By Fernanda de Madariaga and Sofía Martinez Alvarez
Summer is now closer than ever, and this issue will cover various events to fill up your holidays. Heading your way, we have: panel talks, including writers' workshops and fantasy novel discussions, children’s events – so no one in the family misses out – and a must-attend book club to discuss crime fiction. Be sure to join!
Legends Come to Life with Eliza Chan & Thomas D. Lee
Thursday 23 May, 6:30-8:00 p.m. at Waterstones St Neots
Myths and legends have been our all-time favourite bedtime stories since before we can recollect. Our fascination with them is worth discussing, and Waterstones will take the reins of the conversation. Join them for an evening where our favourite tales will be discovered and explored, joined by authors Eliza Chan and Thomas D. Lee, who will discuss their new novels: Fathomfolk and Perilous Times. Chan’s imaginative debut novel, inspired by East Asian mythology, is centred around a world where humans coexist with sea creatures, that is, until a group of radicals emerge and revolution sparks. Lee’s novel is a contemporary take on Arthurian legend, where an immortal knight faces the challenge of saving his rapidly-growing, polarised world. This event will include a panel talk from the authors and a Q&A. For more information and tickets for the event, click here.
Sci-Fi & Fantasy Panel: Lauren Beukes, S.T. Gibson and Elizabeth May
Friday 24 May, 7:00 p.m. at Foyles Charing Cross Road
This authors panel for lovers of sci-fi and fantasy in London is a must! Award-winning and bestselling authors of the trade, Lauren Beukes, S.T. Gibson and Elizabeth May, will be chaired by the author of Carpet Diem, Justin Lee Anderson, in a conversation about all things speculative fiction. Each author will share their process when crafting their bestselling works across the genre, from Beukes’ latest Persephone-inspired novel, Bridge, to S.T. Gibson’s Evocation – the first in a series about generational curses – and finally, Elizabeth May’s Scottish steampunk fantasy series, The Falconer. A book signing will take place at the end of the panel. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite for £8, here.
Elmer's Birthday Celebrations
Saturday 25 May, 9:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. at Waterstones Lincoln - High St.
Elmer the Patchwork Elephant is a children's picture book series by British author, David McKee. Elmer remains one of the most iconic children’s books, with over ten million copies sold since its publication in 1989. This May, Elmer will be turning 35, and Waterstones is here to celebrate. On this very special occasion, Waterstones has planned a series of events, including special story times at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. in-store, designing Elmer colouring sheets, making Elmer a birthday card, a puzzle maze, and finally, a treasure hunt! Bring along the little ones of the family to ensure they don’t miss out on this endearing event that they are bound to remember. For more information and tickets for the event, click here.
Falkirk Crime Fiction Book Group
Monday 27 May, 7:30 p.m. at Waterstones Falkirk
There is nothing like reading a good crime fiction novel and having a group of like-minded, curious crime junkies to discuss it with you. The Falkirk Crime Fiction Book Group will be discussing Double Proof by Martin Stewart this month. The novel features the disappearance of the finest Scottish Whiskey ever made and, along with it, the son of the wealthy Dalziel family. In desperation, his mother turns to a “psychic crimebuster” to solve the mystery. This novel is darkly humorous, and if you don't have a chance to read it before the event, you can let the group know so that no spoilers are revealed. For more information or tickets for the event, click here.
Susan Dennard and Elizabeth May in Conversation at Waterstones Piccadilly
Monday 27 May, 7:30 p.m. at Waterstones Piccadilly
Founder of the hugely-popular subscription box company Illumicrate, Daphne Tonge, will be joined by this exciting author duo to discuss their respective No. 1 bestselling fantasy series. Susan Dennard, author of the Luminaries trilogy, will talk to readers about the twisty and shadowy conclusion to her highly successful fantasy series, which comes out in November of this year. Alongside her, Elizabeth May will discuss the first instalment of her new fantasy series, To Cage a God, perfect for fans of Fourth Wing and Shadow and Bone. This is sure to be a thrilling evening for dark fantasy readers, so be sure to get your tickets in advance, which are available on the Waterstones website, here.
Writers’ Workshop: Writing and Publishing Short Stories at Waterstones Trafalgar
Monday 3 June, 7:00 p.m. at Waterstones Trafalgar Square
Don’t miss out on an exciting workshop for short story writers in London, led by the editor of Scratch Books, Tom Conaghan. This workshop will unravel the art of writing short stories and take aspiring authors through the process of submitting their work, to publishing in journals and beyond. Tom Conaghan will frame the workshop through the stories of George Saunders, Tessa Hadley, Yiyun Li and Sarah Hall, to name a few. This will help aspiring short-form writers achieve a powerful story structure, learn how to draft and when to redraft, and so much more. Tickets can be purchased on the Waterstones website for £6, here.
Comma Press and MMU present Publishing Insights Day
Thursday 6 June, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Join Comma Press and Manchester Metropolitan University for a full day of talks and panels from publishing professionals. If you're looking to enter the world of publishing, or you're in the early stages of your career, this is the perfect opportunity to hear from industry experts, learn more about the different roles on offer, and ask any questions you might have about about the sometimes opaque world of publishing. With a keynote from Sam Missingham, the day will feature talks about getting into publishing if you’re not living in London, starting your own press and a look at the different roles from agenting to production, editorial to design. Tickets are now on sale through Eventbrite.
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