Keep an eye on this page for all upcoming events across the UK and Ireland (& beyond!) and to see post event images. Scroll down to find the next one happening online or near you…
Network Ireland Cork – Get published in 2026 – January 7th 2026
What a great evening! Network Cork is a truly fantastic organisation – the evening was incoming President Diane Higgins inaugural event and what a start to the year! Huge thanks to Diane for inviting me, and to MC Stephen Ryan for the great questions, I was delighted to be part of such a prestigious panel.
Get Published in 2026 brought together a diverse panel (Kate Ryan, Sam Blake, Nadine Hughes Campbell and Dr Julia Skinner) to help explore opportunities across print, digital, and other publishing platforms. Whether starting your first writing project or ready to grow your audience, this event offered practical tips, encouragement, and clear pathways to publishing success. The evening was packed with wonderfully inspiring and practical insights with real-world guidance from both authors and industry professionals who understand the many paths to publishing.
Credit ~ Darragh Kane Photography
More photos and details of the event available via The Echo Newspaper
Bloody Barnes Crime Writing Festival
Bloody Barnes Crime Writing Festival was just brilliant – a new festival is a HUGE amount of work and Anne Mullins was amazing – fabulous organisation, attention to detail and so good to have children’s events as part of the main festival. The OSO is a perfect venue. Thank you to Victoria Dowd and Bernard O’Keeffe for helping to bring it all together 🥳🙏
Crime for the Young: Sophie Cleverley with Sam Blake
‘Girls – and boys – just wanna have fun’ – and that’s what they get solving crimes with these two brilliant writers for the young.
Sunday, 8 Feb 2026, OSO Arts Centre, Barnes Green, London SW13 0LF, United Kingdom
Right Royal Murder:
Tom Mead in discussion with the kick ass queens of detection S.J. Bennet and Sam Blake
Sunday, 8 Feb 2026 , OSO Arts Centre, Barnes Green, London SW13 0LF, United Kingdom
Launch of the Brave New World Report – February 10th 2026 – Westminster
Yesterday, the five co-author organisations of a Brave New World? Justice for Creators in the Age of AI hosted a Parliamentary event in Westminster Hall for the launch of this ground-breaking report about the impact of Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) on creators.
It is a landmark paper drawing together data from 10,000 creators, and makes stark but essential reading. With 118 citations it is a seminal document authored by Dr Rachel Drury together with Deborah Annetts and Ed Phelan It’s been brilliantly designed to be easily accessible, punchy and digestible, taking real people case studies to show what Gen AI really means.
Creativity and the business eco system that rests on creators is at serious risk too, unless AI is regulated. Next time you put up a reel on Instagram and look for ‘funny music’, the top result was composed by Thomas. It’s been used in 32 million You Tube shorts alone, has been played billions of times – does he get paid for every play? Guess.
If creators cannot get paid to create, they will need private wealth or financial support from elsewhere to do so – we’ll slip back 300 years to a world of patronage and only those ‘haves’ will be able to work in the creative sector.
And entire ecosystems that rest on creative output will be at risk – in my world: publishers, bookshops, libraries. In people terms this means cover designers, editors, sales teams, bookshop owners and workers, librararians – and so many more. Regulation of generative AI impacts us all.
The report calls for a CLEAR framework:
C: Consent first
L: Licensing not scraping
E: Ethical use of training data
A: Accountability & transparency
R: Remuneration and rights
The structures are in place to enable this, we need government to make it happen.
If you’re not a member of a union in your creative field, please join one. We need to stand together.
From The Society of Authors: This major new study has been published in partnership with other creator-led organisations. In the report, we call on the government to immediately implement a new regulatory framework to protect the livelihoods of authors and other creators against AI, or risk the decimation of the UK’s £124.6 billion creative industries sector.
The findings are stark, showing creators losing income and jobs and having their work stolen across every creative discipline. Key findings include:
– 99% of creators say their work has been scraped without consent
– One in three creative jobs already lost to GenAI
– A third 32% of illustrators report lost commissions or cancelled projects due to GenAI
Authors are also hard hit:
– 86% of authors say GenAI has already reduced their earnings
– 72% of authors say job opportunities have already been cut
– 57% of authors say their career is no longer sustainable
– 43% of literary translators and 37% of SoA illustrators saw earnings fall due to GenAI
– 26% of illustrators and 36% of literary translators report cancelled or redirected commissions
Read the full report here https://societyofauthors.org/2026/01/30/brave-new-world/
The Society of Authors’ 2025 Translation Prizes February 10th 2026 – The British Library
Last night was a wonderful celebration at The British Library highlighting the importance of translation.
The Society of Authors have shone the spotlight on the often “invisible” creativity of translators, announcing the winners of its 2025 Translation Prizes.
Nine literary translators and one editor were named winners at the event at the British Library, with more than £32,000 in prize money shared among the winners and runners-up. The prizes celebrated outstanding translations of prose, poetry and non-fiction, from languages from around the globe and across a range of genres.
Fiona Sze-Lorrain, the host for the evening and judge for one of the prizes, said: “I never cease to marvel at how works of translation, like dripping water hollowing out a rock, transform cultural/literary boundaries and our receptivity to the ‘other’ on the most human level.
“And for these reasons among others, I’m so pleased to be able to contribute to this collective effort in highlighting the vital import of translated literature, celebrating their oft invisible yet frontline creators—the translators.”
All the shortlisted books from the 2025 Translation Prizes are available to purchase via Bookshop.org here. A percentage of all book sales will be donated to the SoA Access Fund.
Granite Noir 2026
Thank you so much to Aberdeen Performing Arts, Catriona Cox and Granite Noir for inviting me to Aberdeen – I had such a blast! Fiona Stalker was the BEST interviewer, thank you so much – what a fabulous event with Tanya Sweeney.
Event title: Stalking Hell
Are there two sides to every story? Or, at least, victims on all sides? Two writers delve into the subject of stalkers exploring why they do what they do and the consequences of their actions.
Sunday 22 Feb 2026 , Lemon Tree, 5 W N St, Aberdeen AB24 5AT, United Kingdom
In Sam Blake’s Your Every Move estate agent Rosie Kinsella loves her job selling high-end properties in London. But when she’s targeted by a mysterious stalker, her glamorous life is turned upside down.
Tanya Sweeney poses the question: where does being just a superfan end, and something more sinister begin? Esther Is Now Following You is a dark comedy about a woman whose own life, and the lives of those around her, begins to unravel when she fixates on an actor.
Chaired by Fiona Stalker
Writers At Waterford Libraries
In conversation event with Sam Blake
When: March 7 2026 Time 3.00pm
Where: Tramore Library
Tickets: FREE but Booking is Essential Phone 051 849594
Waterford Writers event with Sam Blake in conversation with Mary Conway, Waterford City and County Librarian, in Tramore Library on Saturday March 7th at 3pm. Booking is essential, phone 051 849594. This is an event not to be missed. Book today.
London Book Fair – Writers’ Summit – Top tips for emerging authors (Hosted by The Society of Authors)
The Writers’ Summit is a one-day event taking place on Monday, 9th March, designed to help writers at all stages of their careers advance in the publishing world. Featuring expert advice from literary agents, publishers, and bestselling authors, the summit offers valuable insights, workshops, networking opportunities, and inspiring discussions.
Ideal for aspiring authors, publishing professionals, and literary enthusiasts, this event provides the tools and connections needed to take your writing career to the next level.
When: March 9 2026, 14.30 -15.10
Where: Novatel London West
Registration: https://www.londonbookfair.co.uk/en-gb/get-tickets.html
When beginning your career as an author, there are many things you can do, and avoid, to start as you mean to go on, and build a successful, sustainable career. Tip number one is look to the wisdom of others. Join Anna Ganley, the Chief Executive of the Society of Authors – the UK’s largest trade union for writers, illustrators and translators – in conversation with two seasoned writers Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin and Kit De Waal, sharing their top tips and advice.
Cork World Book Festival
Are You A Good Character Witness?
Sam Blake, whose YA novel Something’s About to Blow Up won the Irish Teen/YA Novel of the Year in 2024, will be talking about mystery and character in Cork this April. The author of 10 bestselling adult novels, Sam’s duology Something Terrible Happened Last Night (shortlisted for Teen Novel of the Year in 2023) and Something’s About to Blow Up feature a cast of diverse characters who are determined to get to the truth. Discover how she builds character, develops story and what it takes to write a book – get your questions ready!
Friday 24 April 2026
Cork City Library | 12pm | Schools Only
Get Published: Literary Agents Jade Kavanagh and Simon Trewin in conversation with Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin
Join London based agents Jade Kavanagh (Darley Anderson Literary Agency) and Simon Trewin (Simon Trewin Creative) to discover how the publishing industry works and what you need to do to achieve success. Why do you need an agent and what can they do for you? Discover the mistakes that writers most commonly make in approaching agents and find out what impresses them, what they are looking for and how you can make your story stand out. Hosted author Sam Blake, have your questions ready!
Saturday 25 April 2026
City Library | 10am | Free
Get Published: First Page Pitch Moderated by Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin
Getting to read your work in front of literary agents and receive feedback is invaluable, which is why it’s no surprise First Page Pitch has become an integral part of Cork World Book Fest’s Get Published Day.
Every year, dozens of writers submit their first page and from those, ten are selected to pitch their work to literary agents during the festival, moderated by Get Published coordinator Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin, in Cork City Library.
Everyone is welcome to attend to hear the insights and support the pitchers.
Saturday 25 April 2026
City Library | 11.30am | Free
Get Published: Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin in conversation with Neil Tully
An important aspect of our Getting Published Day is hearing from an author who has ‘done it’. This year, Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin speaks with Neil Tully about his upcoming debut novel.
Neil Tully is a writer from the west of Ireland. He has won multiple prizes for short fiction and his debut novel, The Visit, will be published in March 2026. He has an MA in Creative Writing from the University of Limerick and lives in Cork.
Saturday 25 April 2026
City Library | 2pm | Free
International Literature Festival Dublin
Date with an Agent is now open for submissions
The deadline for submission to be received is Tuesday 7th of April 2026, midnight
SUBMIT HERE
Agents receive thousands of unsolicited manuscripts every year, so how do you make your submission stand out from the crowd? Meet leading industry professionals and get the inside track on how to best hook their interest at this exclusive pitch event.
Held during The Insider’s Guide to Publishing at ILFD in Merrion Square Park, at Date With An Agent, top literary agents will give ten writers one-to-one tailored advice. Just like writing, hooking an agent takes imagination, time and effort. Submit today for a chance to be one of only ten writers selected to speak to one of our five leading industry professionals at Date With An Agent.
Read more:
https://ilfdublin.com/whats-on/festival/date-with-an-agent-2026-call-out/
The Truth Will Out: Crime, Secrets and Suspense
Sam Blake & Liz Nugent
Date : Sun 17 May, 3pm
Venue : Le Fanu
Price : €12 / €10
Booking: https://ilfdublin.com/whats-on/festival/type/conversations/the-truth-will-out-crime-secrets-and-suspense-sam-blake-liz-nugent/
Two of Ireland’s bestselling crime writers discuss the power of secrets and lies, and why crime fiction needs solid settings as well as sharply-plotted suspense.
The 2026 Insiders’ Guide to….at ILFD
The 2026 Insiders’ Guide to Publishing for Children & YA
Date : Fri 22 May, 9am
Venue : Speranza
Price : €80 / €70 (early bird)
Booking: https://ilfdublin.com/whats-on/festival/type/skills/the-2026-insiders-guide-to-publishing-for-children-ya/
Writing for children and YA has unique challenges and opportunities. Get the inside track on the industry and improve your chances of getting published at this full-day seminar, hosted by well-known industry professionals.
Whether you are ready to submit, in the middle of your book, or just starting out, this is an unmissable opportunity to explore the industry in the company of experts. Featuring top children and YA agents, published authors in the genre, and the mastermind behind Europe’s biggest writing resource website Writing.ie, this seminar can help you take the next step in your writing career.
Refreshments throughout the day and the catered lunch on the grounds of Merrion Square Park are included in the ticket price. Tickets are issued by email, along with the schedule for the day.
Successful applicants to Date With An Agent have their agent dates during either Session 2 or 3. Time slots are notified in advance.
Time for Q&A is included into each session.
The 2026 Insiders’ Guide to Publishing for Adults
Date : Sat 23 May, 9am
Venue : Speranza
Price : €80 / €70 (early bird)
Booking: https://ilfdublin.com/whats-on/festival/type/skills/the-2026-insiders-guide-to-publishing-for-adults-2/
Discover what’s hot, what’s not, and what you can do to land your big break. Featuring leading industry professionals, this full-day seminar lifts the curtain on contemporary publishing.
Whether you are ready to submit, still working on your book, or just starting out, this is where you’ll find invaluable tips and advice to improve your chances of getting published. Featuring top literary agents, leading Irish editors, debut authors, and the mastermind behind Europe’s biggest writing resource website Writing.ie, this seminar is designed to help you make sense of the publishing industry and get your work out there.
Refreshments throughout the day and the catered lunch on the grounds of Merrion Square Park are included in the ticket price. Tickets are issued by email, along with the schedule for the day.
Successful applicants to Date With An Agent have their agent dates during Session 2 and 3. Time slots are notified in advance.
Time for Q&A is included into each session.
Writers Ink Event
We had a brilliant chat with Rosemary Hennigan this evening (June 2nd) about how she wrote The Hotel Guest with our Writers Ink online coaching and mentoring group – and they had so many excellent questions!
The Hotel Guest is a dual timeline dark academia novel about a group of philosophy researchers set in the French Alps – I loved it! It’s out now and will have you enthralled.
Maria McHale is my partner in Writers Ink, an expert coach bringing mindset and NLP techniques to writers while I do the writing stuff – it’s a brilliant group and gets real results (bestsellers!)
We do an author interview every month getting behind the scenes on their inspiration and technique. You can find out more at: https://ink-for-writers.mn.co/
The Not-So-Secret Book Festival
Sam Blake in conversation – EVENT POSTPONED
The Secret Bookshelf, Carrickfergus, Northern Ireland
EVENT POSTPONED
Join Sam Blake in conversation with Northern Irish crime writer James Murphy on all things crime writing!
Dubbed by our host, James Murphy as the busiest woman in crime fiction, join us as we interrogate Queen of Crime, Sam Blake on her mastering the art of killer thriller writing, entering the ranks ofthe YA novelist , her fostering and support of new writing and her role within the Society of Authors.An event not to be missed, especially for fans of crime and aspiring and emerging writers.
Writers Ink Event
Another fabulous author takeover in Writers Ink this evening (June 23rd), and this time we were talking to Neil Tully, author of the sensational The Visit!
So much wisdom, I’m going to be quoting Neil at every talk I do – an hour packed full of tips and deep thinking on the writing process – the over arching message? Write because you love it.
Just brilliant!!
If you need mentoring and writing support, we’ve got you at Writers Ink. If you want a fabulous read, pick up The Visit!
Greystones Book Festival
Talking Crime with Sam Blake
Greystones Book Festival, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
Sunday 9 August • 7 PM – 8 PM
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/talking-crime-with-sam-blake-tickets-1989605819565
Spike Island Literary Festival
Tainted Love: Gill Perdue, Mary Watson & Sam Blake with Amy Jordan
Date – Sunday September 6th
Venue: Spike Island, Co. Cork
Tickets/Booking: https://www.spikeislandcork.ie/spike-island-literary-festival-2026-sunday/
Listen in as three international bestsellers and masters of misdirection, Sam Blake, Mary Watson & Gill Perdue chat to Amy Jordan about what drives the kind of stories that live with their readers long after they’ve turned the last page
Bloody Scotland International Crime Writing Festival
Every Breath You Take: Sam Blake, Deborah Masson, Tanya Sweeney
Date/Time – Saturday 19th September 8.15pm
Venue: Made in Stirling, 44 King Street, Stirling, FK8 1AY
Tickets/Booking: https://bloodyscotland.com/event/every-breath-you-take-sam-blake-deborah-masson-tanya-sweeney-542011/
Three very different takes on the theme of stalking and obsession are sure to have you looking over your shoulder. The Police need to do more than just sing about it…
Your Every Move is a rollercoaster psychological thriller about unhealthy fixation from Irish number one bestseller Sam Blake. I’ll be Watching You is a deliciously dark and creepy stalker novel by Deborah Masson about an oh-so twisted CCTV operator. Tanya Sweeney’s Esther is Now Following You is an unputdownable novel about the dangers of celebrity fandom.
This event will be chaired by author Zoe Venditozzi.
Write By the Sea – A dynamic boutique literary festival in Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford
September 25th – 27th 2026
Day Passes and Weekend Passes for Write By The Sea 2026 are available now.
A limited number of Single-Event Tickets for individual sessions will be released in late August or early September, subject to venue capacity.
All tickets are non-refundable, but they can be transferred to another person if your plans change.
Booking: https://ti.to/wbts/wbts-2026/
Murder One International Crime Festival 2026 – ‘Save the Date’ 15th – 18th October 2026
