Writers will gather in Bournemouth this autumn as the Romance Writing Festival returns for its second year.
The one day event takes place on Saturday 3 October 2026 at the Marsham Court Hotel, bringing together Sunday Times bestselling authors, publishing professionals and aspiring writers for a programme focused on both craft and the realities of the industry.
Part of the wider Bournemouth Writing Festival programme, the event will feature Katie Fforde in conversation with BBC South’s Edward Sault and Romantic Novelists’ Association President Sue Moorcroft, alongside panels including Liam Livings, Abiola Bello and Suzan Holder.
Sharon Kendrick will reflect on a career that has seen more than 27 million books sold, while Jeevani Charika, Gary Dalkin, Sophie Beal, Alex Thompson and Isabelle Knight will offer guidance on manuscripts, publishing routes and marketing.
Three extended masterclasses and bookable one to one sessions with six literary agents are also planned, giving writers direct access to professional feedback without requiring a full festival ticket.
Festival Director Dominic Wong said Bournemouth has an “extraordinary literary heritage” and described the event as creating “meaningful opportunities for writers at every stage”.
The day concludes with a networking reception and optional literary and beach walks celebrating the town’s coastal setting.
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