In this workshop, we’ll explore folklore and stories that bring elements of the saltwater world onto dry land and into our homes. We’ll use their watery strangeness and symbolism to inspire us while we try writing our own stories.

Zoe Gilbert is the author of two novels, Folk (Bloomsbury 2018), which was shortlisted for the International Dylan Thomas Prize and adapted for BBC Radio, and Mischief Acts (Bloomsbury 2022). Her short stories have appeared in anthologies and journals in the UK and internationally and won prizes including the Costa Short Story Award. She is co-director of London Lit Lab, where she teaches creative writing courses on folklore, folk tales, the fantastic and enchantment, and also mentors writers. She is a Visiting Senior Fellow in creative writing at the University of Suffolk. She lives in Kent, where the landscape is inspiring her third novel.

About Margate Bookie

The Margate Bookie is a registered charity (number 1174819) which works to encourage a love of literature. They have held a literary festival in Margate every year since 2015. Lovingly looked after by Andreas Loizou.