I’m pretty sure this event has become a staple in my diary, and a day to book off from work automatically: just like last year, I had the best day at Women’s Prize LIVE earlier this week. Set in the heart of Bloomsbury (book heaven), this gorgeous event is perfect for book lovers, writers and supporters of women’s fiction – and those who love a free goodie bag (more on that later). With the same enthusiasm I had for Harrogate Crime Writing Festival, I’d recommend it to you all!
(Note to self: must go back and explore the book shops.)
But can someone please tell me: Where was the sun?! Ugh, anyhow. The event: here’s what to expect.
What happens at Women’s Prize Live?
You can read up on last year’s (sunnier) experience, but this year held a similar format.
It was full of author talks, thought provoking topics and panels (eg women, activism, journalism, future authors) with the option to add workshops to improve your writing, before ending with readings from the shortlisted authors.
It’s perfect for going with friends, or going by yourself just like I did. As most bookworms are introverts, it was normal to see so many people there on their own, quietly joined by a pure love for books.
The day started with former Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard (I know!), opening up with a recording of her incredibly powerful misogyny speech in parliament. I’ve since watched it in full and was HOOKED! Speaking for the Women’s Prize Bookshelfie podcast, she talked through some of her favourite books that shaped her, including the Nancy Drew series and Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird*. What a great session.
I moved onto the Demystifying publishing session, which kind of did what it said on the tin, and provided motivation, tips and a reminder of the process, featuring debut Discoveries author Olivia Ford*. Another was Outsiders, where authors talked about how their characters have felt exactly that, where Piglet*, This Motherless Land* and Learning To Think* have etched their way onto my TBR, before moving onto Went to London, Took the Dog* with Deborah Moggach and Nina Stibbe: a funny reflection on their time living together with dog Peggy.
What’s in the Women’s Prize goodie bag?
I understand you may be curious about what was in the goodie bag: I can reveal within the gorgeous tote bag (now with a longer handle, compared to last year’s), it included extracts and proofs of future books coming out, a Bailey’s chocolate bar, a bookmark – and a copy of Ann Patchett’s Tom Lake*!
I even recorded a little TikTok (woo!)
The 2024 Women’s Prize winners
At the end of another wonderful Women’s Prize Live event, we were treated to readings from the shortlisted authors, including the inaugural Women’s Non-Fiction Prize. Each was compelling and beautifully told, especially when paired with a little context. Sadly I left during the fiction readings to get home at a decent hour – in my defence, they were running 1 hour behind schedule and I’d already read a few of them… Unsurprisingly, I left the event with even more books for my TBR – mostly non-fiction!
But who won…
Here we have it, the 2024 Women’s Prize winners:
Non-Fiction Winner: Doppelganger by Naomi Klein*
Fiction Winner: Brotherless Night by V. V. Ganeshananthan*
A huge congrats to the winners, the authors and everyone involved in the process. I could only imagine the emotion running through their veins! Until next year’s Prize…
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Lizzie's Week 