Dewsbury Live Lit Nights are monthly events for authors to meet readers and readers to meet good books and their authors. Each event features an author who will read to audiences from their books. The readings will be dynamic and engaging. Readings will be followed by lively discussion and informal Q&A. This is a space that welcomes everyone. This is not a book club. Audiences may or may not have read the book. The evenings include food, readings, and a chance for people to get to know one another. The aim is to create spaces where we come together to hear about books (sometimes for the first time), meet the authors, be read to, share good food, and make friends. The events will be free to attend.

What we'll deliver:

• 10 live literary events featuring two authors
• pay venue fees
• use local caterers for ten events

Why it's a great idea:

For people living in or near Dewsbury, the project will bring people together, introduce readers and potential readers to new books or authors they may not have met otherwise, help to create a sense of community through shared experiences to combat loneliness and isolation, provide access to information about publishing and access to being a writer as a career aspiration. Support local artists and creatives, businesses, and venues, encourage people to get together and engage in culture, and give young people opportunities to volunteer and gain experience. It will also support and encourage creative spaces in Dewsbury.

Steps to get it done:

• Find and agree Dewsbury venue to host the project
• Organize caterer(s)
• Create Facebook Page and/or add page to my existing blog/logo
• advertise call for authors and request recommendations
• schedule authors
• advertise call and create rota for volunteers
• network with colleges, creatives, arts organizations for support
• audience development--create meetup or FB Group
• create marketing/promotion campaign
• launch (first event)
• project completion: 10 literary events hosted

I want this event to bring people together and to be a place where people make friendships, meet authors, meet readers, and have a good time over books, stories, food and more.