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13th and 14th June 2026 - Bournemouth Writing Sanctuary. Workshops and time to write
with stunning views of the sea.

Talks, panels and workshops

The full programme of adult talks, workshops and panels to inspire writers to write and to support you in improving and progressing your writing.

All talks on this page will take place at either Pavilion Dance or Palace Court Theatre and are a six minute walk from each other (according to Google Maps!) Panels are listed on our Writers' Hive page which are held at Patch. Talks and panels last one hour and workshops last 90 minutes.

📆 Download the full line-up in chronological order with prices and times by clicking this link.

Sunday 26th April 2026

Additional panels take place at Patch and are listed on our Writers' Hive page.

Authors’ Tips for Tackling Tough Times

Advice for dealing with writing issues, from authors who’ve been there.

Lisa Sell

£10

10:00 - 11:00

Pavilion Dance - Ocean

To Agent or Not to Agent?

Do you need an agent, or can you successfully go it alone?

Alice G May / Hannah Kingsley

£10

10:30 - 11:30

Pavilion Dance - Seafront

Going Up! The how and why of drafting an elevator pitch that works

Get them hooked: how the right few words can sell your book

Steve Couch

£15

12:00 - 13:30 (workshop)

Pavilion Dance - Garden

Writing Diverse Characters

A panel on crafting diverse characters and the importance of representation.

Claire Linney, James Cole, Dean Atta & Ashley Hickson-Lovence

£10

13:30 - 14:30

Palace Court Theatre

7 myths of independent publishing (and how to bust them)

Wondering if self-publishing is for you? Come and find out what it’s all about from an experienced indie author.

DJ Bowman-Smith

£10

15:15 - 16:15

Pavilion Dance - Ocean

Writing Menopause; A Call to Water

Discover new perspectives on menopause through guided writing and literature.

Kristin Burniston

£15

16:00 - 17:30 (workshop)

Pavilion Dance - Garden

Write Your Next Life Chapter

Discover significant themes, capture life lessons, and build confidence to tell your story.

Beverley Glick

£15

10:00 - 11:30 (workshop)

Pavilion Dance - Garden

Writing a Story No One’s Heard

Writing the Unwritten: Uncovering the Narrative Only You Hold.

Precious Oyekamni-Bruce

£10

11:45 - 12:45

Pavilion Dance - Ocean

The Writer's Obstacle Course

How to overcome challenges and reach our writing goals.

Ellie Hawkes

£10

12:15 - 13:15

Pavilion Dance - Seafront

Pick apart a picture book

Understanding techniques that make a stand-out picture book.

Kate Abernethy

£10

14:00 - 15:00

Pavilion Dance - Seafront

Being a Children's Author Warts 'n' All

Discover the realities of being an award-winning children’s author.

Claire Linney

£10

15:15 - 16:15

Palace Court Theatre

TTRPGs – Telling Stories Through Games

Telling fun and engaging tabletop stories with magic, might, and mechanics.

Mike Garley

£10

10:00 - 11:00

Palace Court Theatre

Adapting Your Own Work Into TV/Film Scripts

Discover how to maximise your IP and adapt your work for the screen.

Tim Clague & Danny Stack

£10

11:45 - 12:45

Palace Court Theatre

Seven Simple Snags and Five Red Flags

About to send to an agent or judge? Get Ali's checklist first!

Ali Sparkes

£10

13:30 - 14:30

Pavilion Dance - Ocean

Writing Through Play: Sparking Creativity, Truth and Joy

Writing and character development through stage improvisation techniques and thought exercises.

Faye Brann

£15

14:00 - 15:30 (workshop)

Pavilion Dance - Garden

Juggling Pen Names & Publishers

Anna Britton and Lauren North talk pen names, genres & hybrid publishing.

Nikki Moore and Lauren North

£10

15:45 - 16:45

Pavilion Dance - Seafront

The Write Move, poetry and dance showcase from Arts University, starts at 7:30pm

Events are subject to change.

Bournemouth Writing Festival is not responsible for the content of the events.

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