By Sofia Martinez Alvarez
April takes us one step closer to warmer weather with the return of spring! It’s also a month full of bookish celebration, bringing in a host of events for readers across the country. This issue features events with highly anticipated book launches by Molly Chang and Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, as well as an unmissable event for aspiring or returning creative writers!
An Evening with Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Thursday 11 April, 6:30 p.m.
Waterstones Liverpool
New York Times bestselling and award-winning author Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé is coming to Liverpool to celebrate the launch of her newest YA novel Where Sleeping Girls Lie. She will be joined in conversation by fellow YA author James Green as they discuss all things mystery and the arcane. Faridah made her authorial debut with Ace of Spades, a thriller which tackles themes of institutionalised racism. She has described Where Sleeping Girls Lie as being a novel about community, friendship and how we deal with pain. Tickets to this event come with an exclusive edition of Where Sleeping Girls Lie, as well as a tote bag and other themed merchandise inside, so don’t miss out on this exciting bookish evening at Waterstones. Click here for more information.
Ignite Edinburgh, Write Like a Grrrl
Tuesday 16 April, 6:30 p.m.
Out of the Blue Drill Hall, Edinburgh
Publishing hopefuls and those looking to break into the world of creative writing are invited to take part in this four week course dedicated to prose, poetry and playwriting. Hosted by one of Write Like a Grrrl’s experienced tutors Lucy Goodwill, this course is aimed at reducing fears around storytelling whilst teaching you how to build invaluable writing habits. Spread across four sessions, Ignite will equip you with the knowledge you need to become a pro at things like dialogue and characterisation, providing you essential writing skills to embark on your authorial journey. For more information about the course and its tutor, visit the Write Like a Grrrl website here.
Molly X. Chang in Conversation with Thea Guanzon
Thursday 18 April, 6:00 p.m.
Waterstones Covent Garden, London
To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods is one of the most highly anticipated YA reads of this year, as Molly X. Chang makes her fantasy debut with this politically-charged, magical adventure. Ripe with beloved romantasy tropes, To Gaze Upon Wicked Gods has been likened by reviewers to bestsellers such as Victoria Aveyard’s Red Queen and Chloe Gong’s These Violent Delights. She will be joined on stage by Thea Guanzon, author of instant New York Times bestseller The Hurricane Wars, to discuss their respective fantasy worlds. Tickets including a copy of Chang’s book feature special artwork and an exclusive foiled case from Waterstones. Check it out here.
SYP South West April Book Club
Tuesday 23 April, 7:00 p.m.
Online
Publishing hopefuls and readers are welcome to join the Society of Young Publishers’ South West April Book Club. Hosted via Zoom, this month’s topic of conversation will be all about David Nicholls’ hugely popular One Day. This long-time favourite was voted the Galaxy Book of the Year in 2010 and has been adapted for screen twice since its publication in 2009. Most recently, this year’s Netflix TV series of One Day has rekindled its popularity among readers and viewers alike. Attendance to this event is free and the SYP encourages you to tag along, no matter what stage of the One Day reading journey you’re on!
World Book Night
Tuesday 23 April
UK-wide
The UNESCO International Day of the Book is on April 23, which is also regarded by many as the day of birth and death of William Shakespeare. This event is observed around the world and has been run by The Reading Agency for twelve years. Whereas before, World Book Day was used by children and schools to encourage reading, World Book Night was designed by Jamie Byng at the Book Industry Conference in May 2010 as an evening for adults and young adults to celebrate their love for reading and encourage others to discover their passion for storytelling. Dozens of events across the UK will take place on this night, many in public libraries, so don’t miss out on this special opportunity to connect with fellow readers, no matter where you are! To find local in-person events in your area, visit the World Book Night website here.
How to Get into Editorial, Bad Form Review
Saturday 27 April, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Zoom
Whether you’re looking for your first role in publishing, or wanting to move across from another field, this introduction to editorial will give you a greater insight into the skills you need, and how to get them. The course, run by Amy Mae Baxter, Commissioning Editor at Avon and all round publishing star, will cover everything from an insight into the editorial skills required to progress in the industry, finding roles and nailing a CV and cover letter and standing out in an interview.
There is also a free scholarship place available for this course, if you feel you can’t afford a place. Simply email your name and confirming your ability to attend to info@badformreview.com, and you’ll be entered into a random draw for the place. The selected applicant will be contacted a week before the course. For more information visit the website, here.