More Than Workshops and Goodie Bags

It’s funny, isn’t it? How you can spend weeks, months, even years planning a thing and then suddenly… it’s done. It’s gone. It’s over. And you’re left feeling a weird mix of shock and disbelief – and yes, hopefully pride too.

That’s exactly where I am right now, even days later. You’d think after three years I’d be used to it by now, but nope. I’ve lived and breathed AuthorFest in my every waking moment since the planning began in earnest in June. I’ve floated through waves of insecurity and absolute certainty. And now it’s over for another year, and my brain doesn’t quite know what to grasp at.

I’ve been running workshops for years, and running a range of events for even longer. Even AuthorFest itself is in its third year, although it has evolved each time.

This year? Three nights and three full days in the absolutely stunning Les Cabosses Retreat Centre in Lussat. A peaceful weekend hidden from the world and its responsibilities; a place to unwind and focus purely on writing, learning, connecting, and resparking that inspiration.

Sounds idyllic, right? It was.

But in the run-up, the questions began. Did I get the right speakers in? Is the balance right? Have I tried to cram too much into the weekend? Is the format confusing? Have I got just the right stuff for the goodie bags? Will people get along? Is there enough content to be good value for money?

And then the event happened. And it was amazing. I met talented, inspirational, friendly authors. I heard speakers share their knowledge and expertise with kindness and enthusiasm. I watched people’s eyes light up as they shared ideas and offered each other kind words.

And do you know what I learned along the way?

Sure, the workshops and speakers are important. But actually, it’s the atmosphere people fall in love with. It’s the people around them. It’s the chance to come together as writers. It’s the little touches and the conversation starters.

One of the simplest things I included this year was a set of kindness envelopes, giving everyone the chance to leave little messages for one another. They were a huge hit. And it reminded me that people love having the opportunity to be kind and helpful to others – perhaps even more than they enjoy receiving that kindness themselves.

Oh… and the goodie bags. Everyone loves a goodie bag.

I’ve come away feeling incredibly proud of this year’s event – and absolutely buzzing with ideas about how to make next year’s even better. I’ve received some of the sweetest, kindest emails and messages from the writers authors who attended.

And I’ve realised this: A successful writing event isn’t one where everything goes perfectly. It’s one where you create the conditions for writers to connect, take risks, learn something and leave wanting to write.

And that’s exactly what AuthorFest 2026 did.

What’s more, it’s spurred me on to create more. I’m already looking at 2027 – and beyond. If you’d like to be part of the next chapter, you can join the AuthorFest 2027 waitlist to be the first to hear what’s coming.