THE next generation of novelists and writers gained an insight into the industry from a panel of experts.

A partnership between the University of Worcester and regional literature development agency Writing West Midlands saw poet and author Andrew Fusak Peters deliver a keynote presentation on sustaining a career as a writer as part of the Student Writers’ Toolkit event.

Other topics explored on the university's City campus included how publishing works, writing for broadcast, developing writing projects and writing online.

Panellists included the Archers scriptwriter Tim Stimpson, BBC Radio producer Tim Dee, writer and journalist James Walker, and literary agent Julia Churchill.

Julie Maclusky, senior lecturer in creative and professional writing, said: “We were thrilled to have been selected to host the second Student Writers’ Toolkit event.

"We have a strong and growing new creative and professional writing degree, and this was a fantastic opportunity for our students and others to learn from those working in the industry.

“Our students were given the opportunity to perform their work, pick up knowledge and tips and network with a host of professionals, and we are certain that the experience will take them a step closer to fulfilling their writing ambitions.”

Also speaking at the event were James Urquhart, relationship manager (literature) at Arts Council England, and Wes Brown, founder-editor of the literary magazine Myths of the Near Future.

To close the event, an open reading took place, giving student writers the chance to showcase their own work.