Creative Industries Trafford celebrates 10th Northern Lights Writers’ Conference at Waterside

Creative Industries Trafford (CIT) marks a major milestone this spring as its popular Northern Lights Writers’ Conference returns for its 10th edition at Waterside.

Taking place on Saturday 9 May, the conference is designed to inspire writers, build connections and deepen understanding of the industry.  Bringing together a diverse range of voices, Northern Lights offers a dynamic mix of panel discussions, workshops, in-conversation sessions and one-to-one advice – all centred on both the craft and business of writing.

Now firmly established as a key date in the region’s literary calendar, the conference supports writers at every stage of their journey, from emerging creatives to those developing professional careers.

Exploring the future of writing

A highlight of this year’s programme is Writers & the Impact of AI, a timely panel discussion examining how emerging technologies are reshaping the writing landscape. Featuring Monica MacSwan (Aitken Alexander Literary Agency) and screenwriter and former Writers’ Guild GB Chair Lisa Holdsworth, the session will explore how AI is influencing careers, creativity and the wider industry, alongside questions around authorship and bias.

The programme also includes Critiquing for Writers, where scriptwriter Natalie Beech and novelist and editor Melissa Welliver will share insights into giving and receiving feedback, working with editors and using critique to strengthen creative work.

Practical advice and creative development

Alongside panel discussions, attendees can take part in a range of practical sessions tailored to developing skills and confidence. These include:

• To Self-Publish or Not to Self-Publish, an informal discussion led by Kristina Turner, offering a candid introduction to independent publishing 
• Poetry for Performance: Engaging Your Audience, a hands-on workshop with Louise Fazackerley exploring performance techniques, voice and presence 
• Writing Competitions, Schemes and Awards, a focused session led by Natalie Beech to help writers identify opportunities and strengthen applications; 
• From Page to Screen, led by Kevin Duffy (Bluemoose Books) this is a discussion around how books are optioned for film & TV and what this means for a writer; 
• Building Your Digital Audience, a practical talk led by Danni Davis on growing readership through social media, audio content and podcasting. 

The conference also offers valuable opportunities for personalised support, including drop-in advice sessions with experienced writers and industry professionals, including Lizzie Flanagan, Jazmine Linklater, Okechukwu Nzelu and Melissa Welliver. 

For those seeking direct industry feedback, a limited number of Agent 1-2-1 sessions with literary agent Monica MacSwan are available via application. Selected participants will receive dedicated time to discuss their work and career development.

A day of connection and creativity

Running from 10:00 to 16.00, the event is structured to encourage both learning and networking, with space for informal conversations, idea-sharing and collaboration throughout the day.

From navigating the realities of the publishing world to honing creative practice, Northern Lights Writers’ Conference continues to champion writing talent across the North and beyond

For more information and booking, visit here.