Surrey New Writer’s Festival

Hello Poetry Lovers

On a sweltering Saturday, I went to the Surrey New Writer’s Festival at the University of Surrey. What an enriching day that was …

While my friend Trisha was in the How to Make a Living as an Author class, I was establishing the two vital points of the day – the cafe and smoking area – then I was satisfied enough to explore the Writing for Performance Panel in the Triangle Room. A powerful team, chaired by Annum Salman, talking about putting words into performance.

Reuniting with the fabulous Jeremy Loynes,

we skipped into the Lunch Time Open Mic in the Square Room (why does this remind me of Play School?!). Here we were treated to fabulous performances from Alice Fowler, a good friend on Twitter, who read from her wonderful new book The Truth has Arms and Legs. Powerful writing, Alice. I can’t wait to get a copy.

Then many delightful pieces including Genevieve Grant-Thompson, Liz Kendall, Elaine McGinty, Sharron Green and Trisha Broomfield

No idea who that last poet is. Blagged her way in there, I’m sure!

A hasty lunch before we embraced the Square Room once again for a conversation with Ellery Lloyd interviewed by the marvellous Sharron Green

I’ve been a big admirer of this crime writing team, and they offered fascinating insight into how they worked together. Keep up the good work, you two!

Then a high tea with Neel Mukherjee and Monica Ali. Nice intelligent writers and even nicer cake! Num! And the day did not stop there, at 5 pm in the Round Room was a Paths to Publication Panel and in the Triangle Room, a Visual Writing Panel.

So wonderful to spend a day with my lovely pals, Trisha Broomfield, Sharron Green and Elaine McGinty

Thank you for an enriching day out, Surrey Writer’s Festival, and thank You, Poetry Lovers for tuning into my story. We’ll be back with more poetry adventures real soon…..