‘To be honest with you, I want to make music.’ In Annie Macmanus’ absorbing second novel The Mess We’re In it’s the early noughties and 21-year-old Orla Quinn has made her way to London with a burning desire to become part of the music industry. Moving into a squalid house in Kilburn with her friend Neema and up-and-coming rock band Shiva, Orla works in the local Irish pub and takes work experience at a record label. Negotiating hedonism, sex, parties, the pub locals and life in London, all soundtracked by her favourite artists, Orla learns what it will take to make it.

A dynamic and enthusiastic speaker, Annie will discuss the journey she’s undertaken from discussing other people’s stories to telling her own. Annie is internationally renowned as a DJ, broadcaster and host. Her debut novel Mother Mother was critically acclaimed. She hosts the podcast Changes where she talks to people from all walks of life about the challenges they’ve faced. Hosted by Caroline Magennis, Reader in 20th & 21st Century Literature at the University of Salford. Sponsored by The Edwardian Manchester and supported by Sofas & Stuff.