New virtual platform for Winchester’s Writers’ Weekend

The south east’s largest writing event will now be streamed live throughout the weekend on 9-12th July.  Learn more about this 4-day conference and how local bloggers can get involved.

Founded by Sara Gangai, former Director and Event Manager of the Winchester Writers’ Festival, the Writers’ Weekend is a unique 4 day virtual conference for writers of all abilities and genres.  

With more than 800 virtual 1-1 appointments with literary agents and editors available, attendees will have the opportunity to showcase their writing to a wide range of experts who are keen to see writing submissions.  Publishers such as Harper Collins, Hachette and Troubador will also take part in talks, workshops and panels.

Sara states that “easy-to-use video virtual meeting room technology will ensure every workshop, panel and 1-1 appointment is fully accessible to our attendees, streamed to your computer, tablet or phone, and as engaging as an in-person event.”

Sara Ganga, founder of Winchester’s Writers’ Weekend

Eoin Colfer, internationally-acclaimed author of the Artemis Fowl series (soon to be released by Disney) is holding the virtual keynote address on Saturday.  Lissa Evans author of Their Finest Hour and a Half (filmed in 2017 as ‘Their Finest’, starring Bill Nighy and Gemma Arterton) will address the audience on the Sunday; 2 of the 65 speakers confirmed for the event.

With many of the speakers already using virtual communication technology, such as Zoom, Sara says “we’re very excited to provide an interactive and exciting programme to a wider audience in the comfort of their home and by moving the conference online, the event has now been opened to a global network of writers.”

To try and make the event as inclusive as possible, bursaries are available for those needing financial assistance to attend and three full scholarships are on offer for writers aged 18-15.

Leading up to the event, The Writers’ Weekend is running six writing competitions to encourage writers to create new work and give children a fun outlet for their creativity.   The competitions for adults are:  Opening of a Novel; The Bright Agency Picture Book Prize; Writing Magazine Short Fiction Competition; Skylark Fabulous Fiction for Fives to Teens and a new Flash Fiction competition. Young writers are asked to write a one-page poem or story on the topic of ‘What I like about being at home’.  The deadline for all competitions is 19 June.

For all details on the competitions, go to www.writersweekend.uk/competitions. 

For full details on the virtual Writers’ Weekend please visit www.writersweekend.uk