTAMP:20260813T090548Z CREATED:20260727T093142Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260813T090548Z UID:10002246-1791626400-1791633600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Dorset Group: Talk with Dominic Wong and Mary Hogarth DESCRIPTION:Join the Dorset Group on Saturday 10 October from 10am for their next in person meet-up to hear from Dominic Wong and Mary Hogarth. Dominic Wong is the Director of the Bournemouth Writing Festival and an award-winning Marketing Director and Marketing Consultant\, and Mary Hogarth is a Media Specialist\, Educator\, Writer and Author. Mary is also a Senior Lecturer at Bournemouth University and runs her own media consultancy\, The Magazine Expert Ltd. \nWe’ll meet at The Hall on the Hill\, St Catherine’s Hill Community Hall\, 17 Marlow Drive\, Christchurch BH23 2RR. There is car parking in front of the shops\, or along surrounding residential roads. \nEntry is free\, please bring your own drinks. All members and non members welcome from the surrounding area! \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/dorset-group-talk-with-dominic-wong-and-mary-hogarth-101026/ LOCATION:Hall on the Hill\, St Catherine's Hill Community Hall\, 17 Marlow Dr\, Christchurch\, BH23 2RR CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Dorset.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:50.7565925;-1.8020991 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Hall on the Hill St Catherine's Hill Community Hall 17 Marlow Dr Christchurch BH23 2RR;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=St Catherine's Hill Community Hall\, 17 Marlow Dr\, Christchurch:geo:-1.8020991,50.7565925 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261012T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261012T193000 DTSTAMP:20261012T093438Z CREATED:20260921T100035Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261012T093438Z UID:10002289-1791829800-1791833400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:POSTPONED - Chester Group online: Authors' North Conference debrief DESCRIPTION:PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT HAS NOW BEEN POSTPONED. \nJoin the Chester Group on Monday 12 October from 18:30 for a one-hour virtual meeting. \nJoin Jennifer Page online where she’ll report back on the Society of Authors’ conference in Sheffield which took place on 19 September. One of the main topics discussed was AI and its impact on authors and the industry as a whole. \nWe’ll also discuss ideas for the Chester group going forwards so if you’ve any thoughts\, please be prepared to share them! \nAll members welcome from the surrounding area. \nTo join us\, click the Going button below and enter your details in the RSVP form. If this event is full\, please email us to be added to the waiting list. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/chester-group-online-authors-north-conference-debrief-121026/ CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up,Society of Authors in Wales ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Chester.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org LOCATION:https://societyofauthors.org/event/chester-group-online-authors-north-conference-debrief-121026/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261013T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261013T113000 DTSTAMP:20260728T090155Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T090155Z UID:10002073-1791885600-1791891000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Professional Development – The nuts and bolts of writing series fiction DESCRIPTION:Join Author Vaseem Khan as he leads this session covering the essentials of writing series fiction\, i.e. fiction that features returning characters and settings. \nWe will explore examples of brilliant series across different genres such as crime\, fantasy and romance\, and examine the key ingredients that make such fiction successful. The session will detail how to create narrative arcs that ‘grow’ your characters\, how to develop overarching themes\, and the elements of world-building that make readers consistently come back for more. We will also discuss what agents and editors are currently looking for in new series pitches. \nThis session is for authors currently writing or contemplating writing series or episodic fiction i.e. fiction with recurring characters and/or settings. \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?\n\nWhat makes for brilliant series fiction\, across different genres? \nHow to create evolving narrative arcs for your characters\nHow to write self-contained plots in each series outing \nThe importance of overarching themes\nHow to create a world that readers want to revisit\nWhat do agents and editors want in series fiction?\n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Lilly Brend-Fish – Events & Engagement Manager\, SoA (3 mins)\nPresentation by Vaseem Khan (60 mins)\nComfort Break (5 mins)\nQ&A with audience (20 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email LBrendfish@societyofauthors.org with ‘Writing series fiction’ 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\nVaseem Khan\nVaseem Khan is the author of several award-winning crime series including the Baby Ganesh Agency novels\, set in modern Mumbai\, and the Malabar House historical series\, set in 1950s Bombay. His debut\, The Unexpected Inheritance of Inspector Chopra\, was selected by the Sunday Times as one of the 40 best crime novels published 2015-2020. Midnight at Malabar House\, the first Malabar House novel\, won the Crime Writers’ Association Historical Dagger. He is also the author of Quantum of Menace\, the first in a series featuring Q from the world of James Bond. \nWebsite: http://vaseemkhan.com | Instagram: @vaseemkhanwriter | X:@VaseemKhanUK \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-the-nuts-and-bolts-of-writing-series-fiction/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Professional-Development_The-nuts-and-bolts-of-writing-series-fiction-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261013T120000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261013T140000 DTSTAMP:20260914T095224Z CREATED:20260914T094717Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260914T095224Z UID:10002281-1791892800-1791900000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Surrey Group: Talk with Beth Appleby DESCRIPTION:Join the Surrey Group on Tuesday 13 October from 12:00 for our next meeting for a talk with local member Beth Appleby. \nBeth will be sharing with us the story behind her book Carrying Hope: expecting death\, delivering life and how she came to write it. After receiving devastating news during her third pregnancy\, the journey to birth held many twists and turns\, surprises\, encouragement and dark times.  \nTRIGGER WARNING: Please be aware there will be content about baby loss and stillbirth.  \nUltimately ending with a story the medical world had never deemed possible\, Beth felt compelled to chronicle her story to give hope to other families. She will share the challenges of writing a memoir of recent events\, the decision to publish under a pseudonym\, her experience of being published by a hybrid publisher and the impact of the book to date. \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-beth-appleby-131026/ 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:20261013T193000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261013T203000 DTSTAMP:20260717T141907Z CREATED:20260119T113752Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T141907Z UID:10001911-1791919800-1791923400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Hertfordshire Writers online meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join Hertfordshire Writers on Tuesday 13 October 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-131026/ 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-131026/ END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261014T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261014T120000 DTSTAMP:20260717T141132Z CREATED:20260122T130257Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T141132Z UID:10001942-1791972000-1791979200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Warwickshire Group: Creative Coffee Morning DESCRIPTION:Join the Warwickshire Group on Wednesday 14 October 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-141026/ 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:20261014T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261014T210000 DTSTAMP:20260910T111902Z CREATED:20260206T113327Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260910T111902Z UID:10001983-1792004400-1792011600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Edinburgh Group: Talk with Morag Hood DESCRIPTION:Join the Edinburgh group on Wednesday 14 October from 19:00 for a talk with author Morag Hood. \nMorag Hood is an award-winning author and illustrator of picture books such as I Am Bat\, Aalfred and Aalbert\, and Seahorse is Furious. \nIn this session\, Morag will talk about how she has built a career as an author and illustrator – how she got started\, her work as a writer and illustrator beyond the books themselves\, and what a ‘typical day’ is like for her. There will also be time for Morag to answer any questions for those interested in her career and creative process. \nWe will meet at Argonaut Books\, 15-17 Leith Walk\, Edinburgh\, EH6 8LN. \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/edinburgh-group-talk-with-morag-hood-141026/ LOCATION:Argonaut Books\, 15-17 Leith Walk\, Edinburgh\, EH6 8LN CATEGORIES:SoA local group meet-up ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Edinburgh.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org GEO:55.9702964;-3.1716647 X-APPLE-STRUCTURED-LOCATION;VALUE=URI;X-ADDRESS=Argonaut Books 15-17 Leith Walk Edinburgh EH6 8LN;X-APPLE-RADIUS=500;X-TITLE=15-17 Leith Walk:geo:-3.1716647,55.9702964 END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261015T123000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261015T140000 DTSTAMP:20261007T151355Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261007T151355Z UID:10001773-1792067400-1792072800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:SoA Autumn Members' Lunch - hosted by Nicola Morgan DESCRIPTION:Join us for our Autumn Members’ Lunch event held at our London offices on Bedford Row. Meet and mingle with SoA staff and fellow members\, and hear a few words from SoA Fellow\, Nicola Morgan. \nPlaces are limited and subject to availability. Please note that there will be limited seating at this event. \n  \nIn Person: Member Lunches events – £9.50 for SoA Members  \nNot a member? Sign up here. \n  \nProgramme\n\n12.30pm – Event starts\n1pm – Welcome and introductions from  SoA Chief Executive\, Anna Ganley\n\n\n1.05pm – Anna Ganley will host a short in conversation with SoA Fellow\, Nicola Morgan (20 mins). She will share tips about her journey so far.\n\n\n1.25pm – Mingling and networking\n\n\n2pm – Event finishes\n\n  \nThe Line up\nNicola Morgan\nNicola Morgan\, sometimes known as The Teenage Brain Woman\, is a multi-award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction whose written and spoken work on young brains\, psychology and mental health is loved by teenagers\, schools and families around the world. In 2018 the School Library Association awarded her the Outstanding Contribution to Information Books. Her teenage novels have also won awards and she hopes to return to fiction one day. Nicola has served as Chair of both the Society of Authors in Scotland and the Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group and campaigns for authors’ rights to earn appropriately from their work\, whether printed or spoken. \n  \nAccessibility\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  \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£9.50 for SoA Members \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-autumn-members-lunch-hosted-by-nicola-morgan/ 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/Autumn-Members-Lunch-4.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 END:VCALENDAR