a week that lasts for years

comments from speakers on the 2008 school.
Below are direct quotes from the year's invited speakes.

Simon Brett

I really enjoyed my fleeting visit to Swanwick. There's always a special atmosphere about the place, but this year it seemed even buzzier than usual.

It's a unique atmosphere of creative concentration, in which everyone achieves.

Katie Fforde

Swanwick was my most enjoyable speaking engagement this year, possibly ever. They laughed at my jokes, even at those I didn’t know I’d made and were so welcoming, it was lovely. You learn so much here.

Every meal, queue, chance encounter connects you with someone who teaches you something.

There could be no better place for the not-yet-published to take giant strides towards their goal.



John Jarrold

The word that comes to mind when I look back at Swanwick in August 2008 is ‘enthusiasm’, and I include both the committee and the delegates in that.

From arriving on Monday lunchtime to leaving on Tuesday afternoon after my talk and Q&A session on publishing, I felt the total, focussed enthusiasm of everyone involved.

It’s a wonderful setting, which adds to the experience. I look forward to returning next year, to run a course on writing SF, Fantasy and Horror fiction, and to answer more questions about publishing – I thoroughly enjoyed the talk, and I hope you did, too.

See you there! Thanks to everyone involved this year, for making me so welcome.

Carole Matthews

"I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Swanwick. It has a unique atmosphere. Everyone was so warm and welcoming which made it a really pleasant visit.

It's also lovely to meet so many people who are completely obsessed with the joys of writing !

Plus, where else could you learn about structuring a plot and salsa dancing all under the same roof..."

Penny Junor

A very warm welcome, a very warm audience, beautifully organised, and altogether one of the most enjoyable events I’ve spoken at.

Liz Niven

'When I was invited to speak at Swanwick, I'd no idea what to expect.
Would it be a weird 'out of world' experience? Surrounded by wannabe writers more intent on talking about writing rather than actually doing it?
Would it be the sort of gig I'd want to do my bit at, then catch the
first train out?
Well, I can truly say the Swanwick Summer School is a gem-not-to-be-missed experience.
The range of speakers, widely published and yet-to-be published participants, the friendly welcomes from everyone met, contributed to one of my summer highlights.
I'd recommend this gathering to anyone interested in words. Writing them, sharing them,
being entertained by them. Diamond category.