As a writer, the social and professional connections you make are key factors that determine your growth and direction towards becoming a successful author. Writer’s events, conferences and workshops are a great way to learn, network and sharpen your skills as you embark on a journey towards publishing a remarkable piece of work. You may be indulging in a lot of online networking activities like being a part of webinars, social network groups and the like.

However, nothing replaces the impact of an in-person meeting or a face-to-face discussion. Writers’ events help you to not only network but also gain insight into the big wide world of publishing and understand the value-chain. It helps you build a pool of experienced connections that may serve as agents, mentors and trusted critiques. You will learn a lot more by physically attending such gatherings than simply reading about them on an online portal or in a newsletter!

Here is a list of some of the writer’s events, workshops and conferences to attend in India:

Writing to get Published, and all that’s in between!

New to the world of publishing? Looking to get answers to the hundreds of questions about writing that your mind is filled with? This event is the place for you to be. A discussion on every element that goes writing a book, to every detail about how to get a book published is the core objective of this event! Khushnuma Daruwala, the author of the recently published book “50 Cups of Coffee,” is here to give solutions to help you start writing on an easy note. This is a free event with lots of free knowledge to catch hold of! So grab a beer and chat with Khushnuma about writing and her journey so far.

When: 12th August 2017, Saturday, 4:00 PM-6:00 PM

Where: Doolally Taproom, Colaba, Mumbai

Writing and Blogging workshop by Tushar Mangl  

Tushar Mangl is a Public speaker and Trainer. He is also an Author of the e-books Hey Honey Bunch, Avenging Act & The Thakur Boy. Looking to learn more about creative writing and blogging? You should give this workshop a shot! The workshop will help you to gain knowledge about basic writing and storytelling skills. It will also help you understand the importance of having a content strategy in place.

On the blogging front, it will enable you to understand the nitty-gritty of setting up a blog and promoting it across various channels. Tushar will also talk about monetising your writing and blogging efforts. Moreover, a brief discussion on career paths for writers, bloggers and content writers is part of the agenda. This workshop will also include an activity in the end that will allow you to showcase your written work, solve queries and get feedback on the same.

When: 27th August 2017, Sunday, 11:00 AM -2:00 PM.

Where: PAPA BUNS, North West Delhi

How much: Rs. 50

Tata Literature Live

Tata Literature Live is a treat for writers, authors and poets. A 4-day long event, it is host to some of the veteran literary artists from around the globe. It is a brilliant platform for writers and readers to meet up and exchange their experiences and stories of their written pieces. It is an annual event that is held every year.

This year, the event organisers are striving hard to ensure as much diversity as possible so that the event represents a plethora of languages and varieties of writing. Above all, it aims to bring all the literature enthusiasts under one roof and multiply their love for literature all the more. The participants include veterans like Abhay Sardesai, Ambi Parameswaran, Anurag Kashyap, Gulzar, Shabana Azmi and much more.

When: 16th November- 19th November 2017

Where: The event is spread across two locations–NCPA and Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai

How much: Free

Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival  

Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival is an amalgamation of various literary activities and India’s only literary initiative that is created by a bookstore–Oxford Bookstore. The festival aims at exploring India’s literary heritage and weaving conversations around it. It is a perfect place for writers and book-lovers alike to blend in and experience a literary charm. It aims  to engage and involve the best minds from Kolkata, India and the world. You will not only get an opportunity to interact with veteran writers but also a chance to discover new talents.

If you are looking for that thought-provoking discussion, this is the place for you to converse with thinkers and writers who might help you get rid of that writer’s block or simply inspire you to think in new directions. Not only that; meet a variety of book lovers who may just end up giving you an idea for your next piece of work! Explore literature in its varied forms of books, art, poetry, music and films at this heavenly literary festival.

When: 11th January to 15th January 2018

Where: Oxford bookstore Kolkata

How much: Free, unless otherwise indicated.

 Goa Arts and Literature Festival

Goa is known for its tourism because of its stunning beaches, vintage style architecture and unique lifestyle. However, what is less known is the fact that Goa is also a treasure trove of literary talents. It is not only unique in its culture but also in its literature. The Goa Arts and Literature Festival is an aim to create a beautiful gathering of literary experts and a cultural showcase of India.

It focuses on diverse themes like Dalit writing, graphic novels, poetry as well as translations. This festival could be your retreat to a literary haven! Connect yourself with talented artists, writers, poets and musicians from around the subcontinent and rejuvenate your mind to write better. Become a part of this festival and immerse yourself in an inspirational journey.

When: 7th December to 10th December 2017, Thursday to Sunday

Where: The International Centre Goa

How much: Free and open to all.

Thought Experiments by Nitin Gupta

Humour is one of the most powerful emotions to use in the literature world, so if you’re in the mood for hearty laughter, don’t miss out on the stand-up comedy show by Nitin Gupta called Thought Experiments. The stand-up features topics on school life, romance and confusion and involves a technique known as observational comedy. If you ever need the inspiration to incorporate humorous moments in your novel, this show is a must-watch.

When: July 30th, Sunday 8 p.m.

Where: Sector-18 – Noida, Delhi

How much: Rs. 550

Partition – Stories of Separation

Music is a powerful source of fun, inspiration and relaxing. When music is explored in a deeper, more meaningful sense, you get inspired on a whole other level. Some of the most influential literature professionals like Gopika Chowfla, Ahsan Ali, Salima Raza, Deepak Ramola and Manish Halder are hosting the event, so prepare to be mesmerised.

When: August 11th, Friday

Where: The Stein Auditorium, India Habitat Center: Delhi

How Much: Rs. 200 onward
Being inspired by such events in one thing, but being the one in the centre of attention is a superb feeling. To reach the level of the many event hosts, start pushing for strong sales of your book and a spectacular book launch party, with Notion Press as your publishing partner.