Essex Authors Day 2022 is a great opportunity for aspiring and established writers to learn, improve their skills, share knowledge and experiences – and discover something new!

Pick up writing tips and inspiration from a wide range of workshops led by experienced authors, editors and publishers; join in with or listen to our popular Writers Slam or wander the Book Fair for networking opportunities.

This event is in partnership with Essex Library Services

Venue: Chelmsford Library, County Hall, Market Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1QH

Tickets: Workshops £6 each. Writers’ Slam are free, but booking essential

Box Office: Eventbrite. Entry to the event, Book Fair and Writers Slam is free. Microphone slots at the Writers Slam and workshop places must be booked in advance. There’s no charge to participate in the Writers Slam. Workshop tickets cost £6 per person. Please see below for the full programme of activities.

Date and time: Saturday 11th June, 10.00am – 4.00pm

Programme of activities

For full details of each workshop visit libraries.essex.gov.uk/events

10am to 4pm – Book Fair

Throughout the day you’ll have the chance to meet and talk with authors and other people from the creative writing world. You’ll be able to view our Literary Essex map and post your reviews of novels set in Essex, plus try out your book knowledge with our Front Cover Treasure Hunt quiz.

10am to 11.30am – Workshops

Workshop 1: Navigating Book Marketing and Publication Day Launches with Lizzie Chantree. Book now on Eventbrite

Workshop 2: The Psychology of Character Development with Julia Stone. Book now on Eventbrite

Workshop 3: Crafting a Speculative Novel: An Author’s Experience with Owen W Knight. Book now on Eventbrite

12 noon to 1pm – Writers Slam

Come along and listen to the participants. They will each have 3-minutes at a microphone to introduce themselves and talk about their writing or read an extract of their work. If you would like a spot at the microphone you’ll need to book as places are limited. Book now on Eventbrite

2pm to 3.30pm – Workshops

Workshop 4: Prose Fiction Writing Techniques with Dr Jonathan Crane. Book now on Eventbrite

Workshop 5: How to Create a Character that Leaps off the Page with Wanda Whiteley. Book now on Eventbrite

Workshop 6: Acquisition Process and Editing with Simon Edge. Book now on Eventbrite