The fantastic Festival of Writing took place in York last weekend. We had a truly great time and so we thought we’d revisit the event and run through some of the highlights and exciting developments that have happened in the short time since…
One of the best things about the festival for us was getting the chance to see so many authonomists in the flesh. It’s always nice to put faces to (screen) names and particularly at an event that celebrates the subject we’re all most passionate about.
One of those authonomists in attendance was Bradley Wind, who flew in from Philadelphia to be there. Bradley (known to so many of us for his generously provided cover designs which grace many an authonomist's book) won the ticket by taking the top slot on the Editor’s Desk in February. Congratulations again Bradley, and it was great to see you! The same goes for the ever-lovely Miranda Dickinson who was at the festival with her editor.
One of the main events for us was the terrifying, X Factor-esque authonomy Live, a contest won deservedly by Shelley Harris who read an extract from her book Happy and Glorious. Excitingly, Shelley had numerous agent approaches both before and after the reading, so we have all our fingers and toes crossed for her. Many others have been approached by agents interested in following up on meetings and we hear some have even secured representation.
Thanks once again to everybody involved. Take a look at this site to see more glowing feedback for the festival and its successes.
Here’s to the next big event!
11 comments:
Okay so I'll be the first to post on the subject of the blog post. WHO WROTE IT?!?!? Who's WE?
I'm guessing someone who was drinking all the wine at the table with Jared and Sandie and Fred and Jackie.
It sounds like a wonderful time - so sad I couldn't afford to be there - I woulda killed to do that Authonomy Live thing :)
And I'm so envious of everyone who got to meet Bradley - is he as wonderful in real life as he is online?
Had a fantastic time at York. Not only was it lovely to spend time with fellow Authonomites – spectacular people everyone of them – it was great to meet the 'Brains' behind Authonomy and see the genuine passion for the site and support for all its users.
@Mysterious anonomyous blogger - I sincerely can't thank Authonomy enough for the great time I had in York. Not only did I get to meet many wonderful Authonomites but also had the opportunity to learn how involved, considerate, and genuinely cool the "Creator of Authonomy" & the rest of the Overseers are. I no longer buy the forum hype of those who believe that "they've abandoned us."
I was also very lucky to get to meet Miranda D (hilarious woman who I hope I can call friend- her success is no surprise...oh and insider news flash - should you ever meet her, you might inquire about her lucky "asset") and her HC editor S!(amazing woman who has inspired me to find someone equally as bright, kind, funny, and exciting - to represent my work...fingers crossed) I am now a believer that the editors at HC are cruising the site!
But beyond all that I lost my socks after meeting Sandie(You Must seek out the reading she gave that I filmed!! Brilliant performance who the judges and everyone raved about)/Kim(a dazzling specimen -seems to know Everyone and everyone seem to want to know her)/Jackie (As bubbly and warm as you'd expect) and Fred (watch out judges!) in person...and nearly changed my sexual preference after meeting the charming Jared (All as brilliant and unique as they appear online...however...a bit of a disappointment as far as drinkers go. None ended up in bed together, puked on my shoes or any such expected actions.
The seminars were mostly incredibly helpful. The agents I met with all requested my full mss. The food was even good!
I only wish I had more time to spend and meet up with other Authonomites in the UK (Dan/Daisy/etc) Here's hoping I get another chance.
So Thank You Authonomy and all those who made York possible.
Best,
-=Bradley
Sounds fabulous. Do wish I could have made it. Shall have to save my pennies for the next one!
Bradley, looking forward to buying your book SO much!
Dazzling? More like dazed. But I like it. Cheque's in the post, Bradley.
Delighted to meet miranda Dickinson at the festival. She exudes talent and joy. A real person with real happiness. Thanks to Harry and co for a great weekend. Hope I can make it to publishing status. Great to have been allowed read my Irish 'eviction' excerpt.
It was great to meet so many Authonomites in person at the Festival and huge thanks to everyone who braved my very first seminar! The best thing about the weekend for me was being surrounded by so many big-dreaming writers who were nothing short of inspirational!
Bradley, Kim, Sandie, Jackie, Fred and the inimitable Jared were all wonderful to hang out with (especially when my 'lucky asset' was inadvertently pointed out - seriously, I'm still in shock about that one...) - and Sandie's performance at Authonomy Live was awesome. It was an honour to meet the lovely Mary, too!
I just hope that if it happens next year I get the chance to go again :o)
Thanks Miranda... the God of Authonomy, missed me off the Authonomy Live roll call..!
It was lovely to meet everyone and to have been in the presence of the Lucky Asset itself is the sort of moment a person can treasure forever.
Oh and re Bradley's missing socks... Jared lost his too! York is clearly the Bermuda Triangle of Socks and I think we should send the more troublesome of Puppets there too.
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