Romance Writing Festival 2026

The second Romance Writing Festival is returning to Bournemouth on Saturday 3rd October 2026 at the award-winning Marsham Court Hotel. Following a hugely successful launch year, the 2026 festival promises an inspiring, practical and love-filled day dedicated entirely to romance writers — whether you're just beginning, navigating the messy middle, or preparing to publish. Across the day, five focused talks will guide you through every stage of the writing journey. Prolific Sharon Kendrick — author of more than 120 Harlequin Mills & Boon novels — will open the day with insights on getting started and sustaining a long-term writing career. Jeevani Charika tackles the "messy middle" — that difficult stretch where doubt can creep in — offering practical advice on staying motivated and shaping your manuscript. Editor Gary Dalkin and publisher Sophie Beal return with their ever-popular session on refining your work to professional standard. Alex Thompson, Managing Director of Troubador Publishing and The Book Guild, explores the realities and opportunities of self-publishing, while Isabelle Knight shows you how to build a compelling, authentic author brand. Five inspiring panels bring additional inspiration. Romance legend Katie Fforde appears in conversation with BBC South's Edward Sault. Bestseller Sue Moorcroft joins her agent Juliet Pickering to discuss building a lasting career. BBC Music's Fee Mak chairs a contemporary fiction panel featuring Suzan Holder, Liam Livings and Abiola Bello. Nikki Moore and Clare Swatman explore the art of high-concept storytelling, while Janet Gover returns with the ever-popular "Slay the Slush Pile," where agents make snap decisions based on a few opening lines. The day concludes with a lively evening networking event — the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow writers and industry professionals. Festival activities also include a literary walk of Bournemouth and invigorating beach walks. Every ticket includes arrival tea or coffee, a Ploughman's lunch, a welcome drink at the evening reception and a £5 bookshop voucher. In addition, three in-depth 90-minute masterclasses are available: Amy de la Force on irresistible romantasy; Literary agent Saskia Leach on perfecting your submission pack; and Lola Jaye on bringing historical fiction to modern readers. Writers can also book 15-minute one-to-one sessions with six literary agents. (You do not need a festival ticket to book a masterclass or agent session.) Whether you write sweet, steamy, contemporary, historical or romantasy, the Romance Writing Festival is your opportunity to learn, connect and fall in love with writing all over again.