Last few tickets for sale: Northern Lights Writers’ Conference 2021 feat. Kate Mosse, Sophie Willan & more

Putting pen to paper is a dream for many, reality for others, but either way, the annual Northern Lights Writers’ Conference is a date worth popping in your diary. Perfect for both emerging and established writers, the programme on Saturday 25 September includes talks, panels and in conversations, with international best-selling author and founder director of the Women’s Prize for Fiction Kate Mosse OBE in charge of this year’s keynote speech, always an inspiration.

The eighth conference is hybrid, so you can choose to attend IRL at Waterside in Sale or online via the arts centre’s Diverge hub – both will give you the chance to take part in the all-important question-and-answer sessions with industry experts, from acclaimed author Okechukwu Nzelu to BAFTA-winning writer and comedian Sophie Willan (pictured here). The day-long programme delves into the business and craft of writing, while also offering practical advice and creative tips useful to writers at all levels.

For this special blended Northern Lights Writers’ Conference, delegates are invited to attend all six 45-minute sessions (don’t worry, there are plenty of comfort breaks!). Hear how to stay inspired and focused on your writing projects with the “Resilience for Writers” panel; find out what publishers look for in “Finding A Deal” hosted by HarperCollins and literary agents Watson, Little; learn more about “Publicity & Marketing for Writers” from Simon & Schuster, and consider “The Art of Book Cover Design”.

This year’s Northern Lights Writers’ Conference continues into the week with creative writing workshops – short stories with Sarah Schofield (Monday 27 September, 6.30-8pm) and character development with Aisling Caffrey (Wednesday 29 September, 6.30-8pm) – and one-to-one advice sessions with writers, editors and publishers Adam Farrer (Monday), Melissa Welliver (Tuesday), Tilda Johnson (Wednesday) and Jazmine Linklater (Thursday), taking place 1-5pm via Zoom.

Sat 25 Sep, 10.30am – 5pm, Waterside, 1 Waterside Plaza, Sale, M33 7ZF, tel: 0161 912 5616, £25 in person, £10 online, then Mon 27 Sep – Thu 30 Sep, times vary, online, £5 for delegates who attend the Saturday event, £7.50 for non-delegates.