Upcoming events.
The Role of Social Media in Debates about reading
#EnglishCreates: Futures
As part of Durham University’s #EnglishCreates Futures online symposium I will be part of a panel discussing the role of social media in reading debates. Along with Cait Murphy-Hurrel, Anna James and Alina we’ll be discussing the role of social media in reading and how that relates to the decline in studying English literature.
Book your free spot here
The highs, lows and learnings of a self published kidlit author
The highs, lows and learnings of a self published kidlit author for SCBWI
Self publishing can seem hugely daunting to some, and a golden land of opportunity for others. The reality is definitely a bit of both. Hear from self published author Claire Linney how she got started, the pros and cons, what she's learnt on the way and how social media has been instrumental in building her author brand (now with over 69K followers on Instagram and 48K on Tiktok). If you want to know your KDP from your Ingram, the joys of formatting and how you find your readers then this is the webinar for you!
Join us on Wednesday 8th July 8-9pm.
This event is FREE for members, £10 for non-members. BOOK HERE
Can't make the date? No worries! A recording of the event will be sent out to all registrants, and will be available for 30 days afterwards.
IBC Online Panel
Inclusive stories can be funny too
Join us on 17 June for a free online panel hosted by IBC and acclaimed author Rashmi Sirdeshpande, exploring why inclusive children’s books don’t always have to teach a lesson. Our lives aren’t lived as learning points, and the books children read shouldn’t always have to be either. Rashmi will be in conversation with panellists Claire Linney, Ramzee, Eric Huang and Saira Shah.
We’ll be talking about humour, joy and the freedom to write inclusive stories that are, above all, a brilliant read.
The event is free - click here to reserve your spot.
James Reckitt Reading Conference
The wonderful world of diverse books for kids and teens
Diversity and inclusivity in children's literature is improving but it can still feel challenging to find the titles and build great collections in libraries and schools. In this session we'll explore where the industry is, the best places to find inspiration and we'll discuss and explore a selection of brilliant contemporary books and graphic novels from early chapter books through to young adult. From Black British history, to refugee stories, from kids living in poverty to South Asian representation, LGBTQ+ stories and neurodivergent protagonists. This session will be a chance to share the books you love and leave with a big list of new titles to explore.
Join us at the James Reckitt Reading Conference for a day of learning and collaboration with Hull SLS, Hull Libraries and special guests. More info & tickets
Black British History X Chinakwe
An evening, Black in Time
A Black British history event with the new Chinakwe store in Brixton Village. Whenever there is a book about Black British history it's always followed by the words untold or hidden. Too many of the figures of Black British history are exactly that, unknown and hidden from mainstream history and culture. Join this engaging and intimate session where book influencer, children's author and Black British history enthusiast Claire Linney will talk about some of her favourite 'hidden' figures from Black British history from Roman Britain to the Victorian circus. The session will look at why understanding Black history is so important in understanding British history and the critically important role that fiction has in highlighting these stories.
email hello@chinakwe to save your spot.
Founded by Lagos-born and UK-based mixed media artist Caroline Chinakwe,Chinakwe is a premium art and interior lifestyle brand that seamlessly blends the vibrant essence of African culture with contemporary Western aesthetics. Her work is more than just decoration—it’s a cultural infusion, a bold statement, and a celebration of identity.
Community Conversations
Children's Literature: Speculative Fiction & Colonialism
Gita Ralleigh, Claire Linney, Louie Stowell, Candy Gourlay and JT Williams join Dr Darren Chetty for the second Community Conversation event.
A chance to discuss contemporary speculative fiction for children that engages with colonialism - from historical fantasy and fantasy set in other worlds to speculative writing set in our world in the present day.
The history of British fantasy stories, like that of adventure stories, carries with it the UK'S colonial past and its present echoes. But a growing number of authors are exploring ways to engage with this critically and creatively. What are their approaches? What are the issues in play for writers and readers of these books?
We will be sharing provocations from a number of children's authors, with group discussions on the topic and extracts to explore and dissect.
Community Conversations
open access, free to all
turn-taking & care taking
Book your free place here
Bournemouth Writing Festival
I’ll be taking part in a panel and running my own session at Bournemouth Writing Festival on Sunday 26th April.
Writing Diverse Characters 1.30-2.30pm
A panel on crafting diverse characters and the importance of representation.
Join award-winning authors Ashley Hickson-Lovence, Dean Atta, and Claire Linney as they discuss the importance of crafting diverse characters with authenticity and sensitivity. Dean, Ashley and Claire will be in conversation with Dr James Cole, course leader of BA (Hons) Creative Writing at Arts University Bournemouth. BOOK HERE
Discover the realities of being an award-winning children’s author with Claire Linney. 3.15pm - 4.15pm
What is the reality like of being a children's author? What are the different ways you can get published? Award winning children's author Claire Linney discusses why reading Black Tudors on maternity leave inspired her to write a children's book, her creative process and how social media has been the key to her success. BOOK HERE
Travel Back in Time - Tooting Library
Tooting Library Author Event
Join local author Claire Linney on a time-travelling adventure to explore the history in her Time Tub Travellers series. And an opportunity to get a signed copy of her books.
Monday 24th November, 4pm
Tooting Library, 75 Mitcham Rd, London SW17 9PD
Black History Month Reader’s Day
Black History Month Reader’s Day
Portsmouth Central Libraries (all Day)
Spend the day in the company of three of Britain’s most inspirational Black authors as they share their stories, experiences, inspirations and latest projects. The day features Dorothy Koomson, Nicola Williams and Claire Linney..
Whenever there is a book about Black British history it's always followed by the words untold or hidden. Too many of the figures of Black British history are exactly that, unknown and hidden from mainstream history and culture. Join Claire's engaging session where she will talk about some of her favourite 'hidden' figures from Black British history from Black Tudors to the Victorian circus. The session will look at why understanding Black history is so important in understanding British history and the critically important role that fiction has in highlighting these stories.
Tickets here
Marketing Self Published Books
Marketing Self Published Books
So you've written a great book and have decided to publish it - what next? This panel discussion with successful independent children's authors will be packed full of hints and tips to get your book in the hands of young readers.
Host
Jemma Hatt - award-winning author with over 6 years’ experience in independent publishing and books translated in 7 languages.
Speakers
Karen Inglis - international best-selling children’s author & children’s advisor at the Alliance of Independent Authors.
Claire Linney - award-winning children’s author and book influencer.
Dark Matter & 20/20 Levels present: A Conversation with Asli Jensen
Dark Matter & 20/20 Levels present: A Conversation with Asli Jensen
Join us for an inspiring evening with award-winning debut author Asli Jensen, in conversation with children’s author Claire Linney
Together, they’ll delve into LOVE ON SIGHT - Asli’s modern, dual-narrative Romeo and Juliet story - and share insights into the creative process behind writing romance for young adult readers.
Whether you’re a passionate reader, an aspiring writer, or simply looking for a joyful and thought-provoking summer evening event, this one’s for you - and best of all, it’s completely FREE!
Reserve your spot now! Copies of LOVE ON SIGHT will be available to purchase on the night via Round Table Books, and Asli will be signing and personalising books - a perfect treat for yourself or a friend!
About LOVE ON SIGHT
Sabrina knows what she wants – to get into university. But then she meets Jalaal at a party. A boy she should stay away from . . . Jalaal is sick of trouble, but can't see a way out. Until he meets Sabs . . .
A story that captures the heat and hope of one London summer, and the magic of falling in love for the first time. This is the outstanding debut novel from the Lime New Storyteller 2023 award winner, Asli Jensen. An uplifting contemporary Young Author romance, which draws on the author’s experience of growing up in inner-city London. Explores themes of family, culture, friendship, redemption, class, faith and different forms of love in a fresh and authentic style, which will resonate universally.
About ASLI JENSEN
Asli is a writer, born and raised in West London. She is proud of her cultural heritage, being of Somali and Danish descent. Her writing is an amalgamation of untold stories and unheard voices, including her own. She has an MA in Creative Writing from Birkbeck University and previously had her work published in Stylist Magazine.
About CLAIRE LINNEY
Claire Linney is a children’s author and book influencer. A lifelong reader she is passionate about advocating for more diverse representation in literature for children and teenagers. After working in marketing for over twenty years, she stumbled across Black Tudors: The Untold Story which inspired her Time Tub Travellers children’s series, which brings figures from Black British history to life in fast-paced adventure books.
Canterbury Children's Literature Festival
Time Travel Adventures with Claire Linney
10.30am, The Old Synagogue, Saturday 12th July
Join Claire Linney for a time travelling adventure through some of the fascinating (but unknown) figures of Black British history.
Discover the inspiration behind her award winning Time Tub Travellers series and create your own time travelling adventure. Packed with facts about history that kids will find exciting and engaging this session explores a new series that is full of adventure and intrigue.
The Big Malarky, Hull
Back in Time with Claire Linney with This is Book Love
Join Claire Linney for a storytelling workshop that will explore using time travel to bring Black British history to life. Discover the inspiration behind her award-winning Time Tub Travellers series and kids will learn how to create their very own time travel adventure. Packed with fun facts about history and tips on creative writing, kids will find this session exciting and engaging.
The Big Malarky is a family friendly festival for children aged 0-16.
Festival of Words - Southwark Libraries
Peckham Library, 122 Peckham Hill Street, SE15 5JR
5th Floor, Children’s Pod
Ink Book Prize Winner 2024, Claire Linney talks about her debut book, Time Tub Travellers and the Silk Thief. When Zula’s aunt's antique bath tub turns out to be a Time Machine she and her best friend Milo find themselves trapped 400 years in the past. Join them and find out what Britain was like back then.
Southend-on-Sea Library Event
Southend Libraries presents…Time Tub Travellers
Join award-winning children's author Claire Linney as she discusses her latest publication in the 'Time Tub Travellers' adventure series. Shell discuss the Black British history figures that have inspired her books and discuss the wonders of time travel in storytelling.
This event will be held on Friday 30th May, 10.30am - 12pm at Westcliff Library. Tickets are available from 5th May.
Proud & Playful Half Term @ The Common Press
Proud & Playful Half Term: Adventures in Time with Claire Linney
Join author Claire Linney for a fun and imaginative storytelling adventure!
Based off Claire Linney’s book,Time Tub Travellers and the Silk Thief, this interactive storytelling workshop will introduce you to their books, sharing exciting stories rooted in Black British history. You’ll hear a special reading then work together to create a brand-new story, using your brilliant ideas!
You'll explore how time travel can take your characters anywhere: the past, the future, or even to places that don’t exist (yet!). And if there’s time, you’ll get to start coming up with ideas for your very own story too.
Perfect for curious minds and budding writers—come ready to imagine, create, and journey through time!
Portsmouth Comi Con
Time Travelling workshop and fantasy panel at Comi Con
A brand new feature for 2025’s con – we’re teaming up with Pigeon Books, The Bookish Mindset, and Portsmouth Creates, as part of In Our Words 2025, a literary celebration across Portsmouth! We will have a pop-up bookshop in our Artists Alley, plus a roster of exciting authors to chat to, and a range of workshops and talks!
11am Workshop: Storytelling Workshop - hosted by Claire Linney. Age range: 7-11yrs
12.30pm Panel: Fantasy Interrupted: Claire Linney & Zen Cho (hosted by The Booksih Mindset)
Time Tub Travellers Book Launch
Celebrate the launch of Time Tub Travellers at the Africa Centre
An evening to celebrate the launch of Claire's second children's book, Time Tub Travellers: Circus Mystery and explore the life of one of the most fascinating, and yet relatively unknown Victorians, Pablo Fanque, Britain's first Black circus owner. At 7pm there will be a discussion with the author about the life of Pablo Fanque, the world of the Victorian Circus, the importance of highlighting Black British history and how the arts is a critical tool to do this. This will be followed by a book reading and Q&A. [More info & book here]
This is Book Love Pop Up
A Time Travelling, Black British History adventure
This is Book Love pop Up @ 34 Market Row, Brixton
Come meet and get your books signed by children's author and Black history enthusiast Claire Linney who writes middle grade books for ages 8 - 13. Come hear about some really fascinating Black characters from Tudor times as she takes us back in time on a great time tub travelling adventure.
Somerset House Residency
Time Tub Travellers will be part of the Somerset House residency by My Runway Group and Black in Carnaby. This fabulous popup will be showcasing and supporting Black owned brands and creators all summer long.
We Out Here festival
Tent Talk at We Out Here Festival. Making changes - how to keep diversity and inclusion alive in literature and schools
Stratford Library Scavenger Hunt
Join us for a Hunt in Stratford Library themed around the Time Tub Travellers book by author Claire Linney.
Forest Gate Summer Festival
As part of Forest Gate Libraries Summer Reading Challenge I will doing a Time Tub Travellers author event. Talking about the insipration behind my book, time travel and some readings. Suitable for ages 7+
