Join us for an inspiring, honest and often hilarious conversation with Alison May — award-winning author, writing tutor, and the woman behind four different pen names. In this candid interview, Alison talks openly about the emotional rollercoaster of publishing, the pressure to reinvent yourself, and why “authors live on a diet of hope and rejection.”

How can we showcase causes and values we’re passionate about in our novels without detracting from the plot? Vanessa Woolley explains how she wove the danger rhinos face into her storyline, while maintaining focus on the romance.

Join Kathleen Whyman in conversation with Karen King. Karen’s been writing for forty years and has published seven psychological thrillers, twelve women’s fiction novels, over 120 children’s books, two young adult novels, and several short stories for women’s magazines. Her early writing career included writing for iconic magazines such as Jackie, Winnie the Pooh and Barbie.

Niloufar Lamakan is the author of Aged to Perfection, a hilarious and uplifting novel about finding love in your sixties, which won the Comedy Women In Print Commendation award in 2023 in the Unpublished category. To find out more about Niloufar and sign up to her newsletter, go to http://www.niloufarlamakan.com

Sara-Jade Virtue: Champion of Romance Fiction & Publishing Powerhouse

Sara-Jade Virtue is the Brand Development Director at Simon & Schuster, working across the commercial women’s fiction list to identify new talent and develop growth strategies for both brand and emerging authors. She also manages the #DigitalOriginals and #OneDay open submission programmes, leads the Jackie Collins legacy publishing, and co-directs the #LoveStoriesEtc literary festival. As the driving force behind the #RespectRomFic movement with the RNA, she’s a passionate advocate for romantic fiction and the writers who create it.

In this interview with Kathleen Wyman, Sara-Jade shares a sneak peek into her upcoming sessions at the Romance Writing Festival on 18 October — packed with inspiration, insider insight, and publishing wisdom. Whether you’re attending the festival or just love hearing from one of the most dynamic voices in the industry, this is a must-watch conversation.

Follow Sara-Jade: Instagram: @bookminxsjv X: @BookMinxSJV

For tickets to see Sara-Jade at the Romance Writing Festival on 18th October 2025 visit: http://www.RomanceWritingFestival.co.uk

Join Kathleen Whyman as she chats to this weeks guest author Jeevani Charika.

Jeevani Charika writes feel good women’s fiction and romcoms. She also writes under the pen name Rhoda Baxter. Her books have been shortlisted for multiple awards.

She is a ‘resting’ microbiologist. She loves cake, Lego, playing with Canva and, when she’s run out of excuses not to, writing. She has a YouTube Channel (Canva Tips for Authors, showing writers how to use Canva). She also mentors writers at fictiontutors.co.uk.

You can find out more about her (and get a free book!) on her website. http://www.jeevanicharika.com

Her Instagram handle, so you can tag her in to social media posts, is @jeevanicharika

Join us as we delve into the creative world of bestselling author Paige Toon. Discover how Paige transforms small ideas into captivating stories, often inspired by song lyrics or film scenes. With a career spanning nearly two decades, Paige shares her journey from a magazine reviews editor to a celebrated novelist, revealing the emotional core and personal experiences that shape her beloved characters and stories. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, and the art of storytelling.

In this episode of Author Talk, host Kathleen Wyman chats with the brilliantly talented and much-loved novelist Milly Johnson. With 23 novels to her name, Milly shares her inspiring journey to publication, the challenges she’s faced in the industry, and how her Yorkshire roots shaped her storytelling voice.

Learn more about Milly: https://millyjohnson.co.uk

Ally from The Mysterious Bookcase in conversation with Guest Interviewer: Steve Couch

Join us this August as we welcome The Mysterious Bookcase — the UK’s best Blind Date With A Book experience — for a special Author Events evening!

From beloved online beginnings to the upcoming launch of its first brick-and-mortar bookshop in Bournemouth, The Mysterious Bookcase has captured the imagination of readers nationwide. Known for its curated, surprise-wrapped books paired with handwritten clues, this indie bookseller turns reading into a delightful mystery.

Our guest interviewer for the evening is Steve Couch, author of Dead Man Singing and Foul And Fair, and co-host of the engaging new literary podcast Beneath The Page. With his background in storytelling and publishing, Steve brings sharp insight and wit to every conversation.

Join us for a special edition of Books & Bubbles with USA Today bestselling author of psychological thrillers, Jackie Kabler. As a former GMTV, BBC and ITV news reporter, you can expect an engaging evening with Jackie, filled with:

Audience interaction and Q&A

Insights into Jackie’s writing process

The secrets behind the twists and turns of The Revenge Plot

Get ready for an evening of chilling twists and gripping insights as four local crime authors — M.A. Hunter, Andreina Cordani, T.H. Carrington and Alex Stone — come together to talk all things crime fiction.

From crafting edge-of-your-seat suspense to sharing behind-the-scenes secrets of their writing process, this panel is packed with tips, stories, and inspiration for readers and writers alike.

🔍 Topics include:

What makes a thriller impossible to put down

Their personal writing journeys

How to build tension and keep readers hooked

A life-friendly writing life: Boundaries, balance and being seen Erin Thomas Wong shares how the principles of a life-friendly business can be adapted to support authors in building a sustainable and nourishing writing life.

From spotting the early signs of burnout to setting boundaries, navigating visibility fears, and redefining success, Erin offers practical strategies and mindset shifts to help writers protect their wellbeing while growing their impact. Erin Thomas Wong is The Life-Friendly Business Mentor, host of The Life-Friendly Business Podcast and Author of Mumpreneur Evolution. She champions a life-friendly approach to business, helping women to create success on their own terms, without sacrificing time with their family or their own wellbeing.

Erin was listed as a Top 100 UK Female Founder for #ialso 2024.

http://www.lifefriendlybusiness.com

Step inside the April edition of Books & Bubbles, where we welcomed historical fiction author Paula Harmon — a writer known for weaving intricate pasts with compelling, character-driven storytelling.

In this lively conversation, Paula talks about her writing process, the joy (and challenge) of researching bygone eras, and how she went from a civil servant to an author. Whether you’re a history lover, an aspiring novelist, or simply curious about the voices behind the books, this is a conversation to linger over.

Join us for a captivating session with Steve Couch, recorded live at the Author Talk (Books & Bubbles) event in March! In this engaging talk, Steve shares insights from his latest work, discusses the creative process behind his storytelling, and connects with readers in a relaxed, intimate setting.

Whether you’re a long time fan or new to his work, this event offers a unique glimpse into the mind of a talented author—complete with audience Q&A, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and plenty of literary inspiration.