The University of Birmingham's annual festival of the written and spoken word returns to campus on 18-19 October 2019, featuring an exciting programme of free workshops, panel discussions, performances and author talks. 

Keep up to date on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages under Book to the Future UOB.

18-19 October 2019

But I don't have time to write!

Date

Friday 18 October 2019 (10:00-11:00)

Description

Simon Fairbanks: "But I don't have time to write!"

Me and my best friend anorexia

Date

Friday 18 October 2019 (11:00-12:00)

Description

Hope Virgo discusses how writing can help with mental health recovery.

Heroines, heroes and gender inequality in children's fiction

Date

Friday 18 October 2019 (12:00-13:00)

Description

A talk on fictional worlds and role models, and the gender inequality within them.

Rosie Walsh: The Journey from UoB Graduate to New York Times Best Selling Author

Date

Friday 18 October 2019 (12:00-13:00)

Description

Join Rosie Walsh as she shares her story from her time as an English Student at the University of Birmingham, right the way up to how she published five book and became a New York Times Bestseller.

Insight into the Creative Arts Industry

Date

Friday 18 October 2019 (12:00-13:30)

Description

A workshop giving professional insight into the Creative Arts Industry, with tips and tricks on how to break into the industry.

How to self-publish

Date

Friday 18 October 2019 (13:30-14:45)

Description

Simon Fairbanks explains self publishing.

Writing female rage: before and after #MeToo

Date

Friday 18 October 2019 (14:00-15:00)

Description

Katie Lowe discusses the development and publication of her debut novel, while also exploring contemporary writers that us female rage as their subject, both before, and after #MeToo.

Creative career coaching: harnessing creative approaches to support career development, an interactive session

Date

Friday 18 October 2019 (14:30-15:30)

Description

An interactive session with Ciara Bomford on harnessing creative approaches to support career development.

Richard House: How to find a Publishing Agent

Date

Friday 18 October 2019 (15:00-16:00)

Description

Richard House gives guidance and tips to assist you in getting your own writing published with a publishing house.

Invincible ideas

Date

Friday 18 October 2019 (16:00-17:00)

Description

A workshop on how to overcome creative anxiety and develop productive procrastination.

The return of race science

Date

Friday 18 October 2019 (17:30-19:00)

Description

Angela Saini discussed the origins of race and its consequences followed by an 'in-conversation' session with University of Birmingham's Dr Dina Kiwan.

Storytelling in the Galleries - Barber Institute of Fine Arts

Date

Saturday 19 October 2019 (10:00-11:30)

Description

Spend an exciting session with storyteller Anna O'Brian at the Barber Institute of Fine Arts.

Book to the Future hub

Date

Saturday 19 October 2019 (10:00-16:00)

Description

Join us for drop in activities for adults and children.

Storytelling about 'other' cultures

Date

Saturday 19 October 2019 (11:00-12:00)

Description

Ruth Gilligan discusses storytelling as a means of transcultural understanding.

Birmingham's Food Bloggers: Blogging & Birmingham's Food Scene

Date

Saturday 19 October 2019 (12:00-13:00)

Description

Jack Brabant, Co-founder and Director of Birmingham's famous street food event, Digbeth Dining Club, will lead a panel of some of Birmingham's most popular food bloggers.

How to Write Bestsellers: The Sunday Times Best Selling Author Tasmina Perry.

Date

Saturday 19 October 2019 (12:00-13:00)

Description

Author Tasmina Perry discusses how to write a bestselling novel.

Everyday activism: harnessing anger for change

Date

Saturday 19 October 2019 (13:00-14:00)

Description

This event will aim to break down what 'activism' is today, and why it is so crucial that we expand its presumed definition.

The quiet power of fiction

Date

Saturday 19 October 2019 (14:00-15:00)

Description

Clare Morrall discusses how she challenges preconceptions in her novels.

The pen is mightier than the sword

Date

Saturday 19 October 2019 (15:00-16:00)

Description

A panel on why writing for change is more important now than ever.

Indie press poetry showcase

Date

Saturday 19 October 2019 (15:00-17:00)

Description

Join us to celebrate the vibrant local and national independent poetry publishing scene.

Why poetry matters in our world more than ever before

Date

Saturday 19 October 2019 (16:00-17:00)

Description

Poet and academic, Roshan Doug, discusses the story of poetry by shifting his focus from one culture to another - from the past to the present - to show the enduring powers of this form.

From Brum to Bakes

Date

Saturday 19 October 2019 (18:00-19:00)

Description

University of Birmingham Alumna, Candice Brown, returns to her alma mater to discuss her road from "Brum to Bakes".

Also in 'Book to the Future'

• Book to the Future 2018