You’ve written the book. Now how do you persuade people to actually read it?

 

Marketing can be one of the most daunting parts of being an author, particularly when there are so many different things you’re told you should be doing.

 

In this practical session, author and Chartered Marketer Lindsay Woodward will cut through the noise and explore the different ways you can promote both your books and yourself as an author. From building your author brand and using social media effectively to gaining reviews, reaching new readers, getting involved in events and making the most of opportunities closer to home, you’ll discover what really goes into marketing a book.

 

Most importantly, you don’t need to do everything. Whether you’re preparing to launch your first book or wondering how to breathe new life into one you’ve already published, this session will help you decide where to focus your time and start building a marketing approach that works for you.

You laughed out loud in real life when it happened, so can you make the reader do the same when it happens to a fictional character? It is often said that comedy is the hardest genre to write, as humour is not an emotion and often subjective.

 

But if it made you laugh in real life, and you were verbally able to retell it to your listeners to immediate laughter, why is it hard to find the right words to say on the page? In this workshop, you’ll learn the best way to script comic conversation between characters in your work, adding in descriptive actions and backgrounds that layer the set-up of a laughable scenario.

 

Hosted by writer Ian Fisermanis, author of “Pierre and The Last Gargoyle of Paris”, this is a participation workshop where you can learn the rules of written comedy. We’ll look at creating the comedy protagonist and their ‘straight faced’ sidekick, and giving them the correct dialogue and scenario – often easier when based on a real experience and we’ll learn how to dissect what really tickled you back then, will help you pass the tickle on to your readers using the correct format for the comedy.

Please note: the venue for this has changed, and will now take place in the Activity Space at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum.

Join local authors Suzy Edney, David Bailey, Madalyn Morgan and Jeremy Scott as they talk about how they published their first books. What is the process from that first idea to opening that box full of new books? In a panel discussion hosted by writer Lindsay Woodward, the authors discuss the challenges and joys of getting into print for the very first time and answer your questions about becoming an author.

SOLD OUT!

Discover the art of blackout poetry in this creative and relaxing workshop as part of the Rugby Literary Festival. Using pages from books, newspapers and other printed materials, you’ll transform existing text into unique poems by highlighting selected words and creatively obscuring the rest. No previous writing experience is needed, just bring your imagination and enjoy experimenting with words, language and design. All materials will be provided.

Join the Rugby Cafe Writers for the launch of their new book, Dive into a Story – an anthology of short stories written by talented members of the group. The writers will be reading extracts from the new book and discussing the art of how to write the perfect short story.

Do you enjoy writing? Do you enjoy meeting other writers? Then why not start your own writing group and spread the word? Join leaders of the Rugby Cafe Writers as they discuss how they set up their writing group and how it has led to the publishing over nine anthologies and more than 1,000 book sales. We welcome your questions. www.rugbycafewriters.com

If you’ve ever dreamed of writing a book, you’ll know what it feels like to have an idea bouncing around inside your head for months or even years. You’ll also have a million excuses as to why you think you can’t get started! “It’s all been said before,” or “I don’t have enough time.”

 

This workshop will help you smash those excuses and start writing the book you’ve always wanted to work on. During the hour, you’ll break the process of planning and writing your book down into achievable steps and begin building your confidence as a writer.

 

Your workshop host is Shelley Wilson, a multi-genre author of over twenty books and writing mentor.

Please note: the venue for this event has now changed will be held in the Activity Space within Rugby Art Gallery and Museum.

SOLD OUT!

Join bestselling author and Radio 2 Book Club pick Natasha Pulley, and critically acclaimed horror writer, game designer and podcaster Jonathan Sims in conversation about all things spooky, both human and supernatural.

 

Jonathan Sims became a global name in horror following the staggering success of his anthology podcast The Magnus Archives, which he both created and starred in. Since then, he has co-helmed the creation of a sequel series, The Magnus Protocol, which broke records as the most funded podcast in Kickstarter history. His third novel, The Burn Line, is his love letter to classic monster movies, and a break-up letter to dying cities.

 

Natasha Pulley’s bestselling debut novel, The Watchmaker of Filigree Street, also catapulted her to critical acclaim winning the Betty Trask Award. Alongside her roles as a lecturer in Creative Writing at Bath Spa University and the Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education, she has written eight novels spanning fantasy, history and science fiction. Her new novel, The Salt King, is a gothic folk horror that explores old gods and new.

Freewriting – a simple and effective exercise where you write continuously for a set amount of time without worrying about grammar, spelling, or structure. The goal is to let your thoughts flow freely, helping you clear your mind and access deeper creativity.

 

No writing experience is required—just bring your open mind and a willingness to explore.

Rediscover the joy of writing without judgment and unlock the limitless creativity within you. Join us and see how freewriting can help clear your mind, relieve stress, and inspire new ideas.