TICKETS are on sale for more than 60 events and activities which will make up Bournemouth’s first Writing Festival.

The mix of free and paid-for sessions will involve more than 70 experienced writers and professionals.

The events have been designed to foster inspiration, networking and creativity, with topics ranging from creating credible characters to publishing contracts, and from writing compelling dialogue to landing an agent.

TV and film screenwriters, best-selling authors, poets, journalists, publicists, writing coaches, editors and publishers will be giving their advice in talks and workshops.

Free activities will include Writing on the Beach with Richard & Judy winner Christine Aziz and a Poetry Hunt organised by Bournemouth poet laurate Myriam San Marco.

Festival co-founder Dominic Wong said: “The festival line-up is incredibly strong. We’ve got experienced writers and those that support writers to get published to help and guide our local creative scene. If you are a complete beginner with a kernel of an idea for a book right through to someone who has already published, the programme is full of inspiration and tips to get writing.”

Co-founder Ildiko SpinFisher said: “We are over the moon with the response we have had from writers and professionals to be involved in our first festival. We are incredibly lucky to have such a diverse and talented group of people and topics and look forward to welcoming and growing our writing community here in Dorset.”

An open mic event on Saturday, April 22, in association with Boscombe-based Doppelganger Dialogues, invites writers to submit heir work with the chance of reading it to an engaged audience.

Music artist and performer Timo Peach will close the festival with a keynote speech on the Sunday about the future of words.

The festival will also host workshops, activities and readings from children’s authors to encourage young minds to get writing.

Bournemouth Writing Festival runs from Friday, April 21 to Sunday, April 23, at venues in the town centre. Paid events start from £7 with an early bird discount until the end of February to those who sign up for its newsletter.

Sponsorship, advertising and volunteer opportunities are available.

Visit BournemouthWritingFestival.co.uk or follow Twitter.com/bmthWritingFest