Katie, Fforde, Milly Johnson and Paige Toon to Headline Bournemouth’s First Romance Writing Festival
Sunday Times bestselling authors Milly Johnson and Paige Toon will headline the inaugural Romance Writing Festival, taking place in Bournemouth on 18th October 2025. They join fellow Sunday Times bestseller Katie Fforde on an impressive programme featuring award-winning authors, editors, literary agents, and publishers.
The one-day event is dedicated to romance writing, offering a mix of panel discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities. Attendees can also book one-to-one sessions with agents and editors or take part in free activities designed to inspire writers at all stages of their journey.
Held at the seafront Grade-11-listed Royal Bath Hotel, the festival will host a marketplace where delegates can meet and mingle with authors, agents, and publishers. Additional activities include Proof Parties, book launches, beach walks, romance-themed literary walks of Bournemouth’s famous authors, and yoga on the beach. Writers will also have the exclusive opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea with editors.
Literary agent Megan Carroll (Watson, Little) and editors Jennie Ayers (Hero/Canelo), Charlotte Ledger (One More Chapter), and Emily Ruston (Boldwood) will be offering private 1-2-1 sessions, where writers can pitch their books or receive personalised feedback to help them improve and progress in their writing journey.
Other confirmed speakers include Zen Cho (Pan Macmillan), Phillipa Ashley (Penguin), Sue Moorcroft (Avon), and Jo Thomas (Transworld), alongside authors Lola Jaye, Jeevani Charika, and Kel Menton.
The event will close with a gala networking event in the Kings Hall of the Royal Bath Hotel - a Grade II listed building on Bournemouth’s famous seafront once frequented by Oscar Wilde - on the evening of 18th October with a literary guest of honour.
The Romance Writing Festival takes place on Saturday 18th October. Tickets are £74 for the day event, £52.50 for the evening networking event, and £899 for the VIP package, which includes events on Friday 17th October with a masterclass with Katie Fforde, private dinner, two nights’ sea-view accommodation, spa access, and breakfast. Early bird discounts are available.
The Romance Writing Festival is in addition to the main Bournemouth Writing Festival, taking place in April 2025.
For all the details, visit www.romancewritingfestival.co.uk
Ticket for the day are £74 and the evening reception £52.50. Get early bird discounts of up to 25% (see website for details).
Special VIP package includes two nights in a sea view room, spa access and a masterclass and dinner with writing professionals, plus VIP access during the Saturday.
