Opportunities for local writers at this year’s Hastings Bookfest
Hastings Bookfest kicks off with a weekend dedicated to local writers and poets. From a chance to sell their publications at the Book Fair, to workshops, open mic and warm-up slots, you can find it all in the Bookfest Programme. Plus, the first ever Hastings Festival Fringe to run alongside. It’s going to be a busy week! Dee Williams reports.
Steve Amos is running this year’s Book Fair. He has volunteered with the Bookfest team since the beginning, but this is his first Book Fair and it’s a bumper one. Over thirty stalls will be set up in the Observer Building on Saturday 14 September.
Many local writers groups will be represented, plus individual authors looking to connect with their audience in the real world. Come along, say hi and buy a signed book for yourself or your friends (Christmas is coming). Support for local writers is most welcome.
If you can get there at 11:00 am there is an opening act to tickle your fancy.
Writers looking for inspiration can sign up to one of four writing workshops to be held over the weekend at the Observer Building.
On Saturday 14th from 10:00 to 13:00 you could join Craig Jordan Baker’s Nature Writing Workshop.
Craig Jordan-Baker’s Nature Writing Workshop.
Noting, Noticing and Knowing: With a few new words, you can see nature differently. By paying closer attention to leaf, weed and bough, we can also pay closer attention to ourselves.
Or if poetry is your thing, John McCullough will be hosting a workshop from 14:00 to 17:00.
Join the renowned poet and creative writing teacher, John McCullough for a workshop on how to craft and edit your poems.
On Sunday 15th David Quantick is running a session on ‘How to write comedy’ from 10:00 to 13:00.
David Quantick – From punchline to premiere – comedy from the ground up.
Those who prefer a later start may wish to join VG Lee in her short story workshop running from 14:00 to 17:00.
VG Lee – Setting the Words on Fire! – A three-hour workshop concentrating on the short story.
This year the Bookfest team has invited local authors to open up some of the main events with a 5-minute warm-up slot. This is a great opportunity for emerging authors to connect with their audience. All warm-up acts are listed here and on the Bookfest website once you open BUY TICKETS – READ MORE.
On Thursday 19 September at 19:30 An Indie Salon
will be opened by James Prentice and Chris Connelley, local researchers who have produced a visual and biographical book that documents the process of ‘gentrification’ in St Leonards-on-Sea.
On Friday 20 September 19:30 Monique Roffey – Passiontide session
will be opened by Karen Arthur – a broadcaster and artist living in Hastings. Her first book Grandmas Locs celebrates the beauty of Black and mixed-race hair through the magical bond of a grandmother and her grandson. It will be published in October.
On Super Saturday 21 September 11:15 the Sarah P Corbett Craftivism – the art of gentle protest event
will be opened by Della Reynolds, campaigner and editor of ‘What’s the Point of the Ombudsman’ ‘(how the Ombudsman works and why it doesn’t). She is also a local performing poet – poet in pyjamas.
Later at 13:15 Caroline Lucas – Another England event
will be opened by local poet Ben Bruges. Ben works in education, is co-features editor for Hastings Independent Press, has poems published in multiple publications and is long-listed for the Elizabeth Royal Patton Memorial Poetry Competition.
will be opened by Anny Knight, local poet-performer who has appeared at many women’s events and Prides all over the UK.
Finally, at 20:30 the Anita Rani and Salena Godden in conversation event
will be opened by Reanna Valentine, author of two poetry collections: Mad Again (Written Off Publishing) and the Saboteur Award-nominated Fragmented Light, with their grandmother Carolyn Reed.
On Sunday 22 September, the final day of the Bookfest, the 14:15 Henry Normal – Everyday Adventures with our Autistic Son event
will be opened by Steve Amos, author of Two Sides of an Indie Dad. Steve regularly performs his work at events around Hastings.
Then the final event at 16:00 – members of the Hastings Book Group will be opening and closing the panel at the Publishing Panel and Networking Event.
Carefully woven between the Bookfest Sessions are some informal fringe events giving local artists a further opportunity to share their craft, their journey and their knowledge.
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