Building on the success of our previous Routes to the Page event, this panel brings together writers living and working in the North to explore how place, class, and identity shape the stories we tell - and the paths we take into publishing.
The discussion will consider the idea of the "outsider" in contemporary literature, from characters and world building to the realities of being a writer outside traditional literary centres. Alongside conversations about craft, the panel will reflect on the opportunities and challenges of publishing today, drawing on a range of experiences across both traditional and independent routes.
With panellists from a variety of backgrounds and genres, this event will examine how regional voices continue to reshape publishing, challenge expectations, and broaden the stories reaching readers.
The Panel will feature authors Caroline Hardaker, Lucy Rose and Louise Powell.
Caroline Hardaker is an award-shortlisted novelist, poet, librettist, and occasional puppeteer. Her most recent novel, Mothtown, was published in 2023 and was illustrated by Chris Riddell.
Lucy Rose is a writer of folktales and fables; she is a Forbes Under 30, and a Shirley Jackson Award Nominee. Lucy's Sunday Times Bestselling debut novel, The Lamb, is published by W&N Books in the UK and Harper in the US.
Louise Powell is an award-winning working-class writer from Middlesbrough. She won the Sid Chaplin Northern Writers' Award in 2023 and her debut novel is called Underdogs.
Audience members can expect an engaging conversation about creativity, representation, and the many routes to becoming a published author.
Books will be available to purchase on the day, followed by a signing from all three authors.
Opt Indie Books are offering early-bird tickets for FREE.
Once these are gone, tickets will be 5.
The discussion will consider the idea of the "outsider" in contemporary literature, from characters and world building to the realities of being a writer outside traditional literary centres. Alongside conversations about craft, the panel will reflect on the opportunities and challenges of publishing today, drawing on a range of experiences across both traditional and independent routes.
With panellists from a variety of backgrounds and genres, this event will examine how regional voices continue to reshape publishing, challenge expectations, and broaden the stories reaching readers.
The Panel will feature authors Caroline Hardaker, Lucy Rose and Louise Powell.
Caroline Hardaker is an award-shortlisted novelist, poet, librettist, and occasional puppeteer. Her most recent novel, Mothtown, was published in 2023 and was illustrated by Chris Riddell.
Lucy Rose is a writer of folktales and fables; she is a Forbes Under 30, and a Shirley Jackson Award Nominee. Lucy's Sunday Times Bestselling debut novel, The Lamb, is published by W&N Books in the UK and Harper in the US.
Louise Powell is an award-winning working-class writer from Middlesbrough. She won the Sid Chaplin Northern Writers' Award in 2023 and her debut novel is called Underdogs.
Audience members can expect an engaging conversation about creativity, representation, and the many routes to becoming a published author.
Books will be available to purchase on the day, followed by a signing from all three authors.
Opt Indie Books are offering early-bird tickets for FREE.
Once these are gone, tickets will be 5.
Event Dates
| Date | Available Ticket Types | Ticket Price | Book Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|
|
28th November 2026, 11:00am |
|
| Book Now |
