The 2025 Stockholm Writers Festival

Was I thrilled to be invited to this year’s Stockholm Writers Festival? One hundred per cent. It was a terrific event and an honour to be recognised as the Third Place Winner of the international First Five Pages Award. Novelist Mike Gayle was the lead judge and he not only introduced us winners onto the stage to receive our certificates, but also detailed what had impressed him about the top three entries. It was very affirming to hear an experienced and successful writer describe the qualities he appreciated in my work.

And the workshops were inspiring! I went to several over the three days of the festival. Every one of the sessions was excellent, with top quality speakers covering topics which are hugely relevant to those of us trying to have our work published. We’re talking pitching, plotting, pacing, character development, dialogue, tension and more. There were also UK literary agents available for one-to-ones, and of course, meeting other writers in a relaxed and friendly setting, was immensely valuable.

I’ve dropped in to several literary festivals over the years, but I’ve never before attended the whole shebang. I can tell you that the Stockholm Writers Festival, which is conducted entirely in English, is brilliantly organised and well worth a visit.