Calling all local book lovers and aspiring writers. Back for its fourth year, the H&F Writers' Festival promises to be the biggest yet, showcasing a stellar lineup of women writers and indie authors at WestWorks in White City.
Big names like Sunday Times bestseller Candice Brathwaite, award-winning novelist Kelechi Okafor and George the Poet will join panels, host readings and give advice to aspiring authors.
Prose from the pros
The festival's director, Rasheda Malcolm, is a local writing tutor and renowned author herself. A Shepherds Bush resident for more than 40 years, she's curated the event to shine the spotlight on our local writers and authors.
The festival's two-day schedule includes both literary superstars and indie authors to empower underrepresented voices and encourage new talent.
"In a world where minoritised creative talent struggles to be recognised, we need to create a platform where audiences from all backgrounds can discover new worlds through literature," Rasheda says.
Don't miss your chance to meet your favourite authors and up-and-coming writers. Tickets are on sale now.
There's also a short story competition, and the winner is announced at the festival.
Last year's winner and Macbeth Centre graduate, Roger Francis, says: "I was pleasantly surprised. There was a lot of good competition, so I was very pleased to win."
Global reach
"I'd like to see H&F have one of the most exciting writers' festival that attracts people from all over the UK and eventually the globe," Rasheda adds.
The idea for the festival came from Rasheda's work with women and girls' charity, the WILDE Foundation.
"We use creative tools in assisting women to overcome abuse. They actually write their traumas down on page, and they're free to express themselves. It works really well for them," she explains.
This year, her work with the WILDE Foundation won her a Civic Honour for her contributions to building a stronger, safer, kinder borough.
Inspired to kickstart your novel?
Rasheda also teaches writing courses at H&F's Macbeth Centre in Hammersmith. You can join her free taster class at our open day on Saturday 13 July. Sign up here.
Or add your name to the waiting list for her 10-week courses coming up in September.
"Rasheda's class has been fantastic, supportive and helpful. She's a fantastic person to listen to and learn from," adds Roger, who's also her student at the Macbeth Centre.
