By Isobel Edmondson and Fernanda de Madariaga
Bettany Hughes in Conversation
17 January, 6:30 p.m.
Waterstones Piccadilly, London
English historian, author and broadcaster Bettany Hughes has published her latest novel and Waterstones is here to celebrate it! The Seven Wonders of the Ancient World explores ancient history from the Great Pyramid of Giza to the Temple of Artemis. In this historical storytelling, Hughes presents in an enriching light the best renowned creations of humanity and dives deep into the meaning of creation itself, questioning why it is that we still proclaim these inventions in such divinity. Hughes is a best-selling author known for her expertise in narrating history and Waterstones will be hosting her, bringing her closer to the public in discussion of her latest publication. For more information and tickets to the event, click here.
Frances White in Conversation with A.Y. Chao
18 January, 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Waterstones, Nottingham
If you enjoy getting submerged into mystery murders and have a fascination for fantasy too, this is an event you cannot skip. For the sake of a thrilling start to the year, Waterstones will be hosting writer Frances White and bestselling author A.Y. Chao in conversation, discussing White’s latest novel The Voyage of the Damned. The story presents the magical setting of a cruise boarding the twelve heirs to the provinces of Concordia, a kingdom where peace had been set from a thousand years earlier. The sudden murder of an heir will unchain a series of murders and hysteria, leaving our anti-hero Ganymedes to solve the mystery. Join an enchanting conversation filled with the mysticism and fantasy that encompasses both White and Chao’s novels. Both authors will be answering your questions and signing copies of their books. For more information and tickets to the event, click here.
An Evening with Liam Byrne in Conversation with Jess Phillips
18 January, 6:30 p.m.
Waterstones, Birmingham
Former Treasury Minister Liam Byrne will be in conversation with Jess Phillips to discuss the former’s latest book The Inequality of Wealth. In this publication, Byrne discusses the distinct gap that exists today between the wealthiest group of people and the majority who can barely, if at all, afford the basics to live. He delves into why this is happening and how we should approach it in order to avoid it from getting worse, which Byrne predicts is eventually bound to happen. Byrne will be answering questions from Jess Phillips as well as signing copies of his book. For more information and tickets to the event, click here.
Writing Historical Fantasy with Brittany N. Williams
24 January, 7:00–8:00 p.m.
Online
Join Brittany N. Williams for a masterclass on fantasy writing. During the hour, Brittany will be discussing her writing process for the Forge & Fracture saga, and the aspects of this that writers can apply to their own practice. This will include advice on how to craft a sensory experience for your readers and how to research effectively for a literary project. The event will consist of writing exercises and guidance which aim to help sharpen your fantastical writing skills. Organised in partnership with Book Aid International, proceeds from ticket sales will go towards their Generation Reader campaign. It will be hosted online via Teams and will also be recorded. If you are unable to attend live, you can access the recording for up to two weeks after the event has occurred. Book your ticket here.
Evening Talk with Jennifer Higgie: Spiritualism, Feminism & Contemporary Art
27 January, 8:00–9:30 p.m.
Schumacher College, Devon
Join bestselling writer Jennifer Higgie, former editor of Frieze Magazine and author of The Other Side and The Mirror and the Palette, for an extra-special talk. Her latest book The Other Side delves into the lives and work of incredible female artists, from the twelfth-century mystic, composer and artist Hildegard von Bingen to the early twentieth-century Swedish artist Hilma af Klint, who is said to have painted with the assistance of her spirit guides, and whose recent Guggenheim exhibition broke records for attendance. Book your ticket now for an atmospheric and inspiring talk.
Jennifer is also teaching a weekend creative writing course from the 26 to 28 January. For more information, visit this link.