Why You Need to Be at the Bournemouth Writing Festival This April

djbowmansmith
Feb 25
2 min read

If you've been looking for a reason to dust off your notebook, connect with fellow writers, and maybe treat yourself to a seaside weekend away — this is it.

The Bournemouth Writing Festival is taking place from 24th to 26th April, and honestly, it's one of those events that feels like it was made for writers at every stage of the journey. Whether you're still working up the courage to finish your first draft or you've got a few books under your belt, there's something here for you.

What's On?

The festival brings together speakers from all sorts of writing backgrounds — novelists, poets, screenwriters, indie authors, traditionally published writers — you name it. There are talks, workshops, and masterclasses covering everything you could want to know about the craft and business of writing.

And I'm thrilled to share that I'll be one of the speakers this year! On the Sunday, I'll be giving a talk called "The 7 Myths of Indie Publishing (and How to Bust Them)" — a no-nonsense look at the misconceptions that hold so many writers back from taking control of their publishing journey. If you've ever wondered whether indie publishing is "worth it," or been put off by the myths floating around, I'd love to see you there.

The Best Bit? It Doesn't Cost a Fortune

One of the things I love most about this festival is how accessible it is. There's no admission fee just to attend. You can browse the programme and simply book the individual talks, workshops, or masterclasses that interest you. Some events are free, others are paid — but the choice is entirely yours. You could put together a full, rich weekend of literary inspiration without spending a huge amount.

And Then There's Bournemouth Itself...

Even if you needed an extra nudge, Bournemouth is a pretty wonderful place to spend a weekend in April. It's a classic British seaside town with a genuinely beautiful beach, and it's absolutely packed with cosy coffee shops and cafes — perfect for scribbling notes between sessions or catching up with other attendees. The festival takes place across various venues dotted around the town, so you'll get to explore a bit too.

There's something really special about being around other writers in a relaxed, creative atmosphere. You come away energised, inspired, and usually with a to-read list that's embarrassingly long.