Discover how to build fantasy worlds from the ground up in this workshop led by Sunday Times bestselling author Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson. Using examples from the Science Fiction and Fantasy (SFF) canon and newer releases, learn how to write characters that feel shaped by their environments and weave plot-propelling conflict directly into the world itself.
In this workshop designed for writers developing Science Fiction and Fantasy (SFF) novels and stories, learn how to build fantasy worlds from the ground up. Led by Sunday Times bestselling author Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson, the session draws on examples from both the SFF canon and newer releases to spark inspiration, learning and critical thought. Learn the art of ‘showing’ rather than ‘telling’ as Esmie breaks down how to write characters that feel shaped by their environments, and weave plot-propelling conflict directly into the world itself.
If you require BSL interpretation, please book a ticket by Friday 6 March, and request BSL interpretation as you book.
Photo credit: (C) Nnenna Tochi Itanyi
About Deptford Literature Festival
Deptford Literature Festival takes place each March and celebrates the diversity and creativity of Deptford and Lewisham through words, stories and performance. It is run by London Writers Centre in a collaboration with independent producer Tom MacAndrew, with support from the Albany, Deptford Lounge and Lewisham Libraries. The festival is part of our campaign to make Lewisham the UK’s first Borough of Literature. You can find out more about Deptford Literature Festival and see the full festival programme at: deptfordlitfest.com
Esmie Jikiemi-Pearson is a Sunday Times Bestselling author of fantasy fiction, and the inaugural winner of the Future World’s Prize. Her forthcoming novel, Gutterwitch, sold to Random House Children’s (US) and Bloomsbury (UK) after a nine way auction. Esmie’s first novel was nominated for Best British and Irish Book at the Tik Tok Book Awards.
This year, the festival is running with limited public or charitable support. We have brought in a ticket price of £3 for the majority of the events to help cover some of the festival costs.
Children’s and family events are free for parents, guardians and carers. Tickets must be purchased for children. Parents, guardians carers must stay with their child/ children during the event.
Carers can attend for free. When booking your ticket, you can add a free carers ticket to your basket.
Six of the festival events are free to attend: Lewisham Libraries Celebrates Local Writers (Saturday 21 March), The Goldsmiths Prize Presents: Kate Briggs In Conversation (Wednesday 25 March), Poetry in the Library (Thursday 26 March) and on the festival day – Saturday 28 March: Lewisham Writers’ Link Up, Lewisham Writes: Writing the Seasons, and CRIPtic x London Writers Centre Salon.
As far as possible, by booking a ticket we ask that you commit to attending, as places for in-person events are limited. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket so someone else can come along. Refunds on paid for tickets will be given up toTuesday 24 March 2026.
You can manage your ticket/s by clicking on the ‘manage tickets’ link at the end of your booking confirmation email.
Three of our in-person events on the festival day (Saturday 28 March) will have BSL Interpretation in-place for audiences that require it: South London in Fiction; Mother Tongue: Poetry, Family and Inheritance; and Navigating Culture: Black Male Writers on Britain Today.
BSL interpretation is available on request for all other festival day (Saturday 28 March) events. If you require this, please book a ticket by Friday 6 March, and request BSL interpretation as you book. We will then arrange for this to be put in place.
All festival venues are wheelchair accessible, with accessible toilets.
The festival hub on Saturday 28 March, Deptford Lounge, has Changing Place facilities, an induction loop and assistance dogs are welcome. For more information: deptfordlounge.org.uk/access
If you require additional access provision in order to attend or take part in the festival, for example, larger print handouts at workshops, or a scribe, please get in touch before the festival day at: festival@londonwriterscentre.org.uk
If you require assistance on the festival day itself, Saturday 28 March, please come to the Festival Hub in the foyer of Deptford Lounge where we will be happy to help you.
Support Deptford Literature Festival
Deptford Literature Festival celebrates local talent and introduces exciting new writers from Lewisham and nearby boroughs. We want to be able to continue to offer our workshops, readings, events and community projects at a low cost. We do not want finances to be a barrier to anyone taking part. If you are in a position to make a donation, please give a gift today. Anything you give will help more people come to future festivals.
