Bethan Roberts’ third novel, My Policeman, was published to critical acclaim in 2012. Nine years later it was optioned for the screen. In the autumn of 2022 the film, starring Harry Styles, had its cinematic release. This is the story of that journey.

Glean insider insights into the process by which a novel becomes a film and learn what happens to a book – and its author – in the wake of this new life.

About Bethan Roberts

Bethan Roberts has published five novels and writes stories and drama for BBC Radio 4. Her books include The Good Plain Cook (Serpent’s Tail, 2008), which was a Radio 4 Book at Bedtime; My Policeman (Chatto & Windus, 2012), the story of a 1950s policeman, his wife, and his male lover (now an Amazon Original movie); and Mother Island (Chatto, 2014), which received a Jerwood Fiction Uncovered prize. Her latest novel, Graceland, tells the story of Elvis Presley and his mother, Gladys. Bethan lives in Brighton with her family.

Who is this event for

Most suitable for intermediate level but open to all

About Writers’ Week

Writers’ Week offers discussions, talks and information sessions on how to navigate our work as writers, what we write about, and the support we need for our writing lives to thrive. See the full schedule and information about a weekly ticket here.

Bursary places

Limited bursary places are available for those who would struggle to pay the full price for an event, workshop or course with New Writing South. To apply for a bursary please fill out this application form. We are also offering limited 50% bursaries for this event in light of the cost-of-living crisis. To apply for a 50% bursary, please fill out the 50% bursary application form.

Please note, we are unable to refund tickets to this event.