AIM Literary Festival 2024
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AIM Literary Festival - 14th -19th October
Inaugural Evening
Knowledge Exchange Day
Knowledge Exchange Day
The inaugural event sets the stage for a week of literary exploration and celebration. .The evening begins with welcome drinks and a special performance, accompanied by an address from festival founders Ekta Bajaj and Monica Sood. Following this, Lady Kishwar Desai delivers an insightful keynote address. Attendees will then engage in a Q&A session with Noel Murphy, Commercial Director of Granta Publishing. The event continues with the launch of the picture book When Mummy Had Cancer by debut author and cancer survivor Priyanka Pandya, illustrated by Debasmita Dasgupta, with editorial guidance by Alan Durant, moderated by Anila Dhami. The evening concludes with a book signing and networking with industry professionals, allowing attendees to connect, collaborate, and gain insights from established figures in the literary community.
Knowledge Exchange Day
Knowledge Exchange Day
Knowledge Exchange Day
Kickstart your day with insightful discussion. Dive into creative freestyle writing, engage in insightful panels,. Gain insights on the topics such as the Impact of book covers, and Adapting books to screen, featuring industry insiders Ashanti Omkar and Sonia Bahl. Continue with a deep dive into editing with Kitty Walker and author Preethi Nair, discussing how to refine stories while keeping their authenticity. Celebrate the launch of The Catlyst by Stephen C Lawley and Bhavya Arora's debut book Gain insights into book marketing and PR strategies from Nidhi Sahani. Wrap up the with a public speaking masterclass by award-winning TV presenter Anila Dhami, followed by networking and book signings. Perfect for aspiring authors, book lovers, and publishing professionals.s.
Writers' Connect- Networking Event
Writers' Connect- Networking Event
Writers' Connect- Networking Event
StoryGarden offers a dynamic platform to showcase books by diverse authors, with opportunities for editorial critiquing from literary agents. Join award-winning children’s book illustrator and graphic novelist Debasmita Dasgupta for a live critique of visual storytelling. Enjoy inspiring talks from screenwriters and authors while networking with prominent Bookstagrammers and book reviewers, giving you valuable exposure and connections. Additionally, explore key strategies in book marketing and PR, engage with the Happy Tree Book Club, and participate in a fun book exchange to expand your reading horizons. Contact us at events. Those looking for critique sessions, and showcasing their books in StoryGarden, please send your submissions and a copy of the book at events @authorinme.com before the 1st of October.
Young Voices- Children's Event
Writers' Connect- Networking Event
Writers' Connect- Networking Event
Enjoy a magical day at the Museum filled with inspirational author sessions, musical performances by talented young musicians, and fun-filled activities tailored just for kids. Experience interactive storytelling sessions, creative workshops, and meet young authors who will inspire budding writers. With appearances from beloved children’s authors alike Alan Durant, Surah Surgey , and many more this event is designed to spark imagination and foster a love for reading and writing in children of all ages. Bring your little ones for a day of joy, creativity, and literary adventure!
Book your tickets now and join us for the biggest celebration of the year.
festival partners
ALF 2024 - Speakers At A Glance
Lady Kishwar Desai
Lady Kishwar Desai
Lady Kishwar Desai
Lady Kishwar Desai is an award-winning author, playwright, and historian. Her latest book, The Longest Kiss: The Life and Times of Devika Rani, won the National Film Award for Best Book on Indian Cinema and is being adapted into a feature film. Her debut novel, Witness the Night, earned the Costa Award for Best First Novel in the UK and
Lady Kishwar Desai is an award-winning author, playwright, and historian. Her latest book, The Longest Kiss: The Life and Times of Devika Rani, won the National Film Award for Best Book on Indian Cinema and is being adapted into a feature film. Her debut novel, Witness the Night, earned the Costa Award for Best First Novel in the UK and Ireland, and her Simran Singh detective trilogy followed. Her historical work, Jallianwala Bagh, 1919: The Real Story, received critical acclaim, and she is the founder of the world’s first Partition Museum in Amritsar, with a second in Delhi. As a playwright, her plays Devika Rani and Manto! have garnered praise. Lady Desai also worked in television for over two decades and continues to explore colonial history, currently working on a historical biography. She has been honored for her contributions to art, history, and literature in both India and the UK
Alan Durant
Lady Kishwar Desai
Lady Kishwar Desai
Alan Durant is an author, his first books were about teenage life and came from his own experiences and concerns – he was fourteen when he discovered the immense and liberating power of writing and it was his main stay during his largely unhappy teenage years. He always loved reading. A big fan of The Narnia books by C S Lewis, Michael H
Alan Durant is an author, his first books were about teenage life and came from his own experiences and concerns – he was fourteen when he discovered the immense and liberating power of writing and it was his main stay during his largely unhappy teenage years. He always loved reading. A big fan of The Narnia books by C S Lewis, Michael Hardcastle’s football stories and Enid Blyton’s Famous Five series. These books are still his most treasured possessions and were the biggest inspiration to him to become a writer.
He writes fiction for all ages, from pre-school prose to poetry for adults. His picture books include the award winning Burger Boy illustrated by Mei Matsuoka, Billy Monster’s Daymare illustrated by Ross Collins, I Love You Little Monkey illustrated by Kate McEwen and the classic story Always and Forever illustrated by Debi Gliori.
Debasmita Dasgupta
Lady Kishwar Desai
Debasmita Dasgupta
Debasmita is a Kirkus Best Prize-nominated, Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Selection, Skipping Stones Honor, and Silver Nautilus award-winning children’s book illustrator, graphic novelist, and art-for-change advocate.
Born in Calcutta, India, Debasmita now resides in the UK. Her illustrated stories have been published in the UK, USA, Sin
Debasmita is a Kirkus Best Prize-nominated, Junior Library Guild (JLG) Gold Selection, Skipping Stones Honor, and Silver Nautilus award-winning children’s book illustrator, graphic novelist, and art-for-change advocate.
Born in Calcutta, India, Debasmita now resides in the UK. Her illustrated stories have been published in the UK, USA, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, and Denmark. She collaborates with publishers like Penguin Random House, HarperCollins, Oxford University Press, Flying Eye Books, and Barefoot Books. Additionally, she partners with global development agencies, national book councils, artistic networks, and international schools to train emerging visual storytellers. She is a passionate advocate for diversity and multiculturalism in children’s literature.
Let's make it happen!
Become a Knowledge Oracle
Become a Knowledge Oracle
Become a Knowledge Oracle
We are inviting organisations, individuals, authors, artists and experts
who share the same vision as us which is to promote storytelling in children, to come and join hands with us.
Lets' work in symbiosis to making this Festival established and highly rated
Literary event of the year.
Become a partner/ sponsor
Become a Knowledge Oracle
Become a Knowledge Oracle
Associate your brand with us to celebrate and promote storytelling and overall wellbeing in children. We offer a fantastic range of corporate sponsorship to suit any budget.
A great opportunity to connect with huge audiences, contribute towards inclusion and raise your brand identity
Volunteer with us
Become a Knowledge Oracle
Volunteer with us
Want to get involved in AIM Literary Festival 2024. We're looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us make the event a success. Whether you're interested in event planning, marketing, or logistics, we have a role for you. Contact us at events@authorinme.com to register your interest and learn more about volunteer opportunities.
