Another July, another Edge-Lit.
 
Last weekend saw my third visit to The Quad for its legendary Edge-Sledge series of literary events.
 
Happily, the experience did not succumb to the trilogy curse of weaker third instalments. Instead, this may have been my best Edge-Lit yet.
 
I know the drill by now: astonishing access to bestselling authors and award-winners, a packed programme of insightful workshops, tonnes of new friendships to be made along the way, and a well-stocked bar within easy reach.
 
Here are the 19 things I learnt at Edge-Lit 2019.
 
1. Zen Cho taught me that sketching out my typical day in 30-minute instalments is a great way to identify available slots to write. After that, there can be no excuses!
 
2. Authors like Nando’s too.
 
3. Alex Reeve taught me that crime novels should have three overlapping levels: the surface story, the hidden story, and the detective’s story.
 
4. I need to read The Watchers by Neil Spring.
 
5. I need to read The Picnic at Hanging Rock.
 
6. In Japan, they tell ghost stories in the summer to invite a welcome shiver during the warmer months.
 
7. Stephen Volk’s Dick Turpin television show is going to be awesome.
 
8. There is a book called 2k to 10k by Rachel Aaron which will help me write faster.
 
9. Adrian Tchaikovsky explained that terrain is an oft-forgotten element of any literary battle.
 
10. I definitely, definitely don’t need to arrive at 8am to bag workshop places.
 
11. Christopher Golden taught me everythingthere is to know about publishing contracts.
 
12. Stephen Volk taught me everythingthere is to know about pitching a TV series.
 
13. Donald Trump toilet paper is a thing.
 
14. Alex Reeve said, “Character and plot are the same thing.”
 
15. Christopher Golden said, “I don’t like to write about human monsters because real life is scary enough.”
 
16. Neil Spring said, “It would only have to happen once…” on the topic of ghosts. One confirmed sighting would mean that anything supernatural is possible.
 
17. The Flowerpot is slightly further than I remember.
 
18. The Skybus is a much cheaper ride home than an Uber.
 
19. The next Edge-Lit… is going to be an entire weekend!

Sign up to Simon's newsletter to hear more about his reading and writing projects.

If you are attending Edge-Lit for the first time, you might be feeling a little daunted, especially if you are going by yourself...

But have no fear!

You are going to have a brilliant day, packed with useful writing advice and valuable insight into the craft. You'll also meet lots of lovely people who read books, write books and love books.

I attended my first Edge-Lit last year and I would love to share my wisdom with you. I hope these five tips will help you get the most out of your day.

1. Get there early (ish) - The workshops are fiendishly popular and assigned on a first-come-first-served basis. Attendees write their name on various sign-up sheets at the registration desk. Once a sheet is full, the workshop is full. Maybe don't get there as early as I did (an hour before the doors opened!) but expect a modest queue about 15 minutes beforehand.

2. Workshops are a great way to meet people - The workshops are a small, close-knit, hands-on affair, with roughly 15 people in each session. Most have quick, interactive exercises in which you work with a partner or group. For this reason, workshops are a fantastic way to make friends if you are attending the event by yourself.

3. Talk to everyone - Readers, writers and bloggers are friendly people, but statistically we are an introverted bunch, unless you are an attention-seeking only-child like me. Take comfort in knowing that most people are feeling a little shy and nervous too, but someone has to break the ice first. My advice is to go for it, talk to a stranger. If it all goes wrong at least you'll have good content for your next short story! And when I say talk to everyone, I do mean everyone. International best-sellers are people too. Buy them a cookie to thank them for sharing their imagination with the world.

4. Put your hand up - There are a lot of panels - hourly, in fact - packed with charming, insightful folk. Make the most of the smorgasbord of talent sat in front of you and ask a question when the time comes. Pick their brains. Mine their gold. Satisfy your curiosity. Just one caveat: keep the question short. There is nothing worse than an audience member rambling through their life story before getting to the question!

5. Bring food - Such was my enthusiasm for the hourly sessions that I denied myself time to eat for fear of missing valuable content. So, yes, snacks are advisable, and make time for lunch too. The ground floor cafe is delightful. Coffee! Cake! Beer! There is also a Greggs around the corner and a Nando’s opposite. And so many great pubs for post-Edge shenanigans. Rejoice.

See you on Saturday 13 July. Say hello and I may just buy you a coffee!

Sign up to Simon's newsletter to hear more about his reading and writing projects.