Bestselling writer joins lineup for DMU's creative writing festival

A bestselling author and screenwriter is set to share her tips and experiences with visitors to a De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) book festival. 

Louise Doughty found critical and commercial success for her novels Apple Tree Yard and Platform Seven, both of which were adapted for TV. 

And this year, the Leicestershire writer will appear at States of Independence, a literary festival organised by DMU’s Leicester Centre for Creative Writing, now in its 15th year. 

 The event, organised in collaboration with industry partner Dahlia Publishing, will take place on Saturday 8 June, and is free and open to the public.  

The event not only offers the chance to explore an array of stalls from independent presses but also features a full schedule of talks, readings, and panel discussions with local authors, publishers, and DMU humanities experts. 

This year's book festival theme is “Writing Beyond the Page: on the screen, in the galleries, in archives, in music, in collaboration.” 

Those attending will have the opportunity to hear from not only Louise Doughty, but get advice from a literary agent, join workshops with poets and novelists and hear from artists and musicians. 

Dr Simon Perril, Professor of Poetic Practice at DMU, said: “States is a splash of Independent colour in grey times – a long-running book festival that has become a key community literary event in the regional creative calendar.  

“Come and support indie publishing; hear great readings and talks, visit exhibitions, participate in writing workshops. Louise Doughty joins us as keynote. Come and buy books!” 

Additional highlights include: 

• Literary Agent Philippa Sitters offering one-to-one sessions providing industry insight and advice. 

• Workshops from poet Tim Grayson and novelists Ivy Ngeow and Megan Taylor. 

• Discussions on animal welfare and net zero, and novelist Eva Aldea on writers and the impact of diagnoses. 

• Artist David Blandy’s perspective on Sacred Shrines and an opportunity to visit his exhibition at The Gallery. 

• Creative exhibition catalogues and collaborations between poet Simon Perril and composer John Young, with an installation in the PACE building next to the festival. 

• Poet Geraldine Monk on assembling Alan Halsey’s posthumous book. 
   

The whole event takes place at DMU’s Clephan Building, you can register your free attendance and explore the full programme of events for States of Independence 2024, HERE.