TOPCWF 26 Creative Thursday - Old Swan Hotel

9.00am DOUBLE LIVES: WRITING AND WORKING

Most writers have a second job, and the second job is writer. Four authors will share how their day jobs shape their storytelling and their unique paths to publication.

10.15am THE PITCH

How do you sell your idea to publishers, editors and agents? N.J. Cooper & Laura Sherlock deliver a whistlestop tour of the dos and don’ts for pitching your ideas to industry professionals as delegates prepare to do just that in The Dragon’s Pen, later in the day. Short one-on-one Pitching Surgeries will also be available later in the day, for anyone that wants extra inside knowledge.

11.00am & 2.00pm THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SUSPENSE (Workshop)

A workshop centred on emotional tension rather than plot mechanics alone. We’ll look at how fear, uncertainty, relationships, and unreliable perspectives create suspense, with practical exercises to help writers turn quieter scenes into gripping ones.

11.00am & 2.00pm IT’S A PLOT! (Workshop)

When it comes to plotting your novel, are you an impeccable Dexter Morgan or more of an improvisational Villanelle? No matter how you approach writing, you will be shown how to master the concepts of story structure to make your crime novel a page-turner in this fun, hands-on workshop.

4.15pm THE DRAGONS’ PEN

Four brilliant publishing professionals, two minutes to convince them that your synopsis and first chapter are worth reading. One audience full of your fellow would-be writers. Our literary version of the popular TV show, Dragons’ Den, hosted by Mark Billingham, is not for the faint-hearted.

The full line-up will be revealed on 14 April 2026. Please note that there will be events happening simultaneously on the Theakston Stage.