Children’s author and creative writing lecturer Judith Heneghan has been appointed Director of the University of Winchester Writers’ Conference.

Children’s author and creative writing lecturer Judith Heneghan has been appointed Director of the University of Winchester Writers’ Conference.

This annual event is hosted by the University of Winchester’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Centre and in recent years has attracted keynote speakers including Lord Julian Fellowes, Alan Titchmarsh MBE and Sir Terry Pratchett OBE.

“The conference is a vital hub for emerging writers and a platform for creative writing at the University,” said new Director, Judith Heneghan. “There’s so much talent out there, but new authors need support and networking opportunities in order to thrive.”

Judith, who is the University’s Programme Leader for MA Writing for Children, succeeds retiring Director Barbara Large MBE, who founded the conference more than three decades ago.

Barbara established the yearly gathering of emerging writers, seasoned authors and professionals from within the literary industry to encourage all forms of writing from people at different stages in their careers. Her aim was to inspire emerging talent, provide networking opportunities and to support the process of connecting with readers. The conference is now attended by hundreds of aspiring authors each year.

“I am honoured to be taking over from Barbara and look forward to meeting and working with delegates, speakers, sponsors, volunteers and, of course, our patrons, over the next few months as we take the conference forward to 2014,” commented Judith.

Judith has been teaching creative writing at the University of Winchester since 2006. She has written more than 40 fiction and non-fiction books for children. Her recent works include the Nature’s Miracles series; the My Perfect Pet series; and This Is My Home Now, focusing on the experiences of asylum seekers and refugees in the Southampton area. Just published is her newest collection Dragon School.

Information about the University of Winchester Writers’ Conference and next year’s event is available at www.writersconference.co.uk