Saida Chowdhury is a Birmingham based Poet who will discuss her first poetry collection, her fascination with Japanese philosophy ‘Kintsugi’ and how she applies this to her work.

If you want to try your hand at writing a short story, or if you’ve written short stories before, this is the event designed to ignite or expand your inspiration.

Sheryl brings over 20 years of retail experience across global brands and independent businesses, sharing an honest and practical perspective on how our everyday shopping habits shape the world around us.

The Lichfield Poets have chosen the theme 'People' in all their many forms for this poetry presentation. They will give you pathos, humour, drama and maybe food for thought.

From real life ownership of a famous art gallery in Birmingham to becoming the artist. The story of how people you meet help plot your life and make for a humorous set of novels.  

What makes a reader keep turning pages long past bedtime? In this talk, author Lindsay Woodward breaks down the key elements behind truly gripping fiction.

Karl W Newton shares a powerful and personal exploration of how creativity can support and transform mental health.

Join Kasim Ali to discuss his latest novel Who Will Remain - a blistering story of social expectations and social condemnation, of dead ends and divided loyalties, and of what remains when you have nothing left to lose.

Rach Sambrooks is an award winning comedy writer and performer. She will introduce you to games, ideas, characters and topics that can inspire you to use humour in your own writing. 

While newly married, with the couple expecting their first child, Catherine Redford’s wife was tragically diagnosed with a terminal illness. The Way the Water Held Me is a mesmeric plunge into the caring, grief, loss and love experienced by a young widow.

Have you ever thought about writing your life story? Or perhaps you have already made a start but need some guidance. Join acclaimed memoirist Tracy King for a one-hour workshop that will inspire and encourage you.

David Lowe is composer of many of the UK’s well known TV Themes including the iconic BBC News Theme. Join David in this fun workshop as you create a brand new Theme tune together.

Sally Jenkins will be talking about the real-life inspiration behind her novel Little Museum of Hope and also about her long and winding journey to becoming a traditionally-published author.  

Join Anjem Anwar, writer and editorial reader at Emma Press, for a conversation about the process from submission to publication as a writer.

Join Peter Haynes and Nigel Proctor to hear about why they set up a local independent press in the first place, the books they’ve published so far, what they look for in submissions and their plans for their future.

Have you ever fancied having a pint with Queen Victoria in Wetherspoons? This playful workshop will look at how we can merge fact and fantasy in our writing, both travelling back to the past to meet historical figures and bringing them into our own modern world.

A witty and insightful poetry performance by Dawn Abigail, based on her circular microfiction: ...birth: a charm on a circular thread, followed by the gems of initiation, maturity and wisdom.  Then comes the dark jewel of death before…

Anna will be discussing her writing journey, the publishing process including self-publishing, as well her debut novel - 'It's Never Really Over'.  

Vig takes particular interest in identity and belonging, inspiring and impacting community, challenging cultural stereotypes, race and taboo topics.

In this spooky creative writing workshop, you'll roll the dice to discover your story's character, setting, object, and situation — then write the weird, wild tale only you could tell. 

Award-winning news journalist G J Phelps has always been fascinated by ‘real’ ghost stories. Now, he has used these to inspire his chilling supernatural thriller 13 Doors.  

The benefits of spending time in nature are well known, but have you ever wanted to express the beauty and wonder of nature in words? This friendly and fun workshop is suitable for all writers and aspiring writers, even if you are a complete beginner. 

Work with B Wheeler, author of teen romcom How NOT To Kiss A Prince, to flip familiar fairytales and write your own unique version.

With a decline in reading for pleasure amongst boys and young men, and the problematic rise of the Manosphere, is there still a space for them to find healthy role models in literature?

Martin’s first love was music, something never to be eclipsed! He has written fiction, biographies and introductions for the stars. Roll up for a Magical Mystery Tour of music and literature – including the light and shade of Martin’s own fascinating journey.

Exploring sickness, health and even death, we will examine a range of resources and then engage in the stories of our bodies. Using a range of contemporary and historical literature, as well as props, participants will then complete writing exercises inspired by these tools.