Digital Publishing

#### SATURDAY **11/April ALL DAY** ## The Indie Press Fair Meet some of the UK’s most inspirational independent publishers, with a day of stalls and events from the publishers of the world’s most innovative fiction and non-fiction. Stall holders include Galley Beggar, Rough Trade, Fly on the Wall, Weatherglass Books, Renard Press, Indie Novella, Heloise Press, Jacaranda Books, Scratch Books, Scorpius Books, Istros Books, Jantar Books, époque press, Goat Star Books & Prototype Publishing. Throughout the day there will be opportunities for readers and writers to meet leading and award winning independent publishers, experience their books, meet authors, and ask questions about the world of publishing. Meet the lead publishers and hear what went into making award winning works of fiction. Also at 2pm join the Publishing Panel, with Galley Beggar, Scratch Books and Rough Trade. Last year we were delighted to welcome legends of the independent publishing scene Influx Press, Prototype Press and Cipher Press. This year host Will Dady of Renard Press will have just as a captivating line up - Galley Beggar, Scratch Books and Rough Trade are already confirmed. Get an insight into the world of independent publishing, how to submit your work to them, and what it is like to work with a publisher.

#### SATURDAY **11/April 3.30pm** ## Headline Panel #### *Roxy Dunn and Gonzalo Garcia* #### Two hugely exciting literary voices take centre stage in this year’s headliner conversation. Roxy Dunn burst onto the fiction scene with her debut novel *As Young as This*, which was widely celebrated as one of The Independent, Harper’s Bazaar, Stylist, Cosmopolitan and Sunday Times Style’s Best Books of 2024 — a wry, emotionally fluent exploration of love, expectation and the stories we tell ourselves about life and relationships. Her second novel, *Wants and Needs*, continues her beguiling mix of humour and insight, arriving in early 2026. Joining her is Chilean-born novelist Gonzalo C. Garcia, whose debut novel *We Are The End* introduced readers to his distinctive blend of wit and depth and earned critical attention in the UK independent publishing scene. His much anticipated new novel *Telenovela*, set in Santiago toward the end of Pinochet’s dictatorship, arrives in late 2025 and expands his richly human storytelling into bold historical and political territory. In this headliner session, the conversation will be facilitated by *Wet Paint* and *Second Self* author Chloë Ashby. Dunn and Garcia will reflect on how their identities, backgrounds and artistic journeys have shaped their work; how they navigate expectation and evolution from one book to the next; and offer insight and encouragement for emerging writers and indie publishers charting their own creative paths. This event is funded by the Arts Council and is free to attend

You can journal your thoughts, emotions, experiences… You can write a sentence, a paragraph, a page… But journaling doesn’t have to be a chore, it can be enjoyable and enlightening. It can deepen your self-awareness, help you gain clarity and add a sense of calm. Whether you’ve never tried it or you’ve done a spot of journaling in the past and fallen out of practice, join us to: * explore the why, the how and the art of journaling * get inspired to pick up your pen and start journaling **This is a free live in-person 60-minute seminar.** **If you would like to make a voluntary donation, please click** [here.](https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/ "https://www.innerspace.org.uk/donations/") \* I consent to my submitted data being collected and stored. We will process your personal data in line with the GDPR requirements and always store it securely and use it only for the purpose for which it has been collected. We will not pass on your details to any third parties without your consent.

**We will be at The Mitre pub in central Greenwich.** This meetup is free and casual. We just sit around for a few hours and write together. Bring a laptop, or use a pen and paper or clay tablet and stylus if that's what works for you. The structure of the session is roughly: 2pm: chat 2:20–3:25: writing time 3:25: chat/coffee break 3:40–4:45 writing time 4:45: chat But our Saturdays are very casual, so feel free to drop in and out. **This is usually in the meeting room at the Mitre. If you arrive a bit later, you may need to ask the bar staff to show you through to the room.**

**SATURDAY** **11/April ALL DAY** The Indie Press Fair Meet some of the UK’s most inspirational independent publishers, with a day of stalls and events from the publishers of the world’s most innovative fiction and non-fiction. Stall holders include Galley Beggar, Rough Trade, Fly on the Wall, Weatherglass Books, Renard Press, Indie Novella, Heloise Press, Jacaranda Books, Scratch Books, Scorpius Books, Istros Books, Jantar Books, époque press, Goat Star Books & Prototype Publishing. Throughout the day there will be opportunities for readers and writers to meet leading and award winning independent publishers, experience their books, meet authors, and ask questions about the world of publishing. Meet the lead publishers and hear what went into making award winning works of fiction. Also at 2pm join the Publishing Panel, with Galley Beggar, Scratch Books and Rough Trade. This event is funded by the Arts Council and is free to attend

Join us at the top of the biggest bookshop in Europe to work in company on your own writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing, work stuff or anything else. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. Now that our regular Saturday events are filling all the seats we're adding some Sundays when we're able to - check Meetup for dates. Same format but an hour later. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 12.00 - Shop and café open 12:30 - Host will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 12.40 - Brief introductions from everybody - your name and what you’re working on 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 13:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 14:30 - The End…feel free to stay and keep writing or chat some more. Bring whatever you need to be able to write. It’s a café, there’s some noise so earbuds/headphones/earplugs are handy. There’s very few mains sockets so charged-up laptops are a good idea too. And please remember everybody, thank our venue by buying a drink or food, and don’t consume anything from outside while you're here. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura, Anna, Solitaire and John

**Write together with other writers. If you write more surrounded by others, I hope you'll join these brand new sessions.** **\*NEW FOR 2026\*** Starting up regular Saturday sessions where we writers will gather to write in the same space. There will be plenty of time for you to push forward your own individual projects, but I can provide a writing prompt, short exercise or challenge to anyone who needs them. You can book a spot for a guest with your ticket if you want to bring a writing friend with you. They don't have to be a member of our group. Timing: From **12:30** grab a drink, a table and set up **12:35** individual writing time (I'll stop your table to say hi\*) *\*if you'd like a prompt or writing exercise, please ask when you arrive.* **13:15** take a break (stretch, look out window, tea, wine etc) **14:00** end of writing time **14:00** we'll gather at the same table to say hello, compare notes and how we got on with our projects in the session **14:30** end of session but you don't have to stop if you're mid-flow. If you want to stay on and keep writing, please do so. I'm hosting this in the main upstairs area of the pub so you can come and go as you please. You can come to write for a short time or the whole thing. I will be going to each writer individually at their table to chat about their project and if they want a prompt, challenge or exercise from me to write in the session. I've allowed two hours for the session but you can easily stay on longer if you wish. Timing is 12:30pm to 2:30pm and we'll gather in the last 30mins to say hello so we do meet each other during the session. I will be there for 12pm when the pub opens to grab us the horseshoe of tables (pictured above) so most of us can be sitting in the same vicinity together. That said, it's a spacious pub so if you want to spread out and choose your own spot, feel free. Manners suggest that you'll buy a drink and perhaps a snack or two from the pub as a part of using their table. Please don't bring your own drinks from elsewhere (water bottles included) as the pub will never let us back in. See their menu on the website for more info. Location: The Square Pig, 30-32 Procter St, London WC1V 6NX. Closest tube is Holborn. Timing: Doors open 12pm for a 12:30pm start and finish the main session by 2:30pm. Cost: £10 for hosting, venue arrangement, writing task prep etc. Please follow the steps to pay via PayPal when you RSVP. Refunds or credits will only be offered if the meetup is cancelled by admin. If you change your mind after booking, please change to RSVP to 'not going' as we often have people waiting. Download the Meetup app (check the app store) to manage your RSVPs on the go and be notified about new workshops. Questions or concerns? Please post a comment below and I'll respond. I'm looking forward to it already!

**SATURDAY** **11/April 3.30pm** Headline Panel *Roxy Dunn and Gonzalo Garcia in conversation with Chloë Ashby* Two hugely exciting literary voices take centre stage in this year’s headliner conversation. Roxy Dunn burst onto the fiction scene with her debut novel *As Young as This*, which was widely celebrated as one of The Independent, Harper’s Bazaar, Stylist, Cosmopolitan and Sunday Times Style’s Best Books of 2024 — a wry, emotionally fluent exploration of love, expectation and the stories we tell ourselves about life and relationships. Her second novel, *Wants and Needs*, continues her beguiling mix of humour and insight, arriving in early 2026. Joining her is Chilean-born novelist Gonzalo C. Garcia, whose debut novel *We Are The End* introduced readers to his distinctive blend of wit and depth and earned critical attention in the UK independent publishing scene. His much anticipated new novel *Telenovela*, set in Santiago toward the end of Pinochet’s dictatorship, arrives in late 2025 and expands his richly human storytelling into bold historical and political territory. In this headliner session, the conversation will be facilitated by *Wet Paint* and *Second Self* author Chloë Ashby. Dunn and Garcia will reflect on how their identities, backgrounds and artistic journeys have shaped their work; how they navigate expectation and evolution from one book to the next; and offer insight and encouragement for emerging writers and indie publishers charting their own creative paths. This event is funded by the Arts Council and is free to attend

A chance just to work in company on your writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing or work stuff. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. WE FILL THE ROOM, so you MUST SIGN UP below AND ARRIVE BY 11.40 at the latest, or we can’t guarantee you a seat. And if you can't make it CHANGE YOUR RSVP to "not going" ASAP to give someone else a chance, thanks. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 11.00 - Café starts serving 11:30 - Host of the day will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 11.40 - Brief introductions for everybody - your name and what you’re working on 11:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 12:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 - The End…feel free to stay and keep writing or chat some more. Bring whatever you need to be able to write. It’s a café, there’s some noise so earbuds/headphones/earplugs are handy. There’s very few mains sockets so charged-up laptops are a good idea too. And please remember everybody, thank our venue by buying a drink or food, and don’t consume anything from outside while you're here. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura, Anna, John and Solitaire

Do you want to relax and socialize in a quiet bar while watching some movies or tv series together? Do you dislike loud and smelly places like pubs? Have you been cooped up by yourself for too long and wants a change of pace? This is the event for you. Join us for a laid-back Netflix watch party at XP Tavern— perfect setup with big screens, solid sound, and plenty of space to spread out. The bar has Netflix, Amazon Prime, Now TV, Youtube Prime etc. Expect good vibes, cold drinks, bar food, maybe some discussions during breaks, and zero pressure to stay quiet — react, laugh, scream, all welcome. How many people are attending? The venue has a capacity limit of 50 guests, and due to the popularity of our events and the unique ambiance of the location, we anticipate this event will reach full capacity quickly. On the day of the event, you will experience a relaxing atmosphere with a hospitable and encouraging community. Feel free to come with friends or by yourself. Most people come alone and make new friends at the event. When we arrive in the first hour, we will socialize, get some drinks and talk about what movies/tv series we love. Afterwards we will vote on which show to watch for each group. Then we will settle into the watch booths and enjoy a cinematic experience for the rest of the evening. If you want to socialize and get drinks, the event is free. If you want to participate and watch with the group, you gotta pay £12 per two hours.

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

Rev. Steven Clevenger is an ordained spiritualist minister with over 40 years experience as a Spiritual Healer, Clairvoyant and Spiritual Teacher, educated and trained at the White Lily Chapel. Rev. Siobhan Wolf Shaffer is an ordained spiritualist minister and certified medium and healer with over 20 years experience. She began her development in 1988 in Pennsylvania and continued when she moved to Ohio in 1998 where she studied at Rays of Lights Church with Rev. Steven Clevenger. Our full worship services consist of an inspirational lecture, healing meditation, and messages from the spirit world that serve to demonstrate evidence of eternal life. Please visit our Official Church Website (http://raysoflightchurch.com) for more information.

The topic for April is "Water" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**