Question 1

Philip's sessions seem to start at 12.45pm, but everyone else's start at 12.30pm. Is this a mistake?

Accepted Answer

No! Philip will be making sure everyone else's sessions start at 12.30pm each day, so his own sessions have a slightly later start time of 12.45pm to make allowance for this.

Question 2

Can I just turn up and get a Working Lunch session on the day?

Accepted Answer

No — in order for the writers to manage their schedules, all Working Lunch sessions must be booked in advance. Booking for each session closes on the day before (so booking for a Monday session will close on the Sunday, for example).

Question 3

Can I book more than one Working Lunch session?

Accepted Answer

No — in order to extend this opportunity to as many people as possible, we need to limit bookings. You can only book one Working Lunch session with one of our nine writers. You cannot book sessions with more than one writer. Please choose very carefully when deciding which writer you want to meet.

Question 4

What will happen if I do book more than one session?

Accepted Answer

We ask everyone to respect the basis on which this opportunity is being offered. If any individual booker does book for more than one session, we will only be able to honour the first booking they make, and will cancel all additional bookings on Eventbrite to free up those other slots.

Question 5

Can I send samples of my writing in advance for the person I’m meeting to read?

Accepted Answer

No — our team doesn't have the capacity to offer that kind of reading and feedback service. (Such services are widely available on a paid basis, and the writer you meet may know someone who does that — or may do it themselves!)

Question 6

If I can't send in samples of my work, what can I use the session for?

Accepted Answer

This is an opportunity for you to have an informal conversation with a fellow writer which can be tailored to focus on the things you most want to discuss with them. As part of the booking process, you’ll be invited to say briefly what you’d like to talk about during your session.

Question 7

I can see the session lasts for 45 minutes — what happens if I’m running late?

Accepted Answer

In order for the writers to manage their schedules, all Working Lunch sessions need to start and finish promptly at the advertised times. If you arrive late, the session will still need to finish at the advertised time — unless the writer decides that they are happy to continue beyond that time.

Question 8

I need some support to be able to come along — what can I do about this?

Accepted Answer

If you need the support of someone else — a friend, partner or relative — a carer or support worker — a BSL interpreter — a service or assistance dog — anyone at all — it is of course absolutely fine for you to bring them along with you. (We are unable to cover any costs that you or they may incur.)

Question 9

Where can I find general information about the venue?

Accepted Answer

Check out The Exchange's website: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/the-exchange/plan-your-visit

Question 10

Where can I find specific access information about the venue?

Accepted Answer

AccessAble’s information guide to the venue: https://www.accessable.co.uk/university-of-birmingham/access-guides/the-exchange#cdb2da61-1aa8-ff4d-85b9-7f4d1ab633c7

Question 11

What can I do if I have a question about the venue that's not answered here?

Accepted Answer

If your question relates to The Exchange, you can email the venue directly:
info@TheExchange.bham.ac.uk

Question 12

What can I do if I have a question about the event that's not answered here?

Accepted Answer

If your question relates to the Working Lunch sessions or to the True Voyage Is Return project, you can email Philip Holyman directly: hellopip@philipholyman.com

TRUE VOYAGE IS RETURN: Working Lunch with Philip Holyman @ The Exchange

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