The Author In Me (AIM) Literary Festival, an annual celebration of literature, creativity, and diverse storytelling, returns to the UK from October 14-19, themed around “Life, Experiences, and Stories in Between”.
Ekta Bajaj, Co-founder of AIM, said: "At the heart of the AIM Literary Festival is a deep passion for storytelling—stories that reflect the lives we live, the experiences we share, and the moments that often go unnoticed.
“This year's theme, ‘Life Experiences and the Stories in Between’, is close to my heart, as it speaks to the narratives that shape who we are. I’m excited to bring together voices that can illuminate these powerful stories, creating a space for meaningful conversations and personal connections."
The festival will feature a dynamic range of events across London celebrating diversity in the world of publishing, with the inaugural event at the French Library. The AIM festival is designed to inspire literary lovers of all ages with an exciting lineup that includes author panels, masterclasses, live critiquing sessions, writing workshops, and more. The line-up includes a keynote speech by Lady Kishwar Desai and Q&A with Noel Murphy, Commercial director of Granta Publishing, which will be moderated by award-winning TV presenter Anila Dhami – a member of the festival's advisory board.
Monica Sood, Co-founder of AIM, notes: “I am deeply passionate about creating a platform that amplifies diverse voices and stories from all walks of life. Literature has the unique ability to connect us, challenge perspectives, and inspire change, making it essential to provide space for underrepresented voices to be heard.
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“This year, I’m particularly excited to dedicate a day to young voices in collaboration with the Roald Dahl Museum. Alongside established authors, we’ll have young authors showcasing their books, along with fun workshops and reading sessions to inspire young minds to read and write for pleasure. Our goal is to nurture the next generation of storytellers and instil a lifelong love of literature.”
Debut authors will also be launching their latest works, including life coach Bhavya Arora, presenting her bold non-fiction title ‘Where the F**k Do I Go From Here’, and Stephen C. Lawley with ‘The Catalyst’. Both authors will be in attendance, along with several other remarkable writers, to share their unique perspectives and celebrate their contributions to the literary world.
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the festival will launch a new book by debut author Priyanka Pandya, a breast cancer survivor and mother of two young girls. Her picture book, ‘When Mummy Had Cancer’, stems from her personal experiences and is designed to help families navigate difficult conversations with their children, offering support as they cope with illness and adversity.
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Attendees are also invited to join an exciting conversation between film journalist Ashanti Omkar and author Sonia Bahl, as they delve into the growing trend of adapting books into films and series. Discover their unique perspectives on the creative process, the challenges of translating stories from page to screen, and the evolving relationship between literature and cinema
Highlights of AIM Literary Festival 2024:
· Author Panels and Talks: Engage with published authors and industry experts as they share their literary journeys and insights into the world of writing and publishing.
· Masterclasses with Industry Experts: Tailored for both new and experienced writers, these masterclasses provide a unique opportunity to gain insider knowledge and skills from leading figures in the publishing world.
· Live Critiquing Sessions: Aspiring writers can receive immediate, constructive feedback from industry professionals, helping them refine their work and improve their craft.
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· Writing Workshops: Hands-on sessions designed to sharpen writing skills and foster creativity, open to writers at all stages of their journey.
· Children’s Activities at the Roald Dahl Museum: Ignite young imaginations with storytelling sessions, creative workshops, and talks by young published authors. Families can also enjoy meet-and-greet sessions with their favourite authors at the iconic Roald Dahl Museum.
· Diverse Voices: A celebration of narratives from different cultures and backgrounds, offering audiences a chance to experience the richness and diversity of human experiences.
*Info: AIM Literary Festival 2024