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ALF is a celebration of literary diversity a platform that not only explores a wide array of literary genres but also amplifies voices that may have previously remained unheard, ultimately serving as of inspiration for the next generation of young writers. Over the years ALF has built a reputation for stimulating powerful dialogue across the publishing industry and sparking change. We are extremely grateful to the High Commission of India in the UK for their support and backing. This year, the festival, funded by the Arts Council of England and Pro-writing Aid, is bringing together industry professionals, over 25 speakers and aspiring writers of diverse background under one roof. We are also delighted that luminaries like Pragya Agarwal, Joseph Coelho, Sudha Bhuchar, Alan Durant, and Alice Hemming are joining us as speakers this year.
The AIM Literary Festival is organised by Author In Me, an award-winning, independent publishing house committed to empowering diverse voices and bringing genuine and unheard stories to the global market. Along with helping emerging culturally diverse authors increase their representation, AIM also invests in discovering new talent and providing accessible opportunities for aspiring writers. In 2023 Author In Me was chosen as the regional finalist for the Small Press of the Year by the British Book Awards. The organisation was awarded Best in Creative Industries by the British Indian Awards 2019 and was nominated as Small Press of the Year by Thames Valley Business Awards 2020.
Monica is the co-founder of award winning publishing company Author In Me. An avid reader and enthusiast of neuroscience, Monica is a children's author and practitioner of mindfulness. She is passionate about promoting the love of reading and writing. With her deep understanding of the ways in which creative expression can promote mental health and well-being, she is dedicating to helping individuals develop their creativity and build resilience through writing. Her books Shine Like A Star - A Book of Affirmations and Santa Wants a Makeover can be used as tool to empower children. In addition to penning creative pieces, Monica has also written Seven Weeks Seven Techniques-Vocabulary-Enhancing and wellbeing workbooks for children. Her experience as an author has given her unique insight into the publishing process, allowing her to provide a truly holistic approach to consulting. As an editorial and publishing consultant, her goal is to help emerging authors navigate the publishing process with confidence and ease, fulfilling their publishing dream.
Ekta Bajaj is a visual artist, blogger, motivational speaker and co-founder of Author In Me. She is also the author of the empowering book, The Voice of Kali and co-author of Book of Affirmations for Children. Her deep passion for storytelling and positive thinking has inspired her to research the powerful ancient methods that provide a holistic approach towards developing mental and emotional strength. Ekta has diligently utilised this knowledge in curating the pioneering Observe-Nurture-Embrace (O.N.E.) technique to cultivate a positive mindset. Her innate ability to inspire has given numerous children the ability to express with confidence through stories. She is also the curator of AIM Literary Festival for children, London.
Ekta is the spearhead of the creative development of AIM and manages AIM Storylab and brings with her a rich experience in advertising and broadcasting. She writes a regular parenting and wellness column for iGlobal. Ekta regularly speaks on events about the power of storytelling and inner transformation. Her blog and transformational video podcasts attract audience from all over the world.
Ekta is an associate member of The Society of Authors, U.K and lives in the beautiful Chiltern Valley with her husband, daughter and an overly spoilt German Shepherd. In her free time, she loves to paint and listen to spiritually inspiring podcasts.
A trained Psychotherapist, Pushpinder has dedicated over 38 years of her life, to assisting the neediest members of the community whilst educating authorities to their predicament. Seeing the positive impact of stories/films have with mental health and well-being, specifically that many films highlight certain social issues that trigger thought provoking discussions, she co-founded the not for profit organisation Tongues on Fire Ltd (TOF) which organises the annual UK Asian Film Festival (UKAFF). Over the years Pushpinder has received awards including: Women Make Change contribution to Arts and Creative industries Award by Arab British Chamber of Commerce; Queen Mary University Community Engagement Award for Memories through cinema project; Services to South Asian Cinema by Punjabi Circle International; Melvin Jones Award for dedicated humanitarian service presented by Stanmore Lions Club and Contribution to Indian cinema Award presented by Indian Link International. In November 2018 Pushpinder received a MBE for her services to the Community and Arts Industry. Pushpinder is a published author of “Women if Substance,” 1997. Pushpinder is a trustee at DAWN, Diwa Asian Women’s Network and committee member of Asian Circle NGO. She is a current member of BAFTA and the British Film Institute.
With over two decades of illustrious experience as an award-winning broadcast journalist, Loveena Tandon stands as a true luminary in the field.
Beyond her exceptional journalism career, Loveena wears the hat of a captivating storyteller, evident in her role as the host of the immensely popular weekly show, "Chai Chat with Loveena," which has amassed an impressive record of over 350 episodes and counting. This remarkable endeavour marked a decade of engaging conversations and insightful discussions.
Adding to her diverse portfolio, Loveena has ventured into the realm of B2B media marketing, where she excels in crafting compelling narratives through film, orchestrating memorable events, and providing invaluable marketing strategy consultations.
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