Literary Festivals! Getting Involved!

Enjoying writing children’s stories and learning more about them, doing free online courses about children’s literature has been so enriching, but I had the thought one day not long ago that took my surged interest to become more involved. 

In the current state of the world, there may not be lots of opportunities for a while to be physically involved in events or things we care about, but the power of reaching out to ask can be just as helpful and offer a feel good factor. 

There are some beautiful children’s festivals here in the UK. If the event for Barnes Festival in London is happening this year, I hope to help volunteer and observe children’s authors and their responsibilities, meet new people who are interested in children’s festivals and help set up different stands or whatever may need help with at the time. 

To spend time with children, meet new people and learn about children’s books and possibly have the opportunity to talk to authors is something I am so excited about. Someone close said to me recently their favorite quote is ‘’Opportunities multiply as they are seized’’ and it resonated and I found real truth in that. Reaching out can be the hardest part, but connecting with what we love to do and reaching out to people could bring you so many gifts both personally and professionally. 

Especially after being disconnected from people and the outer world (although feeling grateful and happy to nurture my inner world) for a long time, I feel even more excited about it. 

Even if for some of the festivals I may just help out online, I am excited to connect. This time has proven that we can still connect even if we are far, something I have been passionate about involving as a theme in my stories. 

But if we can join that book club, or that virtual cooking class, I think it can make us feel the world better. Even if you are talking to strangers! 

In some cases, the opportunity to just help be a children’s literary adviser for the festival popped up which made me smile. Even if i can’t be there and the event isn’t on, from a distance i could still let them know a children’s book, or an author i admire that they may consider sharing on their website for example. 

I hope very much to go to the Edinburgh Festival next year and soak up that lovely, colourful energy when there is so much creativity and enthusiasm in the air, it’s infectious. Perhaps I will submit one of my own stories to the festival one day. That would be such a dream to be there as a participant. These are lovely things I like to imagine on the horizon, to know that all the practice and experience could really open those opportunities. 

But reaching out, even if just an email, just an inquiry is never that scary or doesn’t mean you have to commit to something big. On the whole, I find that it is often received really warmly, people love your help and want to meet you. 

Here are some of the festivals I reached out to and perhaps may help out at one day soon or one day far: 

Barnes Festival. 

Lavenham Festival. 

Henley Literary Festival.

Cheltenham Festival. 

Anyways my dears, just thought i’d let you know that i found a smile in trying to be more involved. Hope you have things that make you feel connected to, in whatever capacity.

Hope you are feeling well and giving yourself the TLC you deserve. 

Hugs and Happy being, friends.

Until we meet again,

Xoxo Bobsy.