The Author in Me (AIM) Literary Festival, an annual celebration of literature, creativity, and diverse storytelling, will be back from 14 October to 19 October 2024.

Organised by Author in Me, an award-winning small press, this year’s festival will explore the theme “Life, Experiences, and Stories in Between”.

The festival will feature a dynamic range of events across London celebrating diversity in the world of publishing. The inaugural event will be at The French Library, the festival will inspire literary lovers of all ages with an exciting lineup that includes author panels, masterclasses, live critiquing sessions, writing workshops, and more.

The line-up includes a keynote speech by Lady Kishwar Desai and a Q&A session with Noel Murphy, the commercial director of Granta Publishing, which will be moderated by award-winning TV presenter Anila Dhami who is also a member of the festival’s advisory board.

Debut authors will also be launching their latest works, including life coach Bhavya Arora, presenting her bold non-fiction title Where the F**k Do I Go From Here, and Stephen C. Lawley with his book The Catalyst. Both authors will be in attendance, along with several other remarkable writers, to share their unique perspectives and celebrate their contributions to the literary world.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the festival will launch a new book by debut author Priyanka Pandya, a breast cancer survivor and mother of two young girls. Her picture book, When Mummy Had Cancer, stems from her personal experiences and is designed to help families navigate difficult conversations with their children, offering support as they cope with illness and adversity.

Attendees are also invited to join an exciting conversation between film journalist Ashanti Omkar and author Sonia Bahl, as they delve into the growing trend of adapting books into films and series. Attendees will be able to discover their unique perspectives on the creative process, the challenges of translating stories from page to screen, and the evolving relationship between literature and cinema

Image: Author in Me Literary Festival.

This year’s festival is set to be more exciting than ever, welcoming people of all ages and backgrounds to explore the world of literature and storytelling. From insightful talks to engaging workshops, the AIM Literary Festival 2024 is an unmissable opportunity for book lovers, aspiring writers, and families to celebrate the written word.

“At the heart of the AIM Literary Festival is a deep passion for storytelling—stories that reflect the lives we live, the experiences we share, and the moments that often go unnoticed,” said Ekta Bajaj, Co-founder of AIM. “This year’s theme, ‘Life Experiences and the Stories in Between’, is close to my heart, as it speaks to the narratives that shape who we are. I’m excited to bring together voices that can illuminate these powerful stories, creating a space for meaningful conversations and personal connections.”

Monica Sood, Co-founder of AIM states, “I am deeply passionate about creating a platform that amplifies diverse voices and stories from all walks of life. Literature has the unique ability to connect us, challenge perspectives, and inspire change, making it essential to provide space for underrepresented voices to be heard.

“This year, I’m particularly excited to dedicate a day to young voices in collaboration with the Roald Dahl Museum. Alongside established authors, we’ll have young authors showcasing their books, along with fun workshops and reading sessions to inspire young minds to read and write for pleasure.

“Our goal is to nurture the next generation of storytellers and instil a lifelong love of literature.”