Have you been spending your time in lockdown working on a novel, short story, picture book or children’s book? The Virtual Writers’ Weekend, online from 24-27 June, 2021, is a place where writers working in all genres and at all levels can find writing support, editorial feedback and meet one-to-one with literary agents to pitch their manuscript.

Founded by the former director of the long-running Winchester Writers’ Festival, Sara Gangai, the Writers’ Weekend had its inaugural event in July, 2020 and drew an international audience.

After finding that a virtual event can be as interactive and effective as an in-person event, Sara decided to hold it virtually again in 2021. ‘Now, more than ever, there is a need for writers to have a chance to meet and share with other writers and rub virtual elbows with literary agents and published authors.’ The highlight for many is the one-to-one appointments and every year, a number of writers attain publication as a result of the event. New this year: small-group genre-specific Writers’ Circles for peer feedback, starting in May and ending with a one-to-one with an agent or author mentor.

The 2021 event features acclaimed keynote speakers: Diana Gabaldon, best-selling author of the ‘Outlander’ series that has an avid following, and award-winning children’s author/illustrator Chris Riddell, who’s rich illustrations for a new edition of Lewis Carroll’s Through the Looking Glass will come out in June. A slate of best-selling authors and top literary agents will give talks and answer audience questions on the craft of writing, including Kate Mosse, Robert Fabbri, Helen Fields, Derek Miller, Kiran Millwood Hargrave, Lissa Evans, Tracey Corderoy, MG Leonard, and illustrator Ness Wood, to name a few.

For the full programme and details on scholarships, bursaries and their six writing competitions, please visit www.writersweekend.uk.