They say everyone’s got a book in them.

If you dream of getting your story down on paper, three upcoming Cork World Book Fest events could help you begin your career as a novelist.

The 2018 Festival kicks off on April 23rd, UNESCO World Book Day, launching with a lunchtime event observing the Catalonian tradition of gifting books and flowers.

Running for six days with a huge programme of readings, poetry recitals, workshops, art exhibitions and a street market, writers are visiting Cork from Taiwan, Tasmania, Syria, Galicia, Catalunya, Slovenia, Australia and the UK.

Who knows, if you’re encouraged to put pen to paper you could be joining them on stage this time next year.

Workshop: That Killer First Chapter 

Triskel Christchurch: Saturday, April 28th, 10am to 2pm, €30 (booking essential)

Have an idea for a novel and don’t know where to start? Have you finished your novel and want to make sure you avoid the rejection pile? With lots of no-nonsense advice and practical exercises writer Paul McVeigh will help you write a first chapter that grabs the attention of agents, editors and readers.

The Not So Secret Agents! 

City Library, Grand Parade: Saturday, April 28th, 10am to 11.30am, free

Meet the Agents: Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin will chat to Simon Trewain, Polly Nolan and Sam Copeland about their role, the current market and what everyone is looking for at the moment. Booking Essential

First Page Pitch

City Library, Grand Parade: Saturday, April 28th, 12pm to 1pm, free

Ten selected authors will read their first page (approx 300 words) to the agents and the room. Agents will give their feedback the winner will receive a selection of books. To enter, email your first page to patricia_looney@corkcity.ie. The top 10 writers will be notified ahead of the day. Booking Essential.

From Blank Page to Bookshelf: How to Get Published

City Library, Grand Parade: Saturday, April 28th, 2pm to 3.30pm, free

Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin will find out from the room what everyone is working on and tailor a workshop to their needs. As Ireland’s leading literary scout she has placed bestselling and award winning authors and can help writers at every stage of their career. Booking essential.