What's Happening
We have ten talks and panels included in the day ticket price for you to choose from.
In the main room we have panels on topics that will be sure to inspire you to get writing.
In the smaller talks room, we have five sessions that will give you practical tips and guidance depending on where you are on your writing journey. Click here to go to the Talks Room section.
During the lunch break, a Ploughman's buffet lunch is included in the ticket price plus free walks to either the beach or a literary tour of Bournemouth. The evening networking event is also included in the ticket price.
Main Room
9:30am to 10:30am
Writing High Concept Fiction with Nikki Moore and Clare Swatman
We hear a lot about agents and editors looking for high concept, hooky novels - but what does this mean and how do you know if you’re writing it? Join these multi-published authors for a glimpse behind the scenes as they discuss why they write high concept fiction, and how to hook readers with a compelling premise.
11am to 12pm
In Conversation with Katie Fforde
Join us for a special 'In Conversation' event as Edward Sault (BBC South) sits down with the legendary Katie Fforde to explore her remarkable writing journey. From first publication to becoming one of the UK’s most beloved romance authors, Katie will share insights into her creative process, career highs and lows, and the stories behind her enduring success. An unmissable session for romance readers and writers alike.
1:30pm to 2:30pm
Building a Bestseller with Sue Moorcroft and Juliet Pickering
Bestselling, multi-award-winning author and president of the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Sue Moorcroft, and her agent, Juliet Pickering, director and Deputy Head of Books at Blake Friedmann, will be in conversation about how Sue became a no.1 chart-topper after she took a big leap of faith, how they work together on her novels to ensure that success keeps building, how Sue became a bestseller in other languages, and what it’s like to face seismic changes such as their recent move to a new publisher.
They will discuss each of their perspectives and experiences publishing Sue’s seasonal romantic fiction, after a decade of working together as author and agent, and what to look for when aiming for success with your own writing.
3pm to 4pm
Romance Writing for the Here and Now with Abiola Bello, Liam Livings and Suzan Holder
Join this lively contemporary panel chaired by BBC Radio's Fee Mak as authors Abiola Bello, Liam Livings and Suzan Holder discuss writing modern romance for today’s readers. From fresh voices and diverse perspectives to evolving themes, tropes and representation, this panel offers an honest, insightful look at where contemporary romance is now - and where it’s heading next.
4:30pm to 5:30pm
Slay the Slush Pile with Janet Gover, Sara-Jade Virtue, Nicky Lovick and Maddalena Cavaciuti
Back by popular demand! In this high-octane session, your opening pages go under the spotlight as Janet Gover returns to chair an expert panel featuring editor Sara-Jade Virtue and literary agents Nicky Lovick and Maddalena Cavaciuti. Watch as they read and critique first pages live revealing exactly what grabs their attention, what loses it, and why some submissions soar straight to the top of the pile. Whether you submit work or simply listen in, you’ll learn what makes an irresistible opener. Last year one delegate called it “an invaluable insight into the importance of the first page of writing". Click here for details on how to submit your words.
Talks Room
The sessions in the talks room are designed for writers at different stages of their writing journey. The first session is for beginners whilst the last two are for those who are ready to get their words out into the world.
Please note, due to the limited size and capacity of this room, entry will be on a strict first-come-first-serve basis. Once we are full, we cannot let any more in due to health and safety guidelines.
9:30am to 10:30am
Getting started - From Spark to Structure with Sharon Kendrick
Struggling to start your romance novel, or unsure how to transform that initial spark into a story with real momentum? Sharon Kendrick has published 128 titles with Harlequin, Mills & Boon and sold over thirty million books. She will guide you through the magical (and sometimes messy) process of beginning your story. From finding the kernel of an irresistible idea to shaping characters, stakes, emotional arcs and a workable structure, Sharon will show you how to build a strong foundation to get you going.
11am to 12pm
The Messy Middle - Beating Writer’s Block & the Mid-Draft Slump with Jeevani Charika
Stuck halfway through your romance novel? Losing steam just as things should be heating up? This energising session tackles the dreaded “saggy middle” - that mid-draft wobble every writer knows too well. You’ll learn fast, practical techniques to reignite your plot, deepen emotional tension, reconnect with your characters and push toward “The End”.
1:30pm to 2:30pm
The End - Organising Chaos: Turn a Messy Draft into a Publishable Novel with Gary Dalkin and Sophie Beal
Have you finished your first or an early draft and are stuck in a chaos that feels impossible to tame? In this practical, confidence-boosting session, editor Gary Dalkin and publisher Sophie Beal share their tried-and-tested approach to turning messy manuscripts into polished, compelling novels. You’ll learn how to go from the big picture - getting the characters and story right - through tightening the structure and working your way down to the finest details, finally transforming a troublesome draft into a novel that's truly ready for agents, editors, or self-publication. This entertaining, sometimes humourous talk is perfect for romance writers who need to organise their chaotic draft into into a properly finished novel and triumphantly type, 'The End'.
3pm to 4pm
Getting Published - Why Romance Authors Thrive in Self-Publishing (and How to Do It Properly) with Alex Thompson
Romance is one of the most successful and fast-moving genres in publishing, and self-publishing sits at the heart of that success. Alex Thompson, Managing Director of Troubador Publishing and The Book Guild explores why so many romance authors start (and stay) self-published, what readers now expect from romance books, and how authors can combine creative control with professional publishing standards to maximise reach, sales, and long-term potential.
4:30pm to 5:30pm
Building Your Author Brand - Your Route To Success as a Romance Author with Isabelle Knight
Founder of Build Your Author Brand, Isabelle Knight, will show you why you need an Author Brand, How to Create Yours and How To Use it to Build Success as a Romance Author.
Romance Authors will learn why it's so important to be absolutely clear about your unique and compelling Author Brand, how to use it and what it can do for your success strategy. Isabelle will explain the first steps in creating your unique Author Brand, how to set yourself apart from your competition and create more opportunities for growing your Author profile and reaching more romance readers.
Remember, there are no booking fees and if you book before 31st May, get 10% early bird discount off Festival Tickets and Masterclasses!
Extras to Boost Your Words
Masterclasses - £150
Deep-dive craft intensives led by bestselling romance authors.
Small groups. High-impact learning. Limited seats.
Agent 1-2-1s - £70
Pitch your work directly to a literary agent, gain personalised feedback, and take your writing one step closer to publication.
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