Author Talks in Rotherham Libraries

Stories, self-publishing, creativity, and the journeys that shape us

Welcome to a growing series of local author talks taking place across libraries in and around Rotherham.

These talks are warm, reflective, down-to-earth conversations exploring storytelling, publishing, creativity, confidence, reinvention, and the unexpected paths life can take.

Michelle Shaw shares her experiences of collaborating on and publishing her own book in 2013, inspired by her years working aboard cruise ships around the world.

Rather than formal lectures or polished performances, these events are designed to feel human, welcoming, and accessible — creating space for real stories, lived experience, humour, honesty, and conversation.

A Conversation From Both Sides of Publishing

These events are co-hosted alongside Michelle’s traditionally published author friend, Kim Harford, author of I Killed Lucy, offering an open and honest conversation about two very different journeys into publishing, writing, and storytelling.

Together, attendees gain insight into:

• self-publishing vs traditional publishing
• collaboration and creativity
• the realities of writing and sharing a story
• confidence and vulnerability in putting work out into the world
• the emotional side of authorship and identity
• what happens behind the scenes of publishing

Rather than presenting a single “right” way, these talks aim to show that there are many different paths into writing, storytelling, publishing, and creative expression.

The overall focus is not just on books — but on voice, lived experience, and the stories people carry through life.

Topics may include:

• life and work aboard cruise ships
• collaborating on and publishing a book
• creativity and self-expression
• confidence and finding your voice
• late diagnosis and identity
• reinvention later in life
• burnout, rebuilding, and personal growth
• the stories people carry but rarely share aloud

Whether you come to listen quietly, meet others, reflect on your own experiences, or explore ideas for your own creative journey — you are warmly welcome.

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Upcoming Events

📚 Rotherham Library Author Talk Series

Upcoming Dates

If you would like to attend any of these events, please call the respective library directly to secure your place, as spaces may be limited.

(Additional events and venues will be added as dates are confirmed.)

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What To Expect

These sessions are intentionally designed to feel more relaxed and accessible than traditional speaking events.

There is no expectation to speak publicly, participate, network, or share personal experiences.

You are welcome to:

• sit quietly and listen
• attend alone
• ask questions if comfortable
• take breaks if needed
• leave early if overwhelmed
• simply enjoy being in the room

Each event may flow slightly differently depending on the audience, venue, and conversation.

The overall aim is to create spaces where people feel able to reflect, connect, feel inspired, and realise their stories and experiences matter too.

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About Michelle Shaw

Michelle Shaw is a Rotherham-based self-published author, speaker, DJ, coach, advocate and creative facilitator.

In 2013, Michelle collaborated on and published a book inspired by hers and others experiences working aboard cruise ships around the world.

Her work today explores storytelling, identity, creativity, confidence, reinvention, and the emotional journeys people often go through quietly behind the scenes.

Michelle is especially passionate about helping people feel seen, heard, and encouraged to reconnect with their voice, creativity, and life experiences — particularly those who discovered themselves later in life.

Her talks combine humour, honesty, warmth, storytelling, and real-life reflections in a way that feels welcoming and relatable to everyday audiences.

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Exploring Your Own Story

For some people, these talks may also spark reflections about their own life experiences, untold stories, creative ideas, or the journey that shaped who they are today.

Michelle also offers gentle, reflective coaching conversations for individuals who feel there may be a story within them they would like to explore further — whether for personal reflection, legacy, creative expression, healing, speaking, blogging, podcasting, or future writing projects.

You do not need to be a writer, expert, or published author.

Sometimes people simply need:

• space to reflect
• someone to help untangle their experiences
• confidence to begin
• or permission to believe their story matters too

These conversations are designed to feel supportive, collaborative, and grounded in real life rather than pressure or performance.

Looking For Future Story Collaborators

Alongside these talks, Michelle is also interested in connecting with late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD adults — particularly people in their 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond — whose stories, reflections, experiences, or life journeys deserve to be seen, heard, documented, or shared.

Not everyone wants to write a book alone.

Some people simply need:

• someone to listen
• help shaping their story
• creative collaboration
• confidence to begin
• or reassurance that their experiences matter

Michelle is especially interested in connecting with people who:

• discovered neurodivergence later in life
• reinvented themselves after burnout or major life changes
• lived unconventional lives or careers
• spent years masking or surviving silently
• want to leave behind something meaningful for future generations
• feel they have a story inside them but do not know where to begin

This is not about perfection, expertise, or polished writing.

It is about preserving voices, experiences, wisdom, humanity, and lived history that too often goes undocumented.

If this resonates with you, Michelle would love to hear from you.

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Accessibility & Environment

Michelle understands that attending events can sometimes feel overwhelming or intimidating.

Where possible, these talks aim to provide:

• welcoming and low-pressure environments
• clear information in advance
• relaxed participation expectations
• spaces where people can simply attend as themselves

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Invite Michelle To Speak

Michelle is available for:

• library talks
• author conversations
• community storytelling events
• wellbeing and recovery conversations
• neurodiversity events
• creative confidence talks
• podcasts and panel discussions

To enquire about future talks, collaborations, or speaking opportunities:

📧 info@michelleshaw.co.uk or start a conversation here

📍 Based in Rotherham, South Yorkshire

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Stay Updated

Additional talks, workshops, collaborations, and community conversations will be added throughout the year.