A discussion of the writers' craft and the writer's life from three critically acclaimed Northwestern writers.

The Writing Life with the Royal Literary Fund

Join us in person for a relaxed chat about all things writing! Whether you're a seasoned author, just starting out or a fan of the written word, this event with the Royal Literary Fund offers great tips, inspiration, and a chance to connect with fellow writers. Bring your questions and your passion for the written word – we can't wait to see you there!

The panel will be a discussing of writers' craft and the writer's life from three critically acclaimed Northwestern writers, who all teach writing for the Royal Literary Fund - sister organisation to the Royal Society for Literature.

Since 2015 publication of her award-winning debut, The Girl Who Wouldn’t Die, Marnie Riches has become a bestselling contributor to the crime fiction genre, selling hundreds of thousands of books internationally. She also writes historical romance as Maggie Campbell, teaches for the Royal Literary Fund and is CEO of centrist arts policy think-tank, Culture Together.

Next, there's Chris Simms. Having received several nominations for the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) Daggers and the Theakston’s Crime Novel of the Year award, Chris's DI Spicer series follows the maverick detective’s fortunes as he pursues mad, bad and deadly individuals through Manchester’s ever-changing landscape. In 2025, Chris was awarded the Red Herring by the CWA for having made significant contributions to the crime writing genre.

As Cumbria University’s RLF Fellow, David Swann helps nurses and paramedics with their essays. His novella, Season of Bright Sorrow was 2023 Rubery Book of the Year. Dave’s books include The Privilege of Rain, shortlisted in the Ted Hughes Prize for its evocation of a prison residency. In 2025, Dave was Blackburn Rovers’ club poet.

Description supplied by the event organiser.