By Michaela O’Callaghan and Erin Evett
Richmond Literary Festival
5–21 Nov
This festival is well underway, but it isn’t too late to attend one or two of its events. This year’s festival explores the theme of “breaking ground," celebrating innovation in times of uncertainty.
Our top picks are:
A New Retelling: Women in Greek Myths, 12 Nov
This physical event in Richmond is a panel discussion featuring three writers who have retold Greek mythology from a feminist perspective. The writers are Sarvat Hasin who wrote The Giant Dark, which is inspired by the story of Orpheus and Eurydice; Jennifer Saint the author of Ariadne, a retelling of the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur; Charlotte Higgins who will be talking about her new collection Greek Myths: A New Retelling, a retelling in which female characters take centre stage.
Black Britain: Writing Back, 14 Nov
This is an online event which explores the under-recognised novels by Black British authors. The panel discusses the new series of Penguin books showcasing 20th century Black writing, curated by Booker Prize-winning novelist Bernardine Evaristo. The panellists include the editor of this series and also authors Nicola Williams and Judith Bryan, as they explore why audiences have missed out on vital reads, what the current situation in publishing is and what they view happening in the future. Find out more about this festival here.
Talking Design, 10 Nov, 6 p.m.
Make sure to take part in this fantastic event where you will have the chance to listen to an incredible panel of creatives as they discuss the strengths and challenges of design within the publishing industry. Topics covered will include what designers do when designing a book cover, how designers can unlock the full potential offered by the digital space while still respecting the print book, and so much more. Don’t miss out, sign up here.
New Voices: Natasha Brown and Caleb Azumah Nelson in Conversation
16 Nov
This is a physical event held at Twickenham library. Join Natasha Brown, author of Assembly, and Caleb Azumah Nelson, author of Open Water, as they discuss their debut literary novels. Pick up your ticket here.
Alcohol & Relationships: A Bookish Exploration
16 Nov, 07:00 p.m.
Addiction can often be a taboo subject, and yet one we really should be talking more about. During this wonderful panel hosted by Bryony Gordon with guests Douglas Stuart and Lisa Harding, all people who have been affected or written on the topic, addiction is at the top of the agenda. All proceeds from the event will go to the charity Adfam, grab your ticket here.
Lemony Snicket in Conversation with Suzi Feay at Waterstones Piccadilly
10 Nov, 7 p.m
Lemony Snicket will be talking to literary journalist Suzi Feay about his latest book Poison for Breakfast at Waterstones Piccadilly. Come armed with questions about his new, strange and dark yet delightful book. Tickets are £6 and are available to book here.
An Evening with Annie Garthwaite, author of Cecily
11 Nov, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
The fabulous, independent bookshop BookNook are running an event with Anne Garthwaite, as she discusses her debut Cecily reimagines the life of Cecily, Duchess of York – a mother, wife and shrewd political player in the Wars of the Roses. Tickets are £7 and will include a drink and snacks. Buy tickets here.
Queer Readings with Bare Minimum
16 Nov, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
This is sure to be an exciting evening of live readings of poetry and prose. Bare Minimum Collective, a group which eludes traditional definitions around work, aspirations and aims, have rooted deep into The Feminist Library’s periodicals. The result is performances based around the topics of queer social life and political organising. You can find out more and book tickets here.
Lee Child and Andrew Child in Conversation with Nicci Gerrard
10 Nov, 7:30 p.m.
Join Lee and Andrew Child in conversation with the bestselling author, Nicci Gerrard, for an online evening to promote and discuss their new, co-written thriller, Jack Reacher: Better Off Dead. This event will also discuss the challenges of co-writing novels with family members and will also include a Q&A at the end. For more information and prices, click here.
Cathy Rentzenbrink in Conversation with Patrick Gale
11 Nov, 7 p.m.
Join author Patrick Gale in discussion with acclaimed journalist Cathy Rentzenbrink about her debut fiction novel Everyone Is Still Alive in Waterstones Truro. For more information and prices, click here.
Derren Brown in Conversation: A Book of Secrets
22 Nov, 7.30 p.m.
Get ready for this exciting opportunity to hear Derren Brown in conversation with Isy Suttie as they discuss Derren’s highly anticipated new book, A Book Of Secrets. This deeply personal book which explores how we can best live our lives during uncertain times. After listening in to the conversation which will delve deeper into the themes navigated in the book, audience members will have the chance to put forward questions. Tickets here.