Writing Events by Allison Symes

Image Credit:  Images taken by me, Allison Symes, from the 2025 Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick.

By the time this post goes out, I will have just returned from my big writing treat of the year - The Writers’ Summer School, Swanwick.  

I get to spend a few days immersed in the writing world. I also love catching up with friends I only see online for the rest of the year. I learn so much from the workshops and courses and the after dinner speakers. 

The Hayes, Swanwick, Derbyshire - home to The Writers' Summer School for over 70 years.

I also find this break away reaffirms my belief in myself as a writer by helping me fight Imposter Syndrome. Real writers go to conferences, don’t they, whether said events are online or in person, day events, or longer.

Also last month, I was involved with a friend’s online book launch. That went well, I’m glad to say, but what is lovely here is with this and Swanwick, there was plenty of writer engagement. For the online launch, that encouraged my friend especially and Swanwick is always a boost to me.

Much happy chatter, accompanied with drinks of course, were held here though the chatter was about writing (at least some of the time!) at Swanwick 2025.

Writing events, whether they’re a day event, a residential, or a local creative writing class are wonderful for writers. I have always learned so much about the writing world just by chatting to fellow authors over a cup of tea, as well as learning from any of the workshops. 

I found out about the Society of Authors thanks to another writer telling me about it. There are many reasons to go to events when you can but this kind of networking is a major part of it.

During breaks, many at Swanwick 2025 strolled around the beautiful lakes at The Hayes.

I’m also looking forward to setting up some writer events of my own because my third flash fiction collection, Seeing The Other Side, will be published by Bridge House Publishing in May 2026. It will be lovely to think about launches again (online and in person) given my last one was in the year we all want to forget - 2020. 

Only online launches were possible then but they were (a) a lifeline for writers with work out in that year and (b) a good boost for the use of Zoom and the like, which I have put to good use for workshops since.

And when not strolling around the lakes, there were the gardens to admire at The Hayes. The workshops and courses were fabulous at Swanwick but down time was also needed.

But, oh, it is so good to have the in person events again. You do get the buzz from being with other creatives. (And it’s harder to enjoy a drink in the bar with colleagues when you’re online!).

Later in the year, I’ll be off to a one day event run by the Association of Christian Writers. It will be lovely to catch up with fellow members in person though their Facebook group has great engagement.  

Most Swanwickers take this photo of the back of The Hayes at some point. For many of us it is THE writing event of the year.

I do think writers get something special out of being with other writers. It is so important to be with those who “get” why you have the writing addiction (and I say that though I am blessed to have a supportive family). 

I do hope the events you get to this year inspire you on your return. I always come home “buzzing” and to me that is a sign of a great event!

Looking across the lawns and part of the gardens at The Hayes. Which writing events will you be going to this year?