BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Society of Authors - ECPv6.17.2//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:The Society of Authors X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://societyofauthors.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Society of Authors REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260907T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260907T120000 DTSTAMP:20260723T150740Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T150740Z UID:10002190-1788778800-1788782400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Writers of Colour Network online meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the Writers of Colour Network on Monday 7 September from 11am for a member-led networking session\, hosted by members Jenny Mitchell and Durre Shahwar and moderated by Sophia Jackson\, Head of Events and Engagement\, and Rose Hensher\, Grants and Prizes Administrator. Come along and get to know your fellow authors! \nMeeting structure \n\n30 minutes – Whole group discussion: What do we want from this group? \n30 minutes – Breakout rooms to get to know other members in smaller groups.\n\nWe look forward to seeing you there! \nWriters of Colour Network\nThe Writers of Colour Network is an informal\, member-led network established in 2026 for authors\, illustrators and translators of colour to meet\, chat and share their experiences through online networking meetings. To join the mailing list and be kept up to date on the network’s events and activities\, please email membership@societyofauthors.org. \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/writers-of-colour-network-online-meet-up-070926/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Underrepresented Writers Networks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Writers-of-Colour.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260909T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260909T193000 DTSTAMP:20260827T151802Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260827T151802Z UID:10002040-1788978600-1788982200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:LGBTQ+ Writers Network online meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the LGBTQ+ Writers Network on Wednesday 9 September from 6.30pm for a member-led networking session. Come along and get to know your fellow authors! \nMeeting structure \n\n5-10 minutes – Welcome to the session and lightning introduction round.\n20 minutes – Whole group discussion on the theme\, ‘Writing identities different from your own’.\n20 minutes – Genre-specific breakout rooms to chat with members in smaller groups about your experiences.\n5-10 minutes – ‘Writers Wins’\, sharing achievements from our writing lives.\n\nWe look forward to seeing you there! \nLGBTQ+ Writers Network\nThe LGBTQ+ Writers Network is an informal\, member-led network established in 2026 for LGBTQ+ authors\, illustrators and translators to meet\, chat and share their experiences through online networking meetings. To join the mailing list and be kept up to date on the network’s events and activities\, please email membership@societyofauthors.org. \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/lgbtq-network-online-meet-up-090926/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Underrepresented Writers Networks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LGBTQ-Network.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260910T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260910T203000 DTSTAMP:20260717T133732Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T133732Z UID:10001966-1789066800-1789072200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Self-Publishers Network: When to outsource and when to learn new skills DESCRIPTION:*Please note the date of this meeting has changed from the 3 September to the 10 September.* \nJoin the Self-Publishers Network on Thursday 10 September from 7pm for a member-led discussion on outsourcing and learning new skills. We will consider questions such as: How do we learn the skills needed to self-publish? How do we decide what to do ourselves\, and what to outsource?  \nWe will go into small groups using breakout rooms on Zoom for you to meet fellow members\, chat and share advice. We’ll run two rounds of rooms for around 20 minutes each so you can meet a variety of authors\, then at the end we will feed back to the main group. \nMeeting structure \n\n10 minutes – Welcome and housekeeping\, answering any initial questions\n20 minutes – Breakout room to chat with members in smaller groups\n10 minutes – Catch up and remix the rooms\n20 minutes – Breakout room to chat with members in smaller groups\n30 minutes – Feed back to the main group\, closing discussion\n\nWe look forward to seeing you there! \nAbout the Self-Publishers Network\nThe Self-Publishers Network is a member-led network connecting self-published authors to share experiences\, recommendations and advice. You can find out more about the network\, our upcoming meeting and SoA resources for self-publishers here. \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/self-publishers-network-when-to-outsource-and-when-to-learn-new-skills-030926/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Self-Publishers Network ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Self-Publishers-Network.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260915T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260915T113000 DTSTAMP:20260728T090007Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T090007Z UID:10001811-1789466400-1789471800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Professional Development - Book marketing on TikTok - the next steps DESCRIPTION:This more advanced session focuses on taking things to the next level and growing on TikTok. If you’re already set up on the platform but want to use it more strategically\, you’re in the right place. Perhaps you’re struggling to connect with readers effectively\, or perhaps you’re looking for some fresh\, practical ideas for content that will have a real impact. \nJoin Communications specialist and author\, Anna Caig\, as she looks at how to integrate TikTok content creation into your routine and build a sustainable ongoing presence on the channel. \nThis session is for writers who are already set up on TikTok but would like to grow and give their book marketing there a boost\, as well as writers who’d like an injection of fresh ideas for using the platform strategically.  \n  \nOnline Professional Development events – free for SoA Members \nNot a member? Sign up here. \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\nWe’ll cover: \n\n\n\nTikTok formats – do you know your stitches from your duets? How to use different formats to best effect \nA practical content planning template – ideas\, inspiration and options for authors to take away and have a go at\nContent creation that fits into your routine – how to build a sustainable presence\nHow to work with existing BookTokers to promote your work.\n\n\n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Lilly Brend-Fish – Events & Engagement Manager\, SoA (3 mins)\nPresentation by Anna Caig (60 mins)\nComfort Break (5 mins)\nQ&A with audience (20 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email Lilly Brend-Fish on LBrendfish@societyofauthors.org with ‘TikTok – the next steps’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nThe Line-up\nAnna Caig\nAnna Caig trains creative people to do their own marketing\, running courses and working one-to-one with many writers. She’s worked in communications for over 20 years. Anna’s novel The Wise Witch of Orkney will be published in February 2026. She is obsessed with the hidden voices of women in history.  \nWebsite: annacaig.co.uk |Instagram: @AnnaCaig | TikTok: @AnnaCaig \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nSoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details\, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID\, please email info@societyofauthors.org. \nNon-members: Choose one of the two ticket options below\, complete the registration form\, then fill out the billing info to finalise your payment. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \nSoA Members – Free \nNon-Members – £35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/professional-development-book-marketing-on-tiktok-the-next-steps/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Book-marketing-on-TikTok.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260915T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260915T120000 DTSTAMP:20260723T145621Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260723T145621Z UID:10002189-1789470000-1789473600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Working Class Writers Network online meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the Working Class Writers Network on Tuesday 15 September from 11am for a member-led networking session. Come along and get to know your fellow authors! \nMeeting structure \n\n30 minutes – Whole group discussion: What do we want from this group and the SoA? \n30 minutes – Breakout rooms to get to know other members in smaller groups.\n\nWe look forward to seeing you there! \nWorking Class Writers Network\nThe Working Class Writers Network is an informal\, member-led network established in 2026 for working class authors\, illustrators and translators to meet\, chat and share their experiences through online networking meetings. To join the mailing list and be kept up to date on the network’s events and activities\, please email membership@societyofauthors.org. \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/working-class-writers-network-online-meet-up-150926/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Underrepresented Writers Networks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Working-Class-Writers.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260917T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260917T203000 DTSTAMP:20260728T093637Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T093637Z UID:10002223-1789671600-1789677000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Industry Insider – Neurodiversity\, disability justice\, and writing in Wales DESCRIPTION:This session on neurodiversity and disability will spotlight the work of Sofia Brizio\, an Italian writer\, translator and editor based in Wales. Sofia lives with cerebral palsy and writes about disability rights\, LGBTQ+ rights\, and trans-inclusive intersectional feminism. She is currently a PhD researcher in Media Diversity at Birmingham City University. \nChaired by Francesca Sobande\, a neurodivergent writer and reader in Digital Media Studies at Cardiff University\, this session will include discussion of the interlinked nature of different inequalities and their impacts on authors.  \nThis event is in conjunction with the Society of Authors Cymru \n  \nOnline Industry Insider events – free for all + donation \nAll donations made go towards the Society of Authors’ Access Fund. The fund is to help provide authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. If you would like to make a donation with your booking\, please do so when registering for the event below. \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\nFocusing on Sofia’s writing and research in recent years\, the event will highlight matters related to: \n\nDisability justice\nCreativity\nWriting\nSocial media\nAnd the cultural industries in Wales and beyond. \n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Francesca Sobande (3 mins)\nPanel discussion chaired by Francesca Sobande with Sofia Brizo (60 mins)\nComfort break (5 mins)\nQ&A with audience (20 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Emma Boniwell – Head of Membership & Author Communities\, SoA\n\n  \nThe Line-up\nFrancesca Sobande\nFrancesca Sobande is a writer and reader in digital media studies at Cardiff University. She is author and co-author of books published by 404 Ink\, Bloomsbury\, Palgrave Macmillan\, SAGE\, and University of California Press. Her recent writing includes the free self-published zine\, Black Life in / and “Alt” Music Subcultures\, and an essay on “Echoes: Soft Space and Solidarity in the Legacy of Hardcore Punk” (Folding Rock). Francesca is currently working on a self-published comic\, Balsamic Night\, and illustrated poetry collection\, Haar. \n  \nSofia Brizo\nSofia Brizio is an Italian writer\, translator and editor based in Wales. Living with cerebral palsy\, Sofia writes about disability rights\, LGBTQ+ rights\, and trans-inclusive intersectional feminism. She is currently a PhD researcher in Media Diversity at Birmingham City University. \n  \nAbout the Society of Authors Cymru\nThe Society of Authors Cymru is a national group of the Society of Authors. Established in 2018\, we provide professional advice and support for Welsh writers at all stages of their career\, whether they write in English or Welsh. \nWe organise regular events and host socials across the year via a volunteer steering committee and local groups. Join us to meet authors across Wales\, find out what’s happening in your area and be a part of your local Society of Authors community. \nFind out more here \n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email EBoniwell@societyofauthors.org with ‘Neurodiversity\, disability justice\, and writing in Wales’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nPlease either use the form titled ‘Register – no donation’ or the option of the different ticket options with a donation amount depending on how much you would like to donate towards the Society of Authors Access Fund. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/industry-insider-neurodiversity-disability-justice-and-writing-in-wales/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Society of Authors in Wales ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Industry-Insider_Neurodiversity-Disability-justice-and-writing-in-Wales-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260918T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260918T114500 DTSTAMP:20260728T090014Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T090014Z UID:10002193-1789729200-1789731900@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Feel Good Friday - Transforming doubt into creativity DESCRIPTION:As writers\, do we constantly juggle inspiration with self-doubt? Can this lead us to question every word we write\, even when we have a track record of being successfully published? How does this impact our output and ability to cope with the inevitable rejections all writers face? Is self-doubt a necessary part of the creative process\, and can we learn to make it a friend rather than an enemy? \nThis session led by writer\, Jenny Mitchell is for any writer who has felt their work isn’t good enough or who has moments of self-doubt\, especially after facing rejection. The workshop will be non-judgemental whilst still asking participants to challenge themselves.  \n  \nOnline Feel Good Friday events – free for SoA Members | £5 for Non-Members \nNot a member? sign up here. \n  \nWhat will this session cover? \n\nHow do we recognise self-doubt and not dismiss our work because of it?\nWhat is at the root of self-sabotage?\nAre there any events\, feedback or people that set our work off course?\nHow do we find ways to ‘disobey’ them so that we continue to write?\nIf we do all of this\, can we access more power and creativity?\n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Lilly Brend-Fish – Events & Engagement Manager\, SoA (3 mins)\nPresentation by Jenny Mitchell – attendees are encouraged to contribute during the session (30 mins)\nQ&A with audience (10 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email Lbrendfish@societyofauthors.org with ‘Doubt into creativity’ in the subject header. \n  \nThe Line-up\nJenny Mitchell\nJenny Mitchell has three collections: Her Lost Language was joint winner of the Geoff Stevens Memorial Prize; Map of a Plantation won the Poetry Book Awards and is a university set text. Resurrection of a Black Man contains three prize-winning poems. She is a poetry co-editor for the Morning Star. \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nSoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details\, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID\, please email info@societyofauthors.org. \nNon-members: Choose one of the two ticket options below\, complete the registration form\, then fill out the billing info to finalise your payment. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \nSoA Members – Free \nNon-Members – £5 \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/feel-good-friday-transforming-doubt-into-creativity/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Feel-Good-Friday_Transforming-doubt-into-creativity-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T120000 DTSTAMP:20260728T090000Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T090000Z UID:10002167-1789988400-1789992000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Industry Insider – How to make a successful audio drama 2026 DESCRIPTION:If you love the escape of listening to audio drama\, the freedom of writing audio drama\, or you just want to find out more about the medium\, join industry experts as we unpick what makes a truly great audio play hosted by SoA Scriptwriters (SWG) Committee Member Robin Mukherjee.  \nPanellists include fellow SWG committee member James Clarke; this year’s Imison Award winner\, Sylvia Anne Parker; Imison Award shortlistee Sherise Blackman; and Tinniswood Award shortlistee James Fritz. \nThis event is in conjunction with our Scriptwriters Group (SWG). \n  \nOnline Industry Insider events – free for all + donation \nAll donations made go towards the Society of Authors’ Access Fund. The fund is to help provide authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. If you would like to make a donation with your booking\, please do so when registering for the event below. \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\n\nIntro to the panel\nWhat made each panellist fall in love with audio drama?\nThe importance and impact of scripting for audio; sound design; actingand direction \nWhat the panel would like to hear more of\, in audio drama?\nWhat makes the medium unique?\nAdvice for aspiring audio drama writers…\nWhere to find great audio drama!\n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Robin Mukherjee (3 mins)\nPanel discussion chaired by Robin Mukherjee\, with James Clarke\, Sylvia-Anne Parker\, Sherise Blackman and James Fritz (40 mins)\nQ&A with audience (15 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Sophia A Jackson – Head of Events & Engagement\, SoA\n\n  \nThe Line-up\n  \nRobin Mukherjee\nRobin Mukherjee has contributed extensively to television drama\, both returning series (EastEnders\, Casualty\, The Bill\, etc) and serials (including Grushko with Brian Cox and Andy Serkis\, and Plastic Man with John Thaw and Frances Barber). He has also written for radio and theatre. His first feature film\, Dance of the Wind\, won the Audience Prize at the London Film Festival. His most recent film\, Lore\, was critically acclaimed worldwide\, winning Best Adapted Screenplay at the Australian Writers Guild Awards\, the Public Prize at Locarno\, and many others. It was Australia’s official entry to the Oscars. \nHis original three-part serial\, Combat Kids\, for CBBC/BBC1 was nominated for a BAFTA. Recent work includes Hetty Feather for CBBC\, and a feature film adaptation of Satish Kumar’s memoir No Destination. His current projects include an adaptation of Paul Scott’s (Booker Prize winning) novel Staying On supported by the BFI\, and a feature film\, Petrichor\, also supported by the BFI\, co-written with BAFTA winning director Esther May Campbell. His book\, The Art of Screenplays – A Writer’s Guide\, is published by Kamera Press\, and his novel\, Hillstation\, by Oldcastle Books. He is Course Director of MA Scriptwriting at Bath Spa University. \nWebsite: https://robinmukherjee.com/ \n  \nJames Clarke\nJames Clarke is a writer and educator with a focus on cinema and literature. James was educated at the University of Warwick and at the University of Bristol. James has taught on the MA Screenwriting course at London Film School and is a guest tutor at Falmouth University. He has also worked as a Script Reader for the British Film Institute. Currently\, James is developing a feature film screenplay with a UK-based production company and is also writing a new book about filmmaking. \nInstagram: @jameswriter72 \n  \nSylvia-Anne Parker\nSylvia-Anne Parker’s writing journey has taken her from script supervisor to directors including Danny Boyle\, Cary Fukunaga\, Yorgos Lanthimos and Clio Barnard to winning the 2026 Imison Award. She enjoys fusing fact with fiction to create stories featuring characters who despite being up against the system manage to survive. \n  \nSherise Blackman\nSherise Blackman is a multi-hyphenate actor\, writer\, and producer with a sharp\, fearless voice. She is the creator and lead writer on Audible Original scripted comedy series Do Not Disturb where she also stars as the lead character ‘Saffron’. Her writer credits include staff writer on Sky’s Dreamland (S2) and writers’ assistant on Netflix/Shondaland’s Bridgerton (S2). Sherise is a dynamic creative with a passion for bold ideas\, fresh perspectives\, and storytelling that resonates.  \nInstagram: @iamsheblackman \n  \nJames Fritz\nJames Fritz is a writer from South London. Recently he has created and written three series of the award-winning audio drama Life and Time for BBC Radio 4. \nHis other plays for audio includes Comment is Free\, Death of A Cosmonaut\, Eight Point Nine Nine\, Dear Harry Kane\, The Test Batter Can’t Breathe (all BBC Radio 4) and Skyscraper Lullaby\, which he also directed (Audible).  James’ audio work has won several major awards including four BBC Audio Drama Awards\, three ARIAs and The Prix Europa for Best European Drama. His plays for stage include The Flea\, Parliament Square\, Ross & Rachel and Four Minutes Twelve Seconds. \nInstagram: @jamestfritz \n  \nAbout the Scriptwriters Group (SWG)\nThe Scriptwriters Group (SWG) is a community of scriptwriters and broadcasters. It represents writers and makers across digital\, broadcast\, AV and theatre. \nWe support members and associates by providing professional\, individual advice\, negotiating collective minimum terms agreements with organisations such the BBC\, and lobby on policy and legislation to promote the interests and protect the rights of scriptwriters. \nIn addition\, we manage a series of seminars\, panel discussions and ‘in conversation’ style events throughout the year\, on matters of concern and interest to members working across these industry sectors. We also publish interviews and develop resources for publication on the SoA website and via our quarterly journal\, The Author. \nThe Group is made up of an elected committee and the Group Chair is Rhiannon Tise. Whilst the committee directs the work of the group\, the day-to-day administration is handled by Co-Administrators Sophia Jackson and Theo Jones. Contact either Sophia or Theo with any scriptwriting-related topics\, concerns or suggestions that you might wish to raise with the committee. \n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email SJackson@societyofauthors.org with ‘How to make a successful audio drama’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nPlease either use the form titled ‘Register – no donation’ or the option of the different ticket options with a donation amount depending on how much you would like to donate towards the Society of Authors Access Fund. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/industry-insider-how-to-make-a-successful-audio-drama-2026/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Scriptwriters Group ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Industry-Insider_How-to-make-a-successful-audio-drama-2026-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260925T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260925T114500 DTSTAMP:20260728T100021Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T100021Z UID:10002071-1790334000-1790336700@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Feel Good Friday – Building resilience: Navigating rejection and knockbacks DESCRIPTION:You’ve written your book. You’ve researched agents. You’ve taken the leap and sent your query and then you wait. \nWhat happens next? For many\, it’s a polite reply “thank you\, but this isn’t right for us.” Sometimes you might not hear back at all. Both scenarios can sting\, and for some writers\, that rejection is enough to stop them sending their book out again. \nThis session hosted\, by confidence and resilience coach Kelly Weekes\, explores how you can move forward after a “no” without losing confidence or momentum. \n  \nOnline Feel Good Friday events – free for SoA Members | £5 for Non-Members \nNot a member? Sign up here. \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\nWe’ll cover: \n\nWhy rejection can feel so painful (and why that feeling is normal)\nWhat to do in the short term after a knockback\nHow to avoid common negative spirals\nHow to reframe rejection and take important learnings\nHow to decide\, and plan\, what to do next\n\nWhile this session will mainly focus on resilience after an agent or publisher rejection\, the tools and strategies shared can be applied to other knockbacks you may face in your author career. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Lilly Brend-Fish – Events & Engagement Manager\, SoA (3 mins)\nPresentation by Kelly Weekes (30 mins)\nQ&A with audience (10 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email Lbrendfish@societyofauthors.org with ‘Building resilience’ in the subject header. \n  \nThe Line-up\nKelly Weekes\nKelly Weekes is an ICF-accredited confidence and resilience coach for authors. She has held senior marketing roles in publishing\, and now works directly with authors. She combines her industry knowledge with her coaching skills to help authors navigate the ups and downs of their careers.  \nWebsite: www.kellyweekes.co.uk | Instagram: @kelly_weekes \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nSoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details\, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID\, please email info@societyofauthors.org. \nNon-members: Choose one of the two ticket options below\, complete the registration form\, then fill out the billing info to finalise your payment. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \nSoA Members – Free \nNon-Members – £5 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/feel-good-friday-building-resilience-navigating-rejection-and-knockbacks/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Feel-Good-Friday_Building-Author-Resilience-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260929T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260929T113000 DTSTAMP:20260728T091352Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T091352Z UID:10002224-1790676000-1790681400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Professional Development - Substack for beginners DESCRIPTION:Substack can provide a powerful tool for authors to grow their audience and connect with readers. It combines blogging\, social media and newsletters\, with the option to earn from paid-for subscriptions. \nIn this session you’ll learn how to set up your Substack the right way\, consider your launch\, explore monetisation options and grow sustainably and with joy. The event is led by Audience Development Consultant and Substack expert Claire Venus\, who has more than 14K subscribers on Substack. \n  \nOnline Professional Development events – free for SoA Members \nNot a member? Sign up here. \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\n\nSubstack set up – claim your handle\, name your publication and your url\nWhat to do next (your about page\, hero post and welcome emails)\nYour growth and monetisation plan long term – with joy! \n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Lilly Brend-Fish – Events & Engagement Manager\, SoA (3 mins)\nPresentation by Claire Venus (60 mins)\nComfort Break (5 mins)\nQ&A with audience (20 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email LBrendfish@societyofauthors.org with ‘Substack for beginners’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nThe Line-up\nClaire Venus\nClaire Venus lives on the Northumberland Coast with her family.  After a career in festivals and events she pivoted to work online and grew a global six-figure business primarily teaching audience development and Substack. \nShe’s writing a book a year for 10 years on the way to a traditional book deal.  Her co-authored Substack education book How to Build a World Class Substack has sold thousands of copies and is available wherever you get your books. \nWebsite: www.creativelyconscious.co.uk | Substack: Sparkle on Substack \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nSoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details\, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID\, please email info@societyofauthors.org. \nNon-members: Choose one of the two ticket options below\, complete the registration form\, then fill out the billing info to finalise your payment. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \nSoA Members – Free \nNon-Members – £35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/professional-development-substack-for-beginners/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Professional-Development_Substack-for-beginners.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260930T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260930T193000 DTSTAMP:20260728T092950Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T092950Z UID:10002225-1790791200-1790796600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Comics Creators Network Meeting DESCRIPTION:Join members of the Comics Creators Network (CCN) Steering Committee at our next networking meeting. This is a chance for current SoA members (or those of you that maybe wish to join us in the future) to meet the committee and other fellow comic creators. \nWe will start the event with general welcomes from the committee and will open the floor for any attendees who may wish to introduce themselves (please note that this is fully optional). We will then move onto the breakout rooms where attendees will be put into smaller discussion groups. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome and introductions from the Comics Creators Network Steering Committee (5-10 mins)\nWelcome from attendees (optional) (10 mins)\nBreakout rooms hosted by the Comics Creators Network committee members for informal chat\, networking\, information sharing (45 mins – three 15 min sessions)\nReturn to the main room where we will discuss: (20 mins)\nWhat can the Network do for you?\nWhat are our aims for 2027?\nHow can we address challenges facing comics creators and advocate for better industry standards?\nClosing comments (5-10 mins) \n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email comics@societyofauthors.org  with ‘CCN Meeting’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nThe Line-up \nNyla Ahmad  \nNyla Ahmad is Reading Communities Manager at Scottish Book Trust\, leading on programming Book Week Scotland. Nyla was the inaugural awardee of Literature Alliance Scotland’s Next Level Award and currently serves on the Glasgow Zine Library board of trustees. She previously co-led the BHP Comics project\, Full Colour\, a mentoring programme for young comics creators from BAME backgrounds. She has also worked for the Glasgow Women’s Library on their museum access project\, Equality in Progress. Nyla’s MPhil thesis examined South Asian and Muslim representation in comics. She served as chair of the Scottish Independent Comic Book Alliance Awards for three years.  \nX: @NylaNylaNyla \n  \nHannah Berry \nHannah Berry is a comics creator\, cartoonist\, writer\, illustrator\, and current UK Comics Laureate. She is the author of three highly acclaimed and occasionally award-winning graphic novels published by Jonathan Cape\, and in 2018 was inducted as a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.  \nX: @streakofpith  | Website: www.hannahberry.co.uk | Instagram: @streakofpith \n  \nAlice Nuttall \nAlice Nuttall is an indie comics creator and writer of three webcomics\, Footloose\, Cherry\, and Black Market Magic\, co-created with artist Emily Brady. She is an admin for The CVA\, an online group supporting UK-based indie comics creators\, and a regular attendee at comic conventions around the UK.  \nInstagram: @alicenuttallbooks | X: @Ally_Nuttall \n  \nWoodrow Phoenix \nWoodrow Phoenix is a writer\, artist\, and graphic designer based in London and Cambridge. His work has appeared in national UK newspapers\, in magazines and comics across Europe\, the USA and Japan\, and in television projects for Walt Disney and Cartoon Network. His most recent book\, Crash Course\, was published in August 2020 by Street Noise Books.  \nX: @mrphoenix | Website: @woodrowphoenix.co.uk \n  \nSimon Moreton \nSimon Moreton is an artist and author. He draws and writes about everyday life\, memory\, identity\, and our relationship to the histories of the places we live in. As well as being a committed self-publisher\, his comics have been published by Avery Hill\, Uncivilized\, Kilgore Books\, and Retrofit. His latest book\, WHERE?\, was published by Little Toller in 2021\, and is about his father’s death and his childhood in the Shropshire countryside. He is Associate Professor of Creative Economies at UWE Bristol\, working to support equitable futures for cultural and creative work.  \nInstagram: @simon.moreton | Website: www.simon-moreton.co.uk | X: @simon_moreton \n  \nZara Slattery \nZara Slattery is a graphic novelist\, illustrator and tutor and author of the award-winning graphic memoir\, Coma. She collaborates with writers and organisations in creating work on issues around the environment\, identity\, health\, disability and was recently the disability consultant for Canterbury Cathedral’s Miracle Windows comics project. She’s currently working on the medieval eco-fable\, Sweeney’s Progress\, with writer Gregory Norminton.  \nX: @inksplattery | Instagram: @zaraslattery | Website: www.zaraslattery.com \n  \nMaria Stoian\nMaria Stoian is an award-winning comics artist and illustrator based in Edinburgh\, where she teaches at Edinburgh College of Art. She is the author of the graphic novel Take it as a Compliment\, a collection of real-life stories of sexual violence. In collaboration with writer Heather Parry she designed and illustrated The Illustrated Freelancer’s Guide and The Illustrated Fair Work Guide. Her work has been published in The New Yorker\, The Nib and in anthologies such as We Shall Fight Until We Win and the Eisner-winning Drawing Power.  \nWebsite: www.mariastoian.com | X @mariadraws | Instagram: @maria_stoian \nAccessibility \n\nAttendees have the option to turn on the live captions\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nBook your place using the registration form below. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW 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/London:20261001T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261001T120000 DTSTAMP:20260803T081443Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260803T081443Z 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\, Anna C Wilson\, 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 Anna C Wilson (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  \nAnna C Wilson\nAnna Wilson has written over 60 books which have been translated into many languages and recently shortlisted for the Wainwright Nature Prize and the Carnegie Medal. As well as writing\, Anna has extensive experience in teaching creative writing. She is a Royal Literary Fund Fellow and a coach for the London Writers’ Salon. \nInstagram: @acwilsonwriter | Substack:  https://acwilsonwriter.substack.com/  \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 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.jpg 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 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 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:20261008T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261008T210000 DTSTAMP:20260803T105853Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260803T105853Z 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 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.jpg 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 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:20261102T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261102T113000 DTSTAMP:20260728T090215Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T090215Z UID:10001951-1793613600-1793619000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Professional Development - Writing a synopsis DESCRIPTION:Join Olivia Chapman as she leads this 90-minute workshop sharing practical tips on how to write a synopsis for submission to an agent\, producer or for a competition. \nIn order to participate fully\, you will need to have a complete story (in whatever form) which you can talk about from start to finish. Although you do not need to be published to attend\, you do need to have a complete manuscript as the synopsis will include the full story you have written. \n  \nOnline Professional Development events – free for SoA Members | £35 for Non-Members \nNot a member? Sign up here. \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\nYou’ll learn how to structure your synopsis\, what to include and what to leave out\, and how to pick out the most important parts of your story. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Lilly Brend-Fish – Events & Engagement Manager\, SoA (3 mins)\nPresentation by Olivia Chapman (60 mins)\nComfort break (5 mins)\nQ&A with audience 20 mins)\nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email Lbrendfish@societyofauthors.org with ‘Writing a synopsis’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nThe Line-up\nLiv Chapman\nLiv Chapman is programmer and festival manager who’s worked with writers for over 20 years. She currently works with Hexham Book Festival\, Word Up North in Bradford and Cheltenham Festivals\, as well as the Society of Authors. \nWebsite: https://livchapman.co.uk/ \n  \nAccessibility \n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nSoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details\, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID\, please email info@societyofauthors.org. \nNon-members: Choose one of the two ticket options below\, complete the registration form\, then fill out the billing info to finalise your payment. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \nSoA Members – Free \nNon-Members – £35 \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/professional-development-writing-a-synopsis/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Professional-Development_Writing-a-synopsis-4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261104T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261104T153000 DTSTAMP:20260730T131629Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260730T131629Z UID:10002232-1793800800-1793806200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Industry Insider - Connecting with your audience DESCRIPTION:Our educational writing experts will discuss their experiences and top tips for writing and engaging with a broad range of readers.     Panellists include Dr Amina Douidi\, equity\, diversity\, inclusion (EDI) and intercultural communication consultant in education and English Language Teaching; Paul Naylor author\, underwater photographer\, videographer and marine biologist; and Dr James Williams\, emeritus reader in science education and communication at the University of Sussex. This event will be chaired by author Ken Wilson.  \nThis event is in conjunction with our Educational Writers Group (EWG). \n  \nOnline Industry Insider events – free for all + donation \nAll donations made go towards the Society of Authors’ Access Fund. The fund is to help provide authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. If you would like to make a donation with your booking\, please do so when registering for the event below. \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\n\nHow to reach specific audiences – for example\, children\, academics\, politicians\, the general public\nDifferences in writing style – academic\, formal and inform\nAvoiding difficulties in writing – hedging\, signposts and structure\nChallenging stereotypes\, reducing harm and creating room for stories and perspectives that often get overlooked\nEngaging people with nature\nThe importance of story-telling\n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Ken Wilson (3 mins)\nPanel discussion chaired by Ken Wilson with Dr Amina Douidi\, Paul Naylor and Dr James Williams (60 mins)\nComfort break (5 mins)\nQ&A with audience (20 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Tilly Zeeman – Contracts Advisor and EWG co-ordinator\, SoA\n\n  \nThe Line-up\nKen Wilson\nKen Wilson is a prolific author of English Language Teaching materials with about thirty titles to his name\, including more than a dozen series of course books. His first ELT project was an album of teaching songs called Mister Monday\, which he wrote and recorded when he was 23.His UK publishers include Oxford University Press\, Macmillan and Cengage. He has also been published locally in Spain\, Germany\, Poland\, China\, Vietnam and Indonesia. Ken completed a Masters in Creative Writing at Birkbeck College in 2017 and has since published two novels. \n  \nDr Amina Douidi\nDr Amina Douidi is an equity\, diversity\, inclusion (EDI) and intercultural communication consultant in education and English Language Teaching. She helps publishers\, education institutions and ministries\, in creating EDI policies\, reviews\, strategy and research with the aim of reducing harm and empowering those most invisibilised in education publishing. Amina holds a PhD in Modern Languages and Applied Linguistics from the University of Southampton and a joint MA from Tlemcen University\, Algeria and University of Balearic Islands\, Spain. She is a past co-chair of TESOL Intercultural Communication Interest Section and current community coordinator\, as well as a mentor for Africa ELTA women in leadership mentorship scheme. \n  \nPaul Naylor\nPaul Naylor is an underwater photographer\, videographer and marine biologist who is passionate about showing a wide audience what beautiful and intriguing creatures live around our UK coasts\, from vivid sea anemones to talented cuttlefish and decorating crabs to charismatic nest-building fish. This has led to him writing the book Great British Marine Animals (now in its 4th edition) and co-authoring Coastal Seas (in Bloomsbury’s British Wildlife Collection). Paul also writes magazine articles and scientific papers\, works with the media and conservation organisations\, and gives talks to groups including primary school children\, university students\, public bodies and wildlife enthusiasts.  \n  \nDr James Williams\nDr James Williams is an emeritus reader in science education and communication at the University of Sussex. A former science teacher and teacher‑-educator\, his research focuses on the nature of science\, scientific method\, and evolution education. He has authored textbooks\, academic articles\, and writes a weekly column for his local newspaper. He is a regular contributor to BBC radio and TV on education issues.  \n  \nAbout Educational Writers Group (EWG)\nEWG is a professional network for SoA members who produce educational materials for all settings including schools\, higher education and academic institutions\, and the English Language Teaching sector.   \nWe welcome emerging career authors who are interested in producing educational materials in the future as well as established authors.   \nThe group is run by an elected committee of volunteers with expertise in different areas. For all inquiries please email co-ordinator Tilly Zeeman. Not a member of the SoA yet? Sign up today using the discount code EWG20. \n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email MZeeman@societyofauthors.org with ‘Connecting with your audience’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nPlease either use the form titled ‘Register – no donation’ or the option of the different ticket options with a donation amount depending on how much you would like to donate towards the Society of Authors Access Fund. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/industry-insider-connecting-with-your-audience/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Educational Writers Group ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Industry-Insider_Connecting-with-your-audience.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261110T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261110T110000 DTSTAMP:20260805T112353Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260805T112353Z UID:10002208-1794304800-1794308400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Industry Insider – How to write pantomime DESCRIPTION:In this session we’ll be looking at the practical aspects of constructing a pantomime\, the varying levels of performance\, traditional routines\, gags\, story structure and breaking the fourth wall. \nSoA Scriptwriters Group member and writer Ian Billings will be joined by writers Geoffrey Aymer\, Trish Cooke and Susie McKenna.  \nThis event is in conjunction with our Scriptwriters Group (SWG). \n  \nOnline Industry Insider events – free for all + donation \nAll donations made go towards the Society of Authors’ Access Fund. The fund is to help provide authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. If you would like to make a donation with your booking\, please do so when registering for the event below. \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\nMembers will take away: \n\nAn insight in the mechanics of pantomime\nA strong sense of story structure\nAn understanding of panto characters and\nInspiration to take on their own panto script.\n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Ian Billings (3 mins)\nPanel discussion chaired by Ian Billings\, with Geoffrey Aymer\, Trish Cooke and Susie McKenna (40 mins)\nQ&A with audience (15 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Sophia A Jackson – Head of Events & Engagement\, SoA\n\n  \nThe Line-up\nIan Billings\nIan Billings is the veteran of 53 pantomimes having written\, directed and appeared with Frankie Howerd\, Sylvester McCoy\, Brian Cant\, Bernie Clifton\, Julie Goodyear\, Little and Large\, Cannon and Ball and Timmy Mallett. Sometimes clocking up four or five pantos a year in various posts. He has worked in venues as diverse as Theatre Royal\, Nottingham\, the Grand Theatre\, Wolverhampton\, Gatwick Airport and Harwich Docks. For eight years he was resident director\, writer and performer at the Place Theatre\, Telford. He recently appeared in Sleeping Beauty at the Stafford Gatehouse.Besides panto Ian is a playwright having penned six radio plays for BBC Radio Four\, a children’s author of 50 books and a stand-up comic for kids having visited 2000 schools in 20 countries.2025 saw him commissioned by BBC Radio 4 to adapt “Gulliver’s Travels” and by Claybody Theatre to write a pay about the Theatre Royal in Hanley. He is currently finishing a children’s primary website entitled “Eureka!” funded by Arts Council England.Website: https://ianbillings.com/ \n  \nGeoffrey Aymer\nTheatre as writer includes:Alice In Wonderland\, Pan!\, Rapunzel\, Scroogelicious\, Men-TALL\, The Wonderful (all for Theatre Peckham); Anansi and the Magic Mirror (Talawa Theatre); The Oddest Couple (Theatre Royal Stratford East)\, What A Wonderful World.(Blue Elephant Theatre)   \nAlso\, coming up this Christmas 2026: A Ladd In Peckham (Theatre Peckham) \nTheatre acting credits include: Into The Woods (Noel Coward Theatre/Jamie Wilson Productions and Bridge Theatre) Hamlet (Chichester Festival Theatre); The Crucible (Sheffield Crucible); Romeo and Juliet (Royal Exchange Theatre\, Manchester); The Wizard of Oz (Curve Theatre\, Leicester/London Palladium); Clutch (Bush Theatre); Jitney (Old Vic Theatre/Headlong/Leeds Playhouse); The Taxidermist’s Daughter (Chichester Festival Theatre); Sunset Boulevard (Royal Albert Hall); GHBoy (Charing Cross Theatre); Apollo 13:The Dark Side Of The Moon (Original Theatre Online Production); Two Trains Running (ETT UK tour); The Color Purple (Leicester Curve/Birmingham Hippodrome); Robin Hood And The Arrow Of Destiny (Theatre Peckham); The Plague (Arcola); Driving Miss Daisy (Frinton Summer Theatre/Canal Cafe Theatre); The Importance Of Being Earnest (Original Theatre UK tour); A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Young Vic); To Kill A Mockingbird (Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre/UK tour/Barbican); MacBeth and The Lightning Child (Shakespeare’s Globe); Neighbors (Nuffield Theatre\, Southampton); Angel House (Eclipse UK tour); The Big Life (West End); \nTelevision includes: Casualty\, Mr Winner; Guerrilla; EastEnders; The A Force; The Real McCoy. Film includes:  Wicked; Sket; RagTag  \n  \nTrish Cooke\nTrish Cooke writes scripts for theatre\, TV\, and radio drama. She also writes children’s books. Her Christmas shows and pantos include Anansi Trades Places (Talawa Theatre Company)\, Olivier nominated Cinderella (Theatre Royal Stratford East)\, and the Great British Pantomime Award winner Rapunzel.  In 2025 Trish received a Black British Theatre Award in recognition of her body of work (book and lyrics). Current work includes the adaptation of her book\, The Magic Callaloo\, (Walker Books) for the Unicorn Theatre\, to run from 19th March to 18th April 2027. \n Instagram: @trishcookewriter | Facebook: Trish Cooke Writer \n  \nSusie McKenna\nSusie is an actor\, writer\, and director with over 40 years working in theatre\, television and film. \nWorking in pantomime throughout her career\, she played Principal boy at the age of 19 at Oldham Coliseum \, going on to appear as Principal boy at Nottingham Playhouse for eight years. Susie wrote and directed the critically acclaimed Hackney Empire pantos from 1998 to 2020. Since 2023 she has written three and directed two pantomimes at Broadway Theatre Catford.   \n  \nAbout the Scriptwriters Group (SWG)\nThe Scriptwriters Group (SWG) is a community of scriptwriters and broadcasters. It represents writers and makers across digital\, broadcast\, AV and theatre. \nWe support members and associates by providing professional\, individual advice\, negotiating collective minimum terms agreements with organisations such the BBC\, and lobby on policy and legislation to promote the interests and protect the rights of scriptwriters. \nIn addition\, we manage a series of seminars\, panel discussions and ‘in conversation’ style events throughout the year\, on matters of concern and interest to members working across these industry sectors. We also publish interviews and develop resources for publication on the SoA website and via our quarterly journal\, The Author. \nThe Group is made up of an elected committee and the Group Chair is Rhiannon Tise. Whilst the committee directs the work of the group\, the day-to-day administration is handled by Co-Administrators Sophia Jackson and Theo Jones. Contact either Sophia or Theo with any scriptwriting-related topics\, concerns or suggestions that you might wish to raise with the committee. \n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email SJackson@societyofauthors.org with ‘How to make a successful audio drama’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nPlease either use the form titled ‘Register – no donation’ or the option of the different ticket options with a donation amount depending on how much you would like to donate towards the Society of Authors Access Fund. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/industry-insider-how-to-write-pantomime/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Scriptwriters Group ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Industry-Insider_How-to-write-pantomime-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261111T173000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261111T190000 DTSTAMP:20260717T125524Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T125524Z UID:10002138-1794418200-1794423600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Translators Association end of year review and online social DESCRIPTION:Join the Translators Association (TA) for their end of year review and online social. Find out what the committee has been doing this year and look ahead to 2027\, meet the committee informally and hang out and chat with other TA members. \n  \nProgramme\n\nEnd of year review: Find out what the TA committee has been doing this year and look ahead to 2027. Including time for Q&A. (30 mins)\nMeet the committee informally and hang out and chat with other TA members online via Zoom and in a variety of different themed breakout rooms hosted by the committee (60 mins)\nBreakout rooms\n\nThemes will be notified nearer the date and are subject to change depending on the interests of the attendees.  Attendees are welcome to join or leave rooms as they wish. Please contact Catherine Fuller if you would like to suggest a particular topic for discussion. \n  \nAbout the Translators Association (TA)\nThe Translators Association (TA) provides a source of expert advice for individual literary translators and is also a collective voice representing the profession as a whole.  \nTranslators automatically become a member of the TA on joining the SoA. \nThe TA is run by a committee of 8 members and coordinated by Catherine Fuller and Ambre Morvan. Catherine and Ambre are also members of the SoA Contracts Advisory team \n  \nAccessibility \n\nAttendees have the option to turn on the live captions\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nBook your place using the registration form below. This event is for SoA Members only. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/translators-association-end-of-year-review-and-online-social/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Translators Association ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TA-end-of-year-review-and-online-social-4.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261118T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261118T120000 DTSTAMP:20260807T142826Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T142826Z UID:10002235-1794999600-1795003200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:AGM online member social DESCRIPTION:Join us for a pre-AGM online social for SoA members to chat informally with fellow members\, SoA staff\, and Committee members. Whilst we can’t promise drinks and nibbles\, we’ll make every effort to ensure you meet new people and have meaningful conversations. \nYou can register for this year’s Annual General Meeting here \nThis event is for SoA Members only. Not a member? sign up here \n  \nHow it works\nAfter an initial introduction\, we will throw open the break-out rooms which will be hosted by Committee members and supported by a member of staff. There will be two rounds of 20-minutes. \nThe main Zoom room will remain open to help members get in and out break-out rooms. When the second break-out room session ends\, we will reconvene in the main Zoom room to close. Everyone is welcome in any room. \nJust like any in-person social event\, we encourage you to drop into any break-out room\, and we hope you can chat with fellow members.  The break-out rooms are intended to be purely social. \nThe breakout rooms will be: TBC \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Anna Ganley – Chief Executive\, SoA and Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin – Chair of the SoA Board (3 mins)\nBreakout rooms hosted by SoA staff and Board members for informal chat\, networking and information sharing (40 mins – two 20 mins sessions)\nReturn to the main room for general discussion (15 mins)\nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Elsa Robert – Executive Administrator\, SoA\n\n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nSoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details\, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID\, please email info@societyofauthors.org. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/agm-online-member-social/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,AGM week ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/AGM-online-member-social-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261119T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261119T190000 DTSTAMP:20260807T142816Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260807T142816Z UID:10002234-1795107600-1795114800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:SoA Annual General Meeting 2026 DESCRIPTION:Join us online this November for our 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) hosted via Zoom. The AGM is conducted online to allow access to as many members as possible. \nYour votes and participation are important to us. We encourage all Full Members to vote at the AGM or to appoint a proxy and register a voting instruction in advance. Associate Members are encouraged to attend but cannot vote.  \nVoting is managed securely and confidentially by Mi-Voice. They will contact all Full Members with instructions on how to vote\, both on the day or in advance by appointing a proxy to vote on your behalf if you are unable to attend the AGM. If we have an email address on file for you\, Mi-Voice will email you directly. If we only have your postal address\, they will send you printed voting instructions.  \nAt the AGM\, resolutions are put to a vote via electronic poll. If you have voted by proxy\, you may attend the AGM but you will be unable to vote.  \nAny questions? Email events@societyofauthors.org. \nWe are hosting a pre-AGM onlinie social for all SoA Members\, which you can register for here \n  \n5pm – SoA AGM Agenda\nThe Society of Authors’ AGM is open to Full Members and Associate Members of the SoA only. \nA. Introduction and welcome by Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin\, Chair of the SoA’s board (Management Committee). \nB. The SoA’s ‘Year in Review’ video. \nThe full programme of the meeting along with the resolutions will be confirmed at a later date. \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nSoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details\, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID\, please email info@societyofauthors.org. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/soa-annual-general-meeting-2026/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,AGM week ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SoA-AGM-2026.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261125T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261125T110000 DTSTAMP:20260804T093840Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260804T093840Z UID:10002217-1795600800-1795604400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Working Class Writers Network online meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the Working Class Writers Network on Wednesday 25 November from 10am for a member-led networking session. Come along and get to know your fellow authors! \nMeeting structure \n\n30 minutes – Whole group discussion on a theme. Send any theme suggestions to localgroups@societyofauthors.org. \n30 minutes – Breakout rooms to get to know other members in smaller groups.\n\nWe look forward to seeing you there! \nWorking Class Writers Network\nThe Working Class Writers Network is an informal\, member-led network established in 2026 for working class authors\, illustrators and translators to meet\, chat and share their experiences through online networking meetings. To join the mailing list and be kept up to date on the network’s events and activities\, please email membership@societyofauthors.org. \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/working-class-writers-network-online-meet-up-251126/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Underrepresented Writers Networks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Working-Class-Writers.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261201T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261201T113000 DTSTAMP:20260728T090352Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T090352Z UID:10001962-1796119200-1796124600@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Professional Development - Pitching workshop DESCRIPTION:Join Olivia Chapman as she leads this 90-minute online workshop teaching you how to talk about your work\, and how to pitch it to agents\, editors\, and producers. \nIn order to participate fully\, you will need to have a complete story / poetry collection (in whatever form) which you can discuss from start to finish. You will learn skills that can be transferred to any other story\, but to get the most out of the workshop\, it will be helpful to focus on a single story you can finesse.Although you do not need to be published to attend\, you do need to have a complete manuscript to be able to base your pitch on. \nThis workshop is intended for prose writers (both fiction and non-fiction) and scriptwriters. The content can be adapted for poetry but works best if your poetry collection is themed or can be pulled together to be discussed in broader terms than individual poems. \nPlaces are limited for this event\, so please do let us know if you are no longer able to join us after you’ve registered. \n  \nOnline Professional Development events – free for SoA Members | £35 for Non-Members \nNot a member? Sign up here. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Lilly Brend-Fish – Events & Engagement Manager\, SoA (3 mins)\nWorkshop lead by Olivia Chapman (60 mins)\n\nPlease note that this will include a series of breakout rooms with other attendees where you will have the opportunity to practice your learnt pitching skills. \n\nComfort break (5 mins)\nQ&A with audience (20 mins)\nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\n\n  \nWhat will this session cover?\n\nHow to put across the best of your story in the most engaging way possible\, whilst allowing your passion for your work to come across.\nHow to structure your pitch and talk confidently and clearly about the plot and genre.\nThere will be time to practise your pitch with other writers during the session if you wish.\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 ‘Pitching workshop’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nThe Line-up\nLiv Chapman\nLiv Chapman is programmer and festival manager who’s worked with writers for over 20 years. She currently works with Hexham Book Festival\, Word Up North in Bradford and Cheltenham Festivals\, as well as the Society of Authors. \nWebsite: https://livchapman.co.uk/ \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nSoA Members: Please use the ‘Register – SoA Members’ form below and provide your details\, including your membership number. If you’re unsure of your SoA ID\, please email info@societyofauthors.org. \nNon-members: Choose one of the two ticket options below\, complete the registration form\, then fill out the billing info to finalise your payment. \nFor event or registration questions\, email events@societyofauthors.org. \nSoA Members – Free \nNon-Members – £35 \n  \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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 URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/professional-development-pitching-workshop/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Professional-Development_Pitching-workshop-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261202T103000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261202T120000 DTSTAMP:20260717T134051Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T134051Z UID:10001967-1796207400-1796212800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Self-Publishers Network: Where and how to advertise your self-published book DESCRIPTION:Join the Self-Publishers Network on Wednesday 2 December from 10.30am for a member-led discussion on where and how to advertise our work. We will consider questions such as: How do we advertise our work? Where is it effective (or not effective) to advertise self-published work?  \nWe will go into small groups using breakout rooms on Zoom for you to meet fellow members\, chat and share advice. We’ll run two rounds of rooms for around 20 minutes each so you can meet a variety of authors\, then at the end we will feed back to the main group. \nMeeting structure \n\n10 minutes – Welcome and housekeeping\, answering any initial questions\n20 minutes – Breakout room to chat with members in smaller groups\n10 minutes – Catch up and remix the rooms\n20 minutes – Breakout room to chat with members in smaller groups\n30 minutes – Feed back to the main group\, closing discussion\n\nWe look forward to seeing you there! \nAbout the Self-Publishers Network\nThe Self-Publishers Network is a member-led network connecting self-published authors to share experiences\, recommendations and advice. You can find out more about the network\, our upcoming meeting and SoA resources for self-publishers here. \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/self-publishers-network-where-and-how-to-advertise-your-self-published-book-021226/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Self-Publishers Network ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Self-Publishers-Network.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261207T170000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261207T180000 DTSTAMP:20260717T132909Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T132909Z UID:10002197-1796662800-1796666400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Writers of Colour Network online meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the Writers of Colour Network on Monday 7 December from 5pm for a member-led networking session\, hosted by members Lisa Kiew and Durre Shahwar and moderated by Sophia Jackson\, Head of Events and Engagement\, and Rose Hensher\, Grants and Prizes Administrator. Come along and get to know your fellow authors! \nMeeting structure \n\n30 minutes – Whole group discussion on a theme. Please send any theme suggestions to localgroups@societyofauthors.org. \n30 minutes – Breakout rooms to get to know other members in smaller groups.\n\nWe look forward to seeing you there! \nWriters of Colour Network\nThe Writers of Colour Network is an informal\, member-led network established in 2026 for authors\, illustrators and translators of colour to meet\, chat and share their experiences through online networking meetings. To join the mailing list and be kept up to date on the network’s events and activities\, please email membership@societyofauthors.org. \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/writers-of-colour-network-online-meet-up-071226/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Underrepresented Writers Networks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Writers-of-Colour.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261209T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261209T191500 DTSTAMP:20260728T102626Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260728T102626Z UID:10002229-1796839200-1796843700@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:End of year poetry celebration DESCRIPTION:Join us for a special night of poetry and celebration\, hosted by Jasmine Gardosi. Watch live poetry readings from this year’s SoA Awards poets – including the judges and winners of the Cholmondeley Awards and Eric Gregory Awards. \n\nCatch up with the 2026 SoA Awards\n\nThis event is in conjunction with our Poetry and Spoken Word Group and is part of our 2026 SoA Awards wraparound events. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Natalie Thorpe and Rose Hensher– Co-coordinators of the Poetry and Spoken Word Group\, SoA (2 mins)\nWelcome from Jasmine Gardosi (3 mins) \nAnnual Poetry Collaboration hosted by Jasmine Gardosi (60 mins)\nSummary and closing comments (10 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Natalie Thorpe – Grants and Prizes Design Manager\, SoA \n\n  \nThe Line-up \nJasmine Gardosi – Host\nJasmine Gardosi is the former Birmingham Poet Laureate and an Honorary Doctor of Letters. They are a multiple slam champion\, beatboxer\, winner of the Out-Spoken Prize for Poetry and winner of the Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Word Performer 2023. Their work exploring beatbox poetry\, neurodivergence\, LGBTQ identity and mental health has appeared on Button Poetry\, at the Tate Modern\, Glastonbury Festival\, Symphony Hall\, BBC and Sky Arts. \nThey have been invited to perform and run workshops around the world\, and their poem about the pandemic\, filmed on a rollercoaster\, was broadcast across America on PBS. Their poetry/beatbox/Celtic Dubstep show about gender identity\, Dancing To Music You Hate\, won the Saboteur Award for Best Spoken Word Show and toured to the Philippines with the British Council. \nInstagram: @jasminegardosi | Website: www.jasminegardosi.com \n  \nAccessibility \n\nAttendees have the option to turn on the live captions\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nBook your place using the registration form below. \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 URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/end-of-year-poetry-celebration/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Poetry and Spoken Word Group,SoA Awards wraparound ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/PSWG-end-of-year-poetry-celebration_with-host.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261210T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261210T110000 DTSTAMP:20260717T133426Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260717T133426Z UID:10002042-1796896800-1796900400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:LGBTQ+ Writers Network online meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the LGBTQ+ Writers Network on Thursday 10 December from 10am for a member-led networking session. Come along and get to know your fellow authors! \nMeeting structure \n\n30 minutes – Whole group discussion on a theme. Send any theme suggestions to localgroups@societyofauthors.org. \n30 minutes – Genre-specific breakout rooms to chat with members in smaller groups about your experiences.\n\nWe look forward to seeing you there! \nLGBTQ+ Writers Network\nThe LGBTQ+ Writers Network is an informal\, member-led network established in 2026 for LGBTQ+ authors\, illustrators and translators to meet\, chat and share their experiences through online networking meetings. To join the mailing list and be kept up to date on the network’s events and activities\, please email membership@societyofauthors.org. \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/lgbtq-network-online-meet-up-101226/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Underrepresented Writers Networks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/LGBTQ-Network.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261210T143000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261210T151500 DTSTAMP:20260810T081120Z CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260810T081120Z UID:10002240-1796913000-1796915700@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:How I write - in conversation with Patrice Lawrence DESCRIPTION:Grab a cuppa and get to know award-winning writer and journalist\, and current Waterstones Children’s Laureate\, Patrice Lawrence. \nPatrice will be in conversation with Executive Director of Words of Colour\, writer and literary activist\, Joy Francis\, to discuss her work and career and to offer a glimpse into her creative routines. \nOnline in conversation events – free for all + donation \nAll donations made go towards the Society of Authors’ Access Fund. The fund is to help provide authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. If you would like to make a donation with your booking\, please do so when registering for the event below. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Joy Francis (3 mins)\nIntroductions to Patrice Lawrence\, and a glimpse into her creative routines (20-25 mins)\nPatrice will do a short reading from her book Rose\, Interrupted (2-3 mins)\nQ&A with audience (10 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Sophia A Jackson – Head of Events & Engagement\, SoA\n\n  \nThe Line-up\nPatrice Lawrence\nPatrice Lawrence is an award-winning writer for readers of all ages. She is the current Waterstones Children’s Laureate championing the benefits of story-sharing for vulnerable children. \nInstagram: @lawrencepatrice \n  \nJoy Francis\nJoy Francis is executive director of Words of Colour. A writer\, literary activist\, curator and creative entrepreneur\, Joy has co-developed a raft of initiatives centring inclusion in literature\, heritage and publishing\, including the inaugural Jerwood Compton Poetry Fellowships and the Poets of Colour Incubator with Manchester Poetry Library. She is a Royal Society of Literature Honorary Fellow 2022. \nInstagram: @wordsofcolour | @msjoyfrancis \n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email SJackson@societyofauthors.org with ‘Patrice Lawrence – Question’ in the subject header. We will prioritise questions sent in advance and answer as many as we can from the audience on the day. \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\nIf you require BSL interpretation for this event\, please email events@societyofauthors.org\n\n  \nBooking\nPlease either use the form titled ‘Register – no donation’ or the option of the different ticket options with a donation amount depending on how much you would like to donate towards the Society of Authors Access Fund. \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n The Society of Authors’ Access Fund - donate now\n \n Giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreatsEvery contribution helps us ensure that these needs and costs aren’t barriers to authors wishing to access events. If you are in a position to help\, please donate via the link below. If you are an author facing access issues\, please click here to see if we can help. DONATE NOW URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/how-i-write-in-conversation-with-patrice-lawrence/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/How-I-write_in-conversation-with-Patrice-Lawrence.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR