We are delighted to welcome award-winning author Maggie O'Farrell to close the first day of the Festival with a special conversation with leading Edinburgh literary agent Jenny Brown OBE, discussing works of women’s fiction and the authors that have inspired her own writing and reading habits.

Historical romance has long placed women at the centre of the narrative, with the popularity of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer setting the trend and standing the test of time. Now, Bridgerton has taken the world by storm. So why is the Regency era such a swoon-worthy period?

What are the differences between indie and traditional publishing? It's a hot topic in the book world right now. Three bestselling romance authors - Julia Boggio, Jayne Castel and Elliot Fletcher - join the festival's Jane Anderson to talk about their latest books, writing journeys, the popularity of the romance genre, and their decision to take publishing into their own hands!

The panel will feature Paige Cowan-Hall, winner of Discoveries 2023 and author of the Audible original, The Shouts Beneath; Ciara Finan, agent at Curtis Brown; and Rachel Morrell, Editor at Black & White Publishing. The event will be chaired by Annabelle Wright, Project Manager at the Women’s Prize Trust.