Celebrating the Women’s Prize for Fiction 2023
This week, I had the best day celebrating the most wonderful women – and books! This was of course at the Women’s Prize Live 2023 event in peaceful, idyllic Bedford Square Gardens, in the heart of Bloomsbury tucked just behind the buzzing Oxford Street.
I love trips to London, but this has been one of my most memorable, especially as the sun was out all day. I had a rough idea of what was going to happen, but wasn’t sure of how big the event was, but was pleasantly surprised to see it suited women of all ages, in groups, duos or on their own like me.
The day consisted of activities such as workshops – or Mistressclasses – for writing, confidence boosting and more, as well as book signings and talks.
Under the sun and the main tent, I saw some great, influential authors and women, including guests for the Women’s Prize podcast, Bookshelfie, where Nadiya Hussain and Alex Scott recommended some great books. I even sneaked a picture with podcast host Vick Hope, who is beautiful inside and out as she spared a moment for me! (excuse my big head!)
I was most looking forward to seeing Annie Macmanus interview Elizabeth Gilbert, but due to a last-minute change, it turned out even better when Kate Mosse (author and Founder of the Women’s Prize) interviewed Annie about her writing process. Both were delightful, but let’s say I just want as much Kate Mosse in my life from now on! I found myself getting quite emotional as Annie described transitioning from DJing to becoming an author, ‘knowing’ she wanted to write: I can SO relate, all of which I’m documenting through my writing-themed Substack, The Transparent Page.
There were places to lounge about between talks – for me, that was under a tree as it got a bit stuffy in the tent!
The day finished with its busiest session where Louise Minchin, Chair of the judging panel for this year’s Prize, spoke to each of the shortlisted authors, who also gave short readings from their amazing works. My favourites turned out to be Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris*, and The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O’Farrell*.
Such amazing women all round – take a look at the winner here!
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Lizzie's Week 
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