Our Story
Author Events, founded by psychological thriller author Alex Stone, began with a simple idea: writing shouldn’t have to be such a solitary experience.
What started as a local coffee morning for writers has grown into a community bringing authors, aspiring writers, readers and publishing professionals together through events, workshops, courses and opportunities to connect.
From informal coffee mornings and writing groups to author talks, book clubs, workshops and special events, we create welcoming spaces where people can meet, learn, share ideas and discover great books.
Whether you’re writing your first novel, building an established author career, or simply love meeting the people behind the books you read, there’s a place for you at Author Events.
What We Do
Author Meet-Ups
Our informal meet-ups give writers the chance to get away from their desks and spend time with people who understand the ups and downs of the writing life.
We currently hold regular coffee mornings in Christchurch and Westbourne, alongside our evening meet-ups at Conto Lounge in Winton.
There’s no formal agenda and no need to prepare anything – just come along, grab a drink and enjoy some writerly conversation.
And we’re growing! During 2027, we’ll be working to bring Author Events meet-ups to more towns and cities across the UK.
Books & Bubbles Book Club
Our monthly book club comes with something a little different – the author joins the conversation.
Held on the second Monday of every month at the Royal Bath Hotel, Bournemouth, Books & Bubbles gives readers the opportunity to discuss that month’s book together before hearing directly from its author, asking questions and discovering more about the story behind the story.
Haven’t finished the book? Haven’t even started it? You’re still welcome. Come along, discover a new author and perhaps find your next favourite read.
Author Talks
Our monthly Author Talks at PizzaExpress in Christchurch bring writers, readers and industry guests together for relaxed and engaging evenings exploring books, writing and the creative industries.
From individual author conversations to panels and special guests, each event offers something different – and plenty of opportunity to ask questions and join the conversation.
Workshops & Courses
Our Author Events Academy is where writers can develop their craft, build their knowledge and learn directly from authors and publishing industry professionals.
The Academy includes:
- Saturday Morning Online Workshops – practical, focused sessions exploring different aspects of writing, publishing and the author journey.
- Ask the Expert Sessions – opportunities to hear directly from professionals working across the writing and publishing industries, ask questions and gain practical insight into their areas of expertise.
- Courses & Programmes – more in-depth learning for writers who want to really immerse themselves in a particular area of their craft.
Our current programme includes Writing a Psychological Thriller with bestselling psychological thriller author Alex Stone, an intensive 12-week online course taking writers from their initial idea through character, conflict, tension and structure to the publishing industry and what happens when a manuscript is ready to move beyond the writing stage.
Throughout the course, Alex is joined by specialist guest speakers from the writing and publishing industries, giving participants the opportunity to learn from professionals with expertise in different stages of writing, developing and publishing a novel.
Whether you’re just beginning to write or looking to take the next step in your author career, the Academy is designed to provide practical, accessible learning alongside the support of a wider writing community. specialist guest speakers joining selected sessions to share their professional expertise.
Writer Lounges – Coming in 2027
Sometimes what you need most is simply the time and space to write.
Launching in 2027, our Writer Lounges will provide relaxed, welcoming sessions where you can bring your notebook or laptop, grab a drink and settle down to work alongside other writers.
There are no exercises, workshops or expectations – just dedicated writing time with a little community around you.
Author & Reader Socials
Books are even better when they bring people together.
Our Summer and Winter Author & Reader Socials at PizzaExpress in Christchurch are relaxed social events where authors, writers and book lovers can meet, chat and celebrate their shared love of books.
No panels. No workshops. No networking pressure. Just good company, books, food and conversation.
Book & Stage Store
Book & Stage Store is our home for discovering books, authors and bookish gifts.
Through the store, readers can discover new writers and buy signed books and bookish products, while authors gain another opportunity to showcase their work and reach new readers.
It’s another part of our mission to create connections between the people who write books and the people who love reading them.
Coastal Crime
Author Events is also proud to partner with Coastal Crime, the Southampton Crime Fiction Festival.
Taking place in Southampton on 26 March 2027, Coastal Crime brings together crime writers, readers and publishing professionals for a celebration of crime fiction.
But Coastal Crime is about more than a single festival day. Together, Author Events and Coastal Crime are developing events and opportunities throughout the year, creating even more ways for writers and readers to meet, learn and connect.
Come and Join Us
At the heart of everything we do is connection.
Connection between writers who might otherwise spend their days working alone. Between authors and the readers who love their books. Between aspiring writers and people working within the publishing industry. And between people who simply share a love of stories.
You don’t need to be published. You don’t need to know anybody before you arrive. And you certainly don’t need to call yourself a “proper writer”.
Come for the books. Come for the writing. Come for the conversation.
We’d love to welcome you.
👥 Meet the Team
Alex Stone — Founder & Creative Director
Alex founded Author Events and continues to shape its vision and direction. From creating new event formats to hosting and curating conversations, Alex leads the community with energy, creativity, and care.
OUR VOLUNTEER CoMMUNITY HOSTS
Gary Dalkin — Community Host: winton & Online
Gary is an editor at To The Last Word and a long-time supporter of Author Events. Now taking on the online support role, he helps manage the Facebook group and engage our community. Gary is also launching a new evening Author Meet-Up at Conto Lounge in Winton, Bournemouth.
sophie beal — Community Host: Online
Sophie is the founder of Cadence Publishing, a bespoke publishing company. She’s part of our Facebook admin team, helping to foster conversations and keep the group running smoothly.
Mary Collingwood Hurst — Community Host: Christchurch
Mary has had several books published, both fiction and non-fiction, and believes in the power of books. She describes herself as author, musician, broadcaster and part-time fairy godmother!
Mary lends her energy and support to assisting with our Christchurch Author Meet-ups, helping the community thrive.
Paula Harmon — Community Host: Westbourne
Paula supports Westbourne Author Meet-Ups, stepping in to host and help whenever needed — ensuring things stay welcoming and smooth.
💬 Join the Community
Whether you’re here to write, publish, connect, or simply listen in — Author Events has a place for you. Join a meetup, tune into an event, or say hello online. We’d love to have you.
