Next weekend (18th October) marks a huge milestone — the Romance Writing Festival is almost here!
It’s been a truly eye-opening experience helping to organise an event on this scale. I’m used to running Author Events — author talks, networking evenings, and our lovely Marketplace days — but this is the first time I’ve been involved in putting together an entire festival from the ground up.
It’s been challenging and rewarding in equal measure. Some days, it feels like there just aren’t enough hours in the day, but when I stand back and look at what we’ve created, it’s incredible. This festival brings together authors, readers, and publishing professionals from across the country to celebrate romance — arguably the most popular genre of all!
💞 The Highlights
One of my personal highlights has been connecting with so many of the wonderful authors taking part. I’ve also been the main liaison between our authors, publishers, and Waterstones, who are running the on-site festival bookshop — a steep learning curve, but such a fascinating glimpse into the world of publishing and bookselling behind the scenes.
I’ve learned so much about what goes into an event of this size — from scheduling and stock to signage and spreadsheets — and while it hasn’t always been smooth sailing, it’s been so rewarding to see it all come together.
✍️ Finding My Tribe
It’s funny to think that, as someone who used to be quite shy, I somehow stumbled into event planning and discovered I love it. Finding your writing tribe — that group of people who just get it — is truly transformative. It gives you confidence to step out of your comfort zone and try new things, like helping to run an entire festival!
When I first moved to Dorset, I barely knew anyone, and now I feel surrounded by the most supportive, creative community. It’s been an incredible journey.
🌹 What I’m Most Excited For
If you haven’t already had a peek, you can see the full programme at romancewritingfestival.co.uk — but here are a few sessions I can’t wait for:
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Sarah Jade Virtue, who I first met back in 2019 when I received the Katie Fforde Bursary. Sarah is such a champion of romance fiction, and I’m so looking forward to hearing her speak again.
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Slay the Slushpile, where we get to watch editors and agents give live feedback on submissions — a fascinating insight into how publishing decisions are made.
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One-to-One Sessions, where writers get personal feedback from agents and editors. Having done these myself before I was published, I know how invaluable that experience is.
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Afternoon Tea with an Editor — yes, you can literally talk about your book over tea and cake! (And amazingly, there are still a few tickets left.)
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The Marketplace, which is completely free to enter, with 15 authors and professionals offering advice, book signings, and bookish goodies — plus four book launches throughout the day at 12.00, 1.00, 2.30, and 4.00.
And I’m especially excited to be interviewing the wonderful Sue Moorcroft at 2.30 about her latest festive release A Christmas Gift. I first met Sue years ago when I was still an aspiring author attending her courses, so being in conversation with her now feels surreal and very special.
❤️ A Final Thought
It’s been a whirlwind few months of planning, emails, spreadsheets, and surprises — but what’s come out of it is something really special. The Romance Writing Festival is all about connection: between authors, readers, and the stories we love.
So if you’re anywhere near Bournemouth next weekend, come and join us!
Meet authors, chat to publishers, pick up a few new books (and maybe some inspiration for your own).
You can find all the details and ticket information at romancewritingfestival.co.uk.
Hope to see you there!
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