BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//The Society of Authors - ECPv6.15.20//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://societyofauthors.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for The Society of Authors REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260629T120000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260629T130000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260427T075358Z UID:10002101-1782734400-1782738000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Lunchtime learning - AI & Authors DESCRIPTION:AI Policy & Authors: where we are now and predictions for the future\nThe Policy Team will be discussing recent key developments in AI policy including the Government’s response in March to the Consultation on AI & Copyright. \nWe’ll be considering:- \n\nThe Government’s current position on AI and copyright and its proposed next steps;\nHow the Government’s position affects authors\, including unresolved issues around proper regulation of tech companies\, transparency and licensing of authors’ works;\nLegal action which has been taken internationally and in the English courts; and\nThe SoA’s future plans to continue the fight to ensure that authors’ rights are recognised and protected.\n\n  \n#SoAatHome Lunchtime learning events – Free for SoA Members | £15 for Non-Members \nNot a member\, sign up here with our special #SoAatHome offer and get 20 per cent off for the first year of membership – use code SOAATHOME20. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome and introductions from (3 mins)\nDiscussion chaired by Harriet Evans\, Chair of the Policy & Campaigns Sub-committee (40 mins)\nLindsay Bennett Ford\, Joint Head of Policy and Public Affairs – The Government’s announcement on 18 March – what it means \, and what next for campaigning efforts.\nKeith Ashby\, General Counsel\, Joint Head of Policy and Public Affairs- Can legal action against tech companies play a role and what are the challenges?\nQ&A with audience (15 mins)\nSummary and closing comments – Harriet (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Ambre Morvan – Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager and Contracts Advisor\, SoA\n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email publicaffairs@societyofauthors.org with ‘AI Policy & Authors session’ 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\n  \nHarriet Evans\nHarriet Evans is the author of 13 novels\, several of which have been Sunday Times bestsellers. Before becoming a full-time author\, she was an editor and publisher at Penguin Books and Hodder Headline. Harrie served on the Management Committee between 2022-2025. \n  \nLindsay Bennett Ford\nLindsay Bennett-Ford joined the SoA in September 2025 and leads on parliamentary and government engagement. She previously held policy\, public affairs\, and communications roles across the third sector and creative industries. \n  \nKeith Ashby\nKeith Ashby joined the SoA in 2024 and is General Counsel. He has over 25 years acting for clients in the creative industries\, including in relation to Intellectual Property matters. Keith also sits on the board of the British Copyright Council. \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. \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 Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/lunchtime-learning-ai-authors/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Lunchtime-learning_AI-and-Authors-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260630T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260630T113000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T151908Z UID:10002104-1782813600-1782819000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Professional Development - School visits with picture books: Working with young children DESCRIPTION:If you are a picture book author or illustrator looking to get started with school visits or you’re simply in need of fresh inspiration\, join Sarah Burton\, Abie Longstaff\, Sophy Henn and Clare Helen Welsh for this practical session. \nThey will discuss the structure and content of their events for pre-school\, reception\, Y1 & 2\, and what equipment they use to bring sessions to life. \nThis session is for children’s picture book authors and illustrators who are looking for structure and ideas for their school visits. It will cover pre-school through to Year 2. \n  \nThis event is in conjunction with our Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group (CWIG) \n#SoAatHome Professional Development events – free for SoA Members | £35 for Non-Members  \nNot a member? sign up here with our special #SoAatHome offer and get 20% off for the first year – use code SOAATHOME20. \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\n\nHow to get school visits\nHow to structure your event\nTips for speaking to very young children\n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome and introductions from Sarah Burton – Deputy Chief Executive\, SoA (3 mins)\nPanel discussion with Abie Longstaff\, Sophy Henn and Clare Helen Welsh (60 mins) \nComfort Break (5 mins)\nQ&A with audience (20 mins)\nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Hope Norman – Membership and Local Group Administrator\, SoA\n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email HNorman@societyofauthors.org with ‘School Visits with Picture Books’ 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\nSarah Burton\nSarah Burton is Deputy Chief Executive at the SoA and she leads the advisory service\, which provides members with unlimited professional advice. Working closely with the team\, Sarah supports authors by offering expert guidance on all aspects of the business of writing. As a coordinator of the Children’s Writers and Illustrators Group\, a special interest group within the SoA\, she has a particular interest in industry issues affecting creators of children’s books. \n  \nAbie Longstaff\nAbie Longstaff is a best-selling author of children’s fiction. Her picture books include The Fairytale Hairdresser (on Nickelodeon as ‘Sunny Day’) and the Before the Fairy Tale series. For older children\, she writes The Magic Potions Shop series and The Trapdoor Mysteries books. She also writes school readers for a range of educational publishers. \nAbie regularly appears at literary festivals and schools\, and gives mentoring and manuscript advice. \nInstagram: @abielongstaff | Bluesky: ‪@abielongstaff.bsky.social | Substack: Publishing Peptalk  \n  \nSophy Henn\nSophy Henn is an award-winning author/illustrator and the creator of the much loved Ted\, Pom Pom\, Bad Nana\, Pizazz and Happy Hills fiction series and the Lifesize non fiction series. She has been a World Book Day Illustrator for two years in a row and a World Book Day author/illustrator. \nInstagram: @sophyhenn \n  \nClare Helen Welsh\nClare Helen Welsh is a former teacher\, now award-winning children’s writer of over 70 books. She loves silly ideas\, big feelings and stories that sneak in learning disguised as fun. When she isn’t writing\, you might find her playing badminton\, painting\, walking her dog Hope or helping children and adults create their own stories. \nInstagram: @ClareHelenWelsh | Website: www.clarehelenwelsh.co.uk | LinkedIn: Clare Helen Welsh \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 coordinators Sarah Burton and Hope Norman. Please see the CWIG committee page for details and deadlines for upcoming vacancies. \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. \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 Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-school-visits-with-picture-books-working-with-young-children/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Children's Writers and Illustrators ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Professional-Development_School-visits-with-picture-books_working-with-young-children.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260701T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260701T203000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260604T093151Z UID:10002165-1782932400-1782937800@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Industry Insider - Living in a bilingual country: writers' perspectives DESCRIPTION:Two award-winning first-language Welsh writers\, Manon Steffan Ros and Melanie Owen\, join Cath Barton\, Chair of SoA Cymru Committee\, to discuss their experiences of living in a bilingual country. \nThe shameful history of the Welsh Not\, a token used by teachers at some schools in Wales\, mainly in the 19th century\, to discourage children from speaking Welsh\, still casts a shadow over the country today\, and arguably still causes divisions amongst us. The north-south divide in our country is real and a lot of that is about language. \nNow\, more than ever\, we need to look for ways of overcoming such divisions and strengthening the writing communities in Wales.  \nThis event is in conjunction with the Society of Authors Cymru \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\n\nReflections by our panellists on their personal experiences of living and working in a bilingual country.\nSteps are being taken by the SoA to improve our provision of translated material\, but we are conscious that this alone will not make first language Welsh writers feel welcome in the Society. We will discuss what more we might do.\nDiscussion on how writers in Wales can find more creative and productive ways of living and working together.\nConsideration of what we can learn from perspectives from beyond our borders on writing/working in environments in which two languages are in everyday use.\n\n  \n#SoAatHome Industry Insider events – free for all + donation \nAll donations made go towards the Society of Authors’ Access Fund. The fund is to help provide authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. If you would like to make a donation with your booking\, please do so when registering for the event below. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Cath Barton (3 mins)\nPanel discussion chaired by Cath Barton with Manon Steffan Ross and Melanie Owen (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\n  \nCath Barton\nCath Barton (she/her) is an English writer who has lived in Abergavenny since 2005\, and is the current Chair of Society of Authors Cymru. \nCath won the New Welsh Writing AmeriCymru Prize for the Novella 2017 for The Plankton Collector\, which was published by New Welsh Review in 2018. Subsequent publications of novellas are In the Sweep of the Bay (2020\, Louise Walters Books) shortlisted for Best Novella in the Saboteur Awards 2021\, and Between the Virgin and the Sea (2023\, Novella Express\, Leamington Books). Cath’s short stories have been published in The Lonely Crowd\, Strix and a number of anthologies. She was awarded a place on the 2018 Literature Wales Enhanced Mentoring Scheme to work on a collection of short stories inspired by the work of the sixteenth century Dutch artist Hieronymus Bosch. She is working on a novel set in the circus. \nWebsite: www.cathbarton.com  \n  \nManon Steffan Ros\nManon Steffan Ros was born in Snowdonia and worked as an actress before becoming a writer. She writes for adults and children and has won the Wales Book of the Year for her adult fiction as well as being four-times winner of the Tir na N’Og Welsh children’s literature award. She has also won  Eisteddfod and National Theatre Wales awards for her drama writing. She lives in north Wales with her two sons and baby daughter. With The Blue Book of Nebo\, Manon won the Yoto Carnegie Medal for Writing. \nX: @ManonSteffanRos \n  \nMelanie Owen\nMel Owen is an award-winning comedian\, writer and presenter. In 2024\, Mel published her first novel\, Oedolyn(ish!)\, which was shortlisted for Wales Book of the Year 2025 and selected for the 2026 Quick Reads scheme. Script writing credits include Netflix\, Channel 4\, BBC One and BBC Radio 4. \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 ’AI 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 Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/industry-insider-living-in-a-bilingual-country-writers-perspectives/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Society of Authors in Wales ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Industry-Insider_Living-in-a-bilingual-country_writers-perspectives.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260702T143000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260702T151500 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T135131Z UID:10002151-1783002600-1783005300@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:How we translate children’s literature - in conversation with Thomas Clark & Johanna McCalmont DESCRIPTION:Grab a cuppa and get to know translators\, Thomas Clark and Johanna McCalmont. Thomas and Johanna will be in conversation with translator and TA committee member Josephine Murray to discuss the joys and challenges of translating children’s literature and to offer a glimpse into their creative routines. \nThis event is in conjunction with our Translators Association (TA). \n  \n#SoAatHome 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 with 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 Josephine Murray (3 mins)\nThomas Clark and Johanna McCalmont\, and a glimpse into their creative routines (20-25 mins) \nThomas Clark and Johanna McCalmont will each do a short reading from a recent book (5 mins) \nQ&A with audience (10 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Catherine Fuller – Senior Contracts Advisor & TA co-coordinator\, SoA\n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email CFuller@societyofauthors.org with ‘Thomas Clark & Johanna McCalmont – 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  \nThe Line-up\n  \nThomas Clark\nThomas Clark is a writer and translator who works mainly in the Scots language. His work for children includes Scots translations of ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’\, ‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’\, and ‘Peppa’s Bonnie Unicorn’. He also runs (alongside fellow translator Matthew Fitt) the Scots language schools resource provider ‘Scots Hoose Yaldi’. \nX: @clashcityclarky \n  \nJohanna McCalmont\nJohanna McCalmont was born in Northern Ireland and now lives in Brussels\, Belgium. Her translations for children have been published by Blue Dot Kids Press & North South. As a co-editor at the World Kid Lit blog\, she helps champion global literature for younger readers. She also works as a conference interpreter. \nWebsite: www.johannamccalmont.com  \n  \nJosephine Murray\nJosephine Murray is a translator from French to English and a journalist. Her published translations include Suffusion\, Anne-Sophie Pic’s food memoir/manifesto with recipes for Hachette Pratique and three non-fiction illustrated children’s books by Manon Bucciarelli for Harper Collins\, Nature and Cities which were published in 2025 and Myths which is due to be published in September.   \nLinkedIn: Josephine Murray | LinkedIn | Instagram: @MsJHMurray  \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 Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/how-we-translate-childrens-literature-in-conversation-with-thomas-clark-johanna-mccalmont/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Translators Association ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/How-we-translate_in-conversation-with-Thomas-Clark-and-Johanna-McCalmont-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260703T120000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260318T141445Z UID:10002001-1783076400-1783080000@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Feel Good Friday - Build your writing-friendly morning DESCRIPTION:Do you have good intentions of committing to a regular morning writing routine\, but find that all too often the time gets frittered away with news\, emails and other distractions? If so\, this workshop is for you. \nThere won’t be any 5am green tea cliches – it’s about how you want to start your days\, and how to get honest and intentional about making that a reality. \n  \n#SoAatHome Feel Good Friday events – free for SoA Members \nAll #SoAatHome Feel Good Friday sessions continue to be free for members. However\, for non-members\, the price is £35 including VAT. \nNot a member? sign up here with our special #SoAatHome offer and get 20% off for the first year – use code SOAATHOME20. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome and introductions from Lilly Brend-Fish – Events and Engagement Manager\, SoA (3 mins)\nWorkshop led by Emily Troscianko (45 mins)\nQ&A with audience (10 mins)\nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\n\n  \nWhat will this session cover?\nDuring this interactive session\, we will: \n\nReflect on the reasons why mornings matter (however early or late you wake up!)\nDiscover your ideal morning routine with the help of open-ended writing prompts\nCompare your current reality with the ideal\nSurvey a set of powerful habit-change principles\nGet creative about using those principles to bring the reality closer to the ideal (and protect what’s already good)\nReflect on any past efforts to make similar changes and what you can learn from them to help this time\nUse what you’ve learned to design a simple behavioural experiment that you’re excited to carry out\nAnd leave equipped with all you need to test out doing something differently and learn from what happens\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWho is this session for?\nAnyone intrigued by the potential of their first-thing routines or who feels that their mornings lack direction or intention—or have too little writing in them! \n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email Lbrendfish@societyofauthors.org with ‘Your writing-friendly morning’ in the subject header. \n  \nSoA Fundraising Bookshop\nBrowse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. \n  \nThe Line-up\nEmily Troscianko\nEmily is a writer\, researcher\, and coach. She helps individuals navigate career change and recovery and build work-life habits that feel meaningful and alive. She runs the independent imprint Tamarisk Books and publishes in academic journals and experimental life-writing. Recent books include a consciousness textbook\, an ethics-tested recovery memoir\, and a children’s story about selfishness. \nWebsite: https://troscianko.com \n  \nNeed to know\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\nBefore the event \n\nOnce registered\, you will be sent a confirmation email with the Zoom link\nIf the confirmation email doesn’t arrive in your inbox\, please check your junk/spam email folder\nPlease add events@societyofauthors.org to your Safe Senders list so you receive our confirmation and reminder emails\n\nDuring the event \n\nThis online event will take place on Zoom Meetings; you will have the option to turn your camera on or off; you will be muted on arrival\nThis event will be recorded and you may be on screen\nAttendees have the option to turn on the live transcript\nThis event is 60 minutes \n\nAfter the event \n\nThe hashtag for this event: #SoAatHome\nSoA Members and paid attendees of this event will be able to catch the recording on our Vimeo channel (password protected) or members can access via the SoA website.\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 Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-build-your-writing-friendly-morning/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Feel-Good-Friday_Build-your-writing-friendly-morning.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260709T143000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260709T151500 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T151734Z UID:10002137-1783607400-1783610100@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:How I write - in conversation with Khairani Barokka DESCRIPTION:In this disability-focused How I Write\, literary agent Abi Fellows will speak to author Khairani Barokka (Okka) about her experiences of being a disabled author and how she navigates the publishing industry\, from writing and deadlines to publicity and events.Abi will add the agent’s perspective\, sharing her experiences of agenting for disabled authors.They will cover contracts\, access requirements\, what and when to tell the different people within the publishing process and how an access requirement form can make the process easier. You can find out more about access forms and download the SoA’s access form template here.The discussion will be of particular interest to disabled\, chronically ill and neurodivergent authors\, as well as the industry professionals who work with them. \nThis event is in conjunction with our Authors with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses Network (ADCI). The ADCI aims to increase understanding\, inclusion and accessibility within publishing. The session will help advance the conversation around what to expect\, what to ask for\, and how the industry can improve. \nThis event will have BSL interpretation provided by Ali Gordon \n  \n#SoAatHome 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 with 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 Abi Fellows (3 mins)\nIntroductions to Khairani Barokka\, and a glimpse into her creative routine (30 mins) \nQ&A with audience (15 mins) \nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Elsa Woodmeade – Local Groups Manager & ADCI coordinator\, SoA\n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email EWoodmeade@societyofauthors.org with ‘Khairani Barokka – 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  \nAbout the Authors with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses Network (ADCI)\nThis member-led peer support network aims to break feelings of isolation by connecting authors facing common experiences\, in an online community that offers continuing professional and personal support. \nThe network’s primary aim is to offer a friendly and supportive space where you can feel safe to ask questions\, share experiences\, offer advice\, and make new connections. \nTo join or to take part in the specific activities below email us \n  \nThe Line-up\nKhairani Barokka\nKhairani Barokka is a writer\, editor\, translator and artist from Jakarta\, whose work has been published and presented widely internationally\, and centres disability justice as anticolonial praxis\, and access as translation. In 2023\, Okka was shortlisted for the Asian Women of Achievement Awards. \nAmong her honours\, Okka has been a UNFPA Indonesian Young Leader Driving Social Change\, the first non-British Associate Artist at the UK’s National Centre for Writing\, an Artforum Must-See\, and Modern Poetry in Translation’s first Poet-in-Residence\, and later\, first Editor of colour. Okka’s books include Indigenous Species (Tilted Axis)\, Rope (Nine Arches)\, the Saboteur Award-nominated Stairs and Whispers: D/deaf and Disabled Poets Write Back (Nine Arches)\, Ultimatum Orangutan (Nine Arches)\, shortlisted for the Barbellion Prize\, Annah\, Infinite (Tilted Axis) and amuk (Nine Arches). \n  \nAbi Fellows\nAbi Fellows has broad experience in the industry\, having started in bookselling at Blackwell’s in 2001 following her BA in English Literature at Bristol University. After a stint on the sales team of Faber and Faber and a return to education to complete an MA in modernism and postmodernism at University College London\, Abi began her agenting career with Georgina Capel Associates in 2004. Abi then moved into literary scouting at RR Ltd\, working with overseas publishers and TV and film production companies in the UK. In 2019 she returned to agenting at The Good Literary Agency\, building a list focused on amplifying and championing writers from backgrounds that had often been marginalised.  \nIn 2023\, Abi joined DHH Literary Agency and that year was shortlisted for Literary Agent of the Year at the British Book Awards.Abi also has experience as a school governor with particular involvement in the schools literacy programmes and their work with children who have special educational needs and are disabled. She currently sits on the board of New Writing South\, having joined as a Trustee in 2023\, and is part of the Steering Group of the Coast is Queer Festival and the Advisory Group for the Forthwrite Festival. She is also a mentor with Just Like Us. \n  \nAccessibility\n\nAttendees will have the option to turn on the live transcript\, to watch with subtitles\n\n\nThis event will have BSL interpretation provided by Ali Gordon\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 Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/how-i-write-in-conversation-with-khairani-barokka/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Authors with Disabilities and Chronic Illnesses Network ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/How-I-write_in-conversation-with-Khairani-Barokka.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260715T120000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260715T124500 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260527T144717Z UID:10002152-1784116800-1784119500@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Lunchtime learning - Become a reading volunteer with Coram Beanstalk DESCRIPTION:Discover how you can help to set children up for a lifetime of reading for pleasure\, and the benefits it may bring for you as an author. \nReading charity Coram Beanstalk provides one-to-one reading support in primary schools\, helping children to find books that inspire and delight them. To do this they need volunteers who make reading feel like magic. \nThis session is an opportunity to find out more about the work of Coram Beanstalk\, and why you should consider volunteering in a local school. \nYou’ll hear from Sara Browne\, a Coram Beanstalk trainer and reading volunteer\, and Piers Torday\, an SoA member and children’s author who has previously volunteered for the charity. \n  \n#SoAatHome Lunchtime learning events – Free for SoA Members | £15 for Non-Members \nNot a member? Sign up here with our special #SoAatHome offer and get 20 per cent off for the first year of membership – use code SOAATHOME20. \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\n\nIntroduction to Coram Beanstalk – what it does and why\nInformation about volunteering as a reader helper\nThe training provided\nThe impact for children\nHow volunteering can benefit you as an author or illustrator\n\n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome and introductions (3 mins)\nDiscussion chaired by Sara Browne with Piers Torday (20mins)\nQ&A with audience (20 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Alice Davis – Communications and Campaigns Manager\, SoA\n\n  \nSend us your questions\nIf you would like to send questions in advance\, email ADavis@societyofauthors.org with ‘Coram Beanstalk’ 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\n  \nSara Browne\nSara has worked with Coram Beanstalk for almost ten years\, as a trainer and as a reading helper. Reading helpers come from all sorts of backgrounds – hers is as an actor and a lecturer – but they all share the vision of a future where every child becomes a reader.   \n  \nPiers Torday\nPiers Torday’s first book for children\, The Last Wild\, was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Award. His second\, The Dark Wild\, won the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize. He is a former Patron of Reading\, and reading helper for Coram Beanstalk\, and is a Minister at Ministry of Stories. Books According to Dog and Owl\, a reading guide for younger children\, is published in October. \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 – £15 \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 Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/lunchtime-learning-become-a-reading-volunteer-with-coram-beanstalk/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Lunchtime-learning_Becoming-a-reading-volunteer-with-Coram-Beanstalk-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260716T180000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260716T193000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T101312Z UID:10002093-1784224800-1784230200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Industry Insider – A collective noun for writers DESCRIPTION:Writing is often characterised as a solitary act but take a look at the acknowledgements page of any book and it’s clear that it takes a village. \nThis panel discussion brings together writers and book workers involved in a range of collective endeavours\, from building writing communities\, to organising as workers to improve labour conditions\, to the inspiring possibilities of collaborative writing projects. \nThis event is in conjunction with the Society of Authors in Scotland (SoAiS) \n  \n#SoAatHome Industry Insider events – free for all + donation \nOur #SoAatHome industry insider events are free for all but with a donation option when registering for the event. \nAll donations made go towards the Society of Authors’ Access Fund. The fund is to help provide authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. If you would like to make a donation with your booking\, please do so when registering for the event below. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from Tom Jeffreys (3 mins)\nPanel discussion chaired by Tom Jeffreys with Mai-Anh Vu Peterson\, Noreen Masud and Mohamed Tonsy (60 mins)\nComfort break (20 mins)\nQ&A with audience (20 mins)\nSummary and closing comments (2 mins)\nThis event will be moderated by Lilly Brend-Fish – Events & Engagement Manager\, SoA\n\n  \nThe Line-up\nTom Jeffreys\nTom Jeffreys is a writer who lives in Edinburgh. His work is mostly creative non-fiction in response to art and place\, and he regularly collaborates with artists and cultural organisations.Tom’s books include: Walking: Documents of Contemporary Art (Whitechapel Gallery and The MIT Press\, 2024); To an island in a loch on an island in a loch\, with Kirsty Badenoch (Mouldy Books\, 2023); The White Birch: A Russian Reflection (Little\, Brown\, 2021); and Signal Failure: HS2 on Foot (Influx Press\, 2017).Tom’s writing has also appeared in publications such as Art Monthly\, ArtReview\, Country Walking\, Cricinfo\, e-flux\, Frieze\, The Guardian\, The Independent\, Monocle\, New Scientist and The World of Interiors. He is represented by Zoe Ross at United Agents.  \nInstagram: @tom__jeffreys | Website: https://www.tom-jeffreys.co.uk \n  \nMai-Anh Vu Peterson\nMai-Anh is an Edinburgh-based writer\, facilitator and community organiser\, whose work engages with storytelling at the intersection of identity\, migration\, grief and community. She has been active in community-building and organising spaces for several years\, with a focus on East and Southeast Asian communities in the UK. Her upcoming book\, examines how organisers can move past identity politics and anti-racism work that operates in isolation among different communities\, towards sustainable action and solidarity. \nWebsite: https://maianhvupeterson.ghost.io/ \n  \nNoreen Masud\nNoreen Masud is an Associate Professor in Creative and Critical Writing at the University of Bristol\, and an AHRC/BBC New Generation Thinker 2020. Her memoir-travelogue A Flat Place (2023) was shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction\, the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award\, the Books Are My Bag Award\, the RSL Ondaatje Prize\, and the Jhalak Prize.  \nWebsite: https://www.noreenmasud.com/ \n  \nMohamed Tonsy\nMohamed Tonsy is an Egyptian writer and ceramicist. Their writing has appeared in Mizna\, Epoch Press\, won a Quarterly John Byrne Award and was Shortlisted for MFest’s 2021 Short Story Competition. In 2023\, Tonsy was the Jameel Ceramics Fellow at the V&A in London. Tonsy’s debut novel\, You Must Believe in Spring was published in 2022 by Hajar Press.  \n  \nWhat will this session cover?\n\nThe joys of writing collaboratively\nThe role of trade unions such as the SoA in mobilising workers\nOrganising as communities and collectives\n\n  \nWho is this session for?\nThe session is for any writers\, illustrators and translators who are interested in discussing ways of writing and working together – across creative collaborations\, community organising and trade unions such as the SoA. \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 ‘A collective noun for writers’ 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  \nSoA Fundraising Bookshop\nBrowse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. \n  \nNeed to know\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\nBefore the event \n\nOnce registered\, you will be sent a confirmation email with the Zoom link\nIf the confirmation email doesn’t arrive in your inbox\, please check your junk/spam email folder\nPlease add events@societyofauthors.org to your Safe Senders list so you receive our confirmation and reminder emails\n\nDuring the event \n\nThis online event will take place on Zoom Webinar; you will not be visible on screen but will be able to ask questions via the Q&A function or interact via the chat box\nThis event will be recorded but you won’t be on screen\nAttendees have the option to turn on the live transcript\nThis event is 90 minutes\n\nAfter the event \n\nHashtags for this event: #SoAatHome \nYou’ll be able to catch the recording on our Vimeo channel\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 Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/industry-insider-a-collective-noun-for-writers/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Society of Authors in Scotland ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Industry-Insider_A-collective-noun-for-writers-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260903T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260903T203000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260130T095945Z UID:10001966-1788462000-1788467400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:Self-Publishers Network: When to outsource and when to learn new skills DESCRIPTION:Join the Self-Publishers Network on Thursday 3 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/2025/02/Group-header-Self-publishing-cropped-.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260909T183000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260909T193000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260518T133259Z UID:10002040-1788978600-1788982200@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:LGBTQ+ Network online meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the LGBTQ+ 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\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! \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/2023/11/38628b7a-cf6e-822b-d818-2a8e4882cfac-scaled.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260915T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260915T113000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T160717Z 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. \n  \n#SoAatHome Professional Development events – free for SoA Members \nAll #SoAatHome Professional Development sessions continue to be free for members. However\, for non-members\, the price is £35 including VAT. \nNot a member? sign up here with our special #SoAatHome offer and get 20% off for the first year – use code SOAATHOME20. \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  \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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWho is this session for?\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  \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  \nSoA Fundraising Bookshop\nBrowse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. \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  \nNeed to know\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\nBefore the event \n\nOnce registered\, you will be sent a confirmation email with the Zoom link\nIf the confirmation email doesn’t arrive in your inbox\, please check your junk/spam email folder\nPlease add events@societyofauthors.org to your Safe Senders list so you receive our confirmation and reminder emails\n\nDuring the event \n\nThis online event will take place on Zoom Webinar; you will not be visible on screen but will be able to ask questions via the Q&A function or interact via the chat box\nThis event will be recorded but you won’t be on screen\nAttendees have the option to turn on the live transcript\nThis event is 90 minutes \n\nAfter the event \n\nThe hashtag for this event: #SoAatHome\nSoA Members and paid attendees of this event will be able to catch the recording on our Vimeo channel (password protected) or members can access via the SoA website.\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 Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-book-marketing-on-tiktok-the-next-steps/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Professional-Development_Book-marketing-on-TikTok_the-next-steps.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260921T120000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260605T134711Z 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  \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  \n#SoAatHome Industry Insider events – free for all + donation \nAll donations made go towards the Society of Authors’ Access Fund. The fund is to help provide authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. If you would like to make a donation with your booking\, please do so when registering for the event below. \n  \nProgramme\n\nWelcome\, introductions and housekeeping from 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 Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/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-2026-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260925T110000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260925T114500 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T160659Z 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  \n#SoAatHome Feel Good Friday events – free for SoA Members \nAll #SoAatHome Feel Good Friday sessions are free for members. However\, for non-members\, the price is £35 including VAT. \nNot a member? sign up here with our special #SoAatHome offer and get 20% off for the first year – use code SOAATHOME20. \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  \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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWho is this session for?\nThis session is for authors who’ve experienced rejection or setbacks and want to rebuild their confidence and create a clear plan for moving forward. \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  \nSoA Fundraising Bookshop\nBrowse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. \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  \nNeed to know\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\nBefore the event \n\nOnce registered\, you will be sent a confirmation email with the Zoom link\nIf the confirmation email doesn’t arrive in your inbox\, please check your junk/spam email folder\nPlease add events@societyofauthors.org to your Safe Senders list so you receive our confirmation and reminder emails\n\nDuring the event \n\nThis online event will take place on Zoom Meetings; you will have the option to turn your camera on or off; you will be muted on arrival\nThis event will be recorded and you may be on screen\nAttendees have the option to turn on the live transcript\nThis event is 45 minutes \n\nAfter the event \n\nThe hashtag for this event: #SoAatHome\nSoA Members and paid attendees of this event will be able to catch the recording on our Vimeo channel (password protected) or members can access via the SoA website.\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 Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-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.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261006T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261006T120000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T160646Z 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\, please email events@societyofauthors.org if you would like to be added to the waiting list. \n  \n#SoAatHome Professional Development events – this event is for members only and tickets are priced at £19.50. \nNot a member\, sign up here with our special #SoAatHome offer and get 20 per cent off for the first year of membership – use code SOAATHOME20. \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\nWho is this session for?\nChildren’s authors and illustrators who are new to school visits or would like help with developing a new event. \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  \nSoA Fundraising Bookshop\nBrowse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. \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  \nNeed to know\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\nBefore the event \n\nOnce registered\, you will be sent a confirmation email with the Zoom link\nIf the confirmation email doesn’t arrive in your inbox\, please check your junk/spam email folder\nPlease add events@societyofauthors.org to your Safe Senders list so you receive our confirmation and reminder emails\n\nDuring the event \n\nThis online event will take place on Zoom Meetings; you will be visible on screen and will be able to participate via the chat box or by unmuting yourself\nAttendees have the option to turn on the live transcript\nThis event is 120 minutes\n\nAfter the event \n\nHashtag for this event: #SoAatHome\nThis event will be recorded. Please note the recording will only be shared with workshop participants.\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 \n Accordion Title\n \n Accordion Content \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-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-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261008T190000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261008T210000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T160627Z 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\, Scottish Committee Member & 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. \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) \n  \nNot a member? sign up here with our special #SoAatHome offer and get 20% off for the first year using the offer code: SOAATHOME20. \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  \nWhat will this session cover?\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  \nWho is this session for?\nAll SoA members are welcome. Bring whatever you’re working on\, a notebook\, a laptop\, a cup of tea\, and yourself. \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  \nSoA Fundraising Bookshop\nBrowse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. \n  \nNeed to know\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\nBefore the event \n\nOnce registered\, you will be sent a confirmation email with the Zoom link\nIf the confirmation email doesn’t arrive in your inbox\, please check your junk/spam email folder\nPlease add events@societyofauthors.org to your Safe Senders list so you receive our confirmation and reminder emails\n\nDuring the event \n\nThis online event will take place on Zoom Meetings; you will be visible on screen and will be able to participate via the chat box or by unmuting yourself\nThis event is 120 minutes\n\nAfter the event \n\nHashtags for this event: #SoAatHome \nPlease note that this event will not be recorded\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 Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/write-along/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome,Society of Authors in Scotland ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SoAiS-Write-along.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261013T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261013T113000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T160447Z 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. \n  \n#SoAatHome Professional Development events – free for SoA Members \nAll #SoAatHome Professional Development sessions continue to be free for members. However\, for non-members\, the price is £35 including VAT. \nNot a member? sign up here with our special #SoAatHome offer and get 20% off for the first year – use code SOAATHOME20. \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  \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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWho is this session for?\nThis session is for authors currently writing or contemplating writing series or episodic fiction i.e. fiction with recurring characters and/or settings. \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  \nSoA Fundraising Bookshop\nBrowse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. \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  \nNeed to know\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\nBefore the event \n\nOnce registered\, you will be sent a confirmation email with the Zoom link\nIf the confirmation email doesn’t arrive in your inbox\, please check your junk/spam email folder\nPlease add events@societyofauthors.org to your Safe Senders list so you receive our confirmation and reminder emails\n\nDuring the event \n\nThis online event will take place on Zoom Webinar; you will not be visible on screen but will be able to ask questions via the Q&A function or interact via the chat box\nThis event will be recorded but you won’t be on screen\nAttendees have the option to turn on the live transcript\nThis event is 90 minutes \n\nAfter the event \n\nThe hashtag for this event: #SoAatHome\nSoA Members and paid attendees of this event will be able to catch the recording on our Vimeo channel (password protected) or members can access via the SoA website.\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 Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-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.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261103T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261103T113000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T160543Z UID:10001951-1793700000-1793705400@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  \n#SoAatHome Professional Development events – free for SoA Members \nAll #SoAatHome Professional Development sessions continue to be free for members. However\, for non-members\, the price is £35 including VAT. \nNot a member? sign up here with our special #SoAatHome offer and get 20% off for the first year – use code SOAATHOME20. \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  \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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nWho is this session for?\nThis workshop is intended for prose writers (both fiction and non-fiction) and scriptwriters. \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  \nSoA Fundraising Bookshop\nBrowse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. \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  \nNeed to know\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\nBefore the event \n\nOnce registered\, you will be sent a confirmation email with the Zoom link\nIf the confirmation email doesn’t arrive in your inbox\, please check your junk/spam email folder\nPlease add events@societyofauthors.org to your Safe Senders list so you receive our confirmation and reminder emails\n\nDuring the event \n\nThis online event will take place on Zoom Webinar; you will not be visible on screen but will be able to ask questions via the Q&A function or interact via the chat box\nThis event will be recorded but you won’t be on screen\nAttendees have the option to turn on the live transcript\nThis event is 90 minutes \n\nAfter the event \n\nThe hashtag for this event: #SoAatHome\nSoA Members and paid attendees of this event will be able to catch the recording on our Vimeo channel (password protected) or members can access via the SoA website.\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 Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-writing-a-synopsis/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:#SoAatHome ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Professional-Development_Writing-a-synopsis-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261111T173000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261111T190000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260521T121655Z 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 Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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/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-3.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261201T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261201T113000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T103954Z 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. \nAlthough 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. \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  \n#SoAatHome Professional Development events – free for SoA Members \nAll #SoAatHome Professional Development sessions continue to be free for members. However\, for non-members\, the price is £35 including VAT. \nNot a member? sign up here with our special #SoAatHome offer and get 20% off for the first year – use code SOAATHOME20. \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\n\n\n\nWho is this session for?\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. \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  \nSoA Fundraising Bookshop\nBrowse our virtual Bookshop.org store featuring books by authors and speakers taking part in our events programme. When you make a purchase using our affiliate links\, a percentage will go to the Society of Authors’ Access Fund\, giving authors support for travel\, subsistence\, childcare or access needs for events\, residencies\, and retreats. \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  \nNeed to know\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\nBefore the event \n\nOnce registered\, you will be sent a confirmation email with the Zoom link\nIf the confirmation email doesn’t arrive in your inbox\, please check your junk/spam email folder\nPlease add events@societyofauthors.org to your Safe Senders list so you receive our confirmation and reminder emails\n\nDuring the event \n\nThis online event will take place on Zoom Meetings; you will be visible on screen if you keep your camera on during the session. You will be able to ask your questions directly or put them in the Zoom chat.\nThis event will be recorded and you may be on screen\nAttendees have the option to turn on the live transcript\nThis event is 90 minutes \n\nAfter the event \n\nThe hashtag for this event: #SoAatHome\nSoA Members and paid attendees of this event will be able to catch the recording on our Vimeo channel (password protected) or members can access via the SoA website.\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 Not a member? Join the SoA today for FREE access to all our #SoAatHome events \n \n Access 20% off your first year of membership of the SoA with discount code SOAATHOME20  The Society of Authors is the UK’s biggest trade union for authors – representing more than 12\,000 writers\, illustrators\, translators and other creative practitioners.  Our subscription rate is just £137 per year (£97 concessionary) which equates to just under £12 per month (or £8 per month concessionary).  As an SoA member\, you’ll get:  Access to all our #SoAatHome events for free including the Professional Development sessions usually charged at £35 from Feb 2025 Access to all our Feel Good Friday and Industry Insider events which are usually charged £5 from Feb 2025 Access all #SoAatHome Vimeo professional development recordings so you can catch up in your own time Access Unlimited one-to-one professional advice Membership of our online and real-world professional networks and special interest groups A range of member-only discounts\, including books\, insurance and travel And much more ‘It was a surprisingly lovely way to meet fellow writers in a friendly\, warm surrounding perfectly hosted by the SoA staff. Thank you for all the introductions\, the welcome and the nourishment!’  – attendee from SoA in Person: Autumn New Members’ Party 2024  JOIN NOW  |  PRICING\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \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-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261202T103000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261202T120000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260129T155821Z 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/2025/02/Group-header-Self-publishing-cropped-.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20261210T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20261210T110000 DTSTAMP:20260610T021624 CREATED:20250108T090059Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T141636Z UID:10002042-1796896800-1796900400@societyofauthors.org SUMMARY:LGBTQ+ Network online meet-up DESCRIPTION:Join the LGBTQ+ Network on Thursday 10 December from 10am for a member-led networking session. Come along and get to know your fellow authors! \nWe will go into small groups using breakout rooms on Zoom for you to meet members\, chat and share advice and experiences. We’ll run two rounds of rooms for around 15 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\n15 minutes – Breakout room to chat with members in smaller groups\n10 minutes – Catch up and remix the rooms\n15 minutes – Breakout room to chat with members in smaller groups\n10 minutes – Feed back to the main group\, closing chat\n\nWe look forward to seeing you there! \nTo attend the meeting\, click the Going button below and fill out the RSVP form. If you do not receive a confirmation email\, or have trouble signing up\, please contact localgroups@societyofauthors.org. URL:https://societyofauthors.org/event/lgbtq-network-online-meet-up-101226/ LOCATION:Online CATEGORIES:Underrepresented Writers Networks ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://societyofauthors.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/38628b7a-cf6e-822b-d818-2a8e4882cfac-scaled.jpeg ORGANIZER;CN="Local Groups":MAILTO:localgroups@societyofauthors.org END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR