Writers’ Day
Our main event for writers, with something for everyone, whatever stage your writing is at.
A mixture of workshops, panel Q&As, talks and masterclasses, this day is not to be missed by those looking to learn more about the writing craft, meet and talk to fellow writers, and make invaluable contacts within the industry.
Children’s authors Sam Sedgeman and Chris Bonnello will be chatting alongside agent, Lydia Silver, while local author Sue King will be talking about writing about all things Manx and getting published as a non-fiction writer.
As well as taking part in a Q&A session with Caroline England, Martin Edwards will be running a writing workshop, and Amina Atiq will be running a poetry workshop later in the day.
The ticket price includes a buffet lunch.
Agent Pitch Slots
Book yourself a pitch slot with our visiting literary agent...
About the agent, Lydia Silver:
This year we are joined by Lydia Silver, director and literary agent with Darley Anderson’s Children’s Agency.
With experience on both sides of the commissioning desk, Lydia loves working editorially with her clients and developing ideas from an initial spark into a full manuscript. She represents clients across all age groups, including picture book, chapter book, middle grade and YA, and has a particular focus on non-fiction.
No matter the story, Lydia is drawn to voice above anything else and will always be sucked in by a strong hook.
Lydia is actively looking for submissions from all under-represented writers, and if you’re comfortable doing so, you can use the hashtag #diversevoice when you submit to indicate that you identify as under-represented.
These highly sought-after agent pitch slots tend to get snapped up quickly, so please get in touch with us at manxlitfest@gmail.com as soon as possible for more information.
Once you have spoken to us via email and been sent the terms and conditions, you will be given a password to enable you to buy a ticket for a pitch slot.
In buying a ticket and submitting your work, you are deemed to have accepted these terms and conditions.
How to Write Mysteries! With Sam Sedgman
Join Sam Sedgman and learn how to write mysteries and adventure stories, in this hour long workshop, suitable for any children in Year 4 and above!
As a self-described ‘ferroequinologist’ (train fanatic) Sam Sedgeman will be right at home on the Isle of Man.
Sam is a multi-award-winning author of mysteries, adventures and non-fiction books for children. His latest novel, The Clockwork Conspiracy, is a locked-room mystery for 9–12 year olds.
His other titles include a best-selling series of middle-grade fiction books, co-written with M.G. Leonard, called Adventures on Trains, and a non-fiction extravaganza about the world’s most incredible railway journeys, called Epic Adventures.
Sam lives on top of a railway station in London. As well as writing books and articles, and chairing literary events, he also presents a podcast about children’s books, called Down the Rabbit Hole.
Children’s Poetry Workshop, with Jacqueline Shirtliff
Local children’s poet, Jacqueline Shirtliff, will be taking some very lucky children on an exciting adventure through the animal kingdom.
Suitable for children in Years 3-6, those at the workshop will be listening to some poems, playing a couple of word games and thinking about and writing poems about an animal they know well - a pet, or a favourite farm or wild animal.
Jacqueline is a primary school teacher and writer from the Isle of Man. She has had poems published in The Caterpillar, Tyger Tyger and The Dirigible Balloon. As a teacher she is passionate about instilling a love of poetry and reading in the children she teaches, encouraging them to be writers themselves.
Celebration of Poetry, compèred by Amina Atiq
Last year’s new formatted poetry evening was such a resounding success, with more positive feedback than any other event, that we couldn’t not do it again!
This year Amina Atiq will be hosting, as local poets perform in the hopes of winning those coveted book vouchers!
As ever we are inviting up to 20 performers to get in touch to perform a 3-minute poem during the evening, to be in with a chance of winning prizes in one of three categories:
Entertainment - voted for by the audience
Content - voted for by the evening’s performers
Compère’s choice - chosen by Amina
This is also an opportunity for all Manx poets to showcase their work outside of performance, and there will be tables and poster boards at the venue displaying information about where to go to read or listen to local poets - whether that is online or in-person, any upcoming or regular events, book releases, as well as any physical copies of any published work for people to look at.
If you would like to perform on the evening, or would like to display any information about your poetry, please email staceyastillpoetry@gmail.com for more information.
This event is sponsored by Bridge Bookshop.