Bournemouth | Posted on January 20th, 2026 | return to news

Novelists gather for Bournemouth conference

Authors from all over the country descended on Bournemouth for the annual Dunford Novelists’ Conference on 16–18 January.

Now, its 47th year, the 2026 meeting of the Dunford Novelists’ Conference took place in the Miramar Hotel in Bournemouth and involved readings by around 30 delegates of their opening pages and workshops on chapters of their upcoming novels. First or subsequent chapters were also given written critiques by the group to provide additional feedback.

Organised by authors Janice Day and Anni Rose and chaired by bestselling author of romantic comedies, Della Galton from Dorset, the supportive nature of the event contributed to its success.

First-time delegate Sue Brodie from London said: “It was the best weekend of my life and enriching to be with other writers.”

Gary Hawker from Weymouth added: “Everyone was very welcoming and the relaxed atmosphere enabled me to share my writing.”

Sarah Foster from Hove said: “I had a wonderful weekend. [The conference] is such a warm space.”
A competition for an elevator pitch of 25 words or less was won by local author and former editor of Dorset View, Janine Pulford, who pitched her next novel in the Max Nowza dog detective series.

Her winning pitch was: “When a gamekeeper illegally poisons buzzards in Chiddle-pon-Piddle, he has no idea dog detective Max Nowza and his unlikely feline sidekick are on the case.”

The first book in the series, ‘Paws in the Flood’, was released in December.

Before the event closed, Della Galton and Janice Day were re-elected as chair and secretary.