SATURDAY 5th APRIL, 10 AM – 5PM, Curve Theatre, Leicester
Join us for this day-long conference which aims to support and encourage writers of colour with advice and inspiration.
Hear from first-time writers on their experiences of completing their manuscript, and getting published and from industry experts on the role they play in the publication process.
Ten years on from Spread the Word’s landmark ‘Writing the Future’ Report, this event is a timely gathering of writers and practitioners working in the book industry to consider what’s changed, what we need to survive and thrive, and what we must do next.
Produced by Farhana Shaikh and Dahlia Books, as part of the Middle Way Mentoring project showcase.
Book your ticket via the Curve Leicester box office for just £50.
Concessions are available. There are bursary places available for low-income writers (£25 tickets) and £10 tickets for students. We are also able to offer travel grants. Please apply via email with a short statement by 23rd March 2025. Early applications are advisable as these will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
Enquiries and applications can be sent to: f.shaikh@dahliapublishing.co.uk
There will be a designated space for prayer/ meditation.
This event is generously supported by Arts Council England as part of the Middle Way Mentoring project, along with its partners Dahlia Books, Bookouture, The Literary Consultancy, and Writers and Artists.
SCHEDULE (subject to change)
10 am: Registration + welcome by Farhana Shaikh
10.30 – 10.55 am: Opening address with fellows of the Middle Way Mentoring Programme and Shahed Yousaf (author of Stitched Up) and Nazira Vania (author of SI Leeds Literary Prize shortlisted When You’re Smiling)
11 – 11.45 am: Putting Down the Words
How can first-time writers develop a writing practice that will help them show up at the page? In this panel discussion on writing as a practice and craft, authors Deepa Anappara (author of Djinn Patrol on the Purple Line), Elaine Chiew (author of The Light Between Us) Catherine Menon (author of Fragile Monsters) among others will discuss the art of writing, learning to trust your instincts and how to find and fine-tune your voice to write what you really want to write. Chaired by Melissa Fu (author of Peach Blossom Spring).
11.45 – 12 pm: Poetry performances by various Midlands artists introduced by Carol Leeming. Featuring Ray Vincent-Mills and Imani Wenham.
12 – 12.45 pm: Meet the Changemakers: How a Community of Practice Can Shape Your Craft
Hear from some of the most exciting writers working today. From poets to novelists to children’s writers, this session will spotlight new and necessary work being done by and for the community. Featuring Leila Rasheed, Nick Makoha, Ty’rone Haughton and Carol Leeming. Chaired by Farhana Shaikh.
1 – 1.50 pm: Lunch & Networking
2 – 2.45 pm: What Do Artists Need? Sustenance and Survival for Writers of Colour
In this interactive roundtable, a panel of artists and producers (Melanie Abrahams, Ioney Smallhorne, and others) will each deliver a short provocation on what it takes to navigate the publishing industry as a minoritised voice. The session will then breakout into a workshop on the barriers and challenges facing writers of colour, and what we need as artists to sustain our practice and thrive. Facilitated by Middle Way Mentoring alumni and mentees.
3 – 3.45 pm: The Publishing Industry and Cultural Diversity: Panel Discussion
A decade on from Spread the Word’s landmark Writing the Future Report, which revealed the publishing industry’s poor commitment to cultural diversity, has anything really changed? In this session, we’ll be joined by a panel of industry experts to discuss publishing trends, their role in the industry, and wider initiatives designed to address the lack of diversity. Followed by a Q&A.
Featuring Harriet Wade from Bookouture, Clare Povey and Amelia Brown from Writers and Artists and Rowan Lawton from The Soho Agency. Chaired by Joe Sedgwick from The Literary Consultancy and Seventh Agency.
4 – 45 pm: Middle Way Mentoring Showcase and Anthology Launch
In the Middle Vol. 2 showcases exciting new writing from talented voices based in the Midlands. Written and developed as part of The Middle Way Mentoring Programme, this session will include a selection of readings and discussion from writers on the scheme. Featuring Abida Akram, Lynsey Wild, Jess Bell, Ashok Patel, Nisha Patel, Zara Masood, Ray Vincent-Mills, Ioney Smallhorne, Dionne Whitter, Imani Wenham, Hongwei Bao, Maritsa Grey and Michelle Wales.
4.45 – 5 pm: Plenary
5.30 – 7.30 pm: Conference Dinner at Chutney Ivy*
Light refreshments of tea, coffee, and biscuits will be available during the conference. The Green Room cafe on site will be open throughout the day and there are plenty of other delicious options for lunch within walking distance. You are welcome to bring a packed lunch if you wish to do so.
*Conference Dinner will be an additional £24.95 (drinks will be charged as taken) Please confirm your place via email to f.shaikh@dahliapublishing.co.uk and put ‘Conference Dinner’ in the subject heading.