By Michaela O’Callaghan, Sabeehah Saleq and Erin Evett
Discovering Pandora: An Evening with Susan Stokes-Chapman
2 February, 6–7:30 p.m.
Waterstones, Cambridge
Do you love to lose yourself in Greek mythology stories? Are you enthralled by your favourite historical fiction novels that transport you to a different time? If yes, Waterstones Cambridge have got the perfect event for you! This February, join author of Pandora, Susan Stokes-Chapman in this live event where the author will be in conversation with Amy Crawford to discuss everything around myths, mischief and historical fiction. Don’t miss your chance to hear Susan speak about her upcoming novel, Pandora, which merges the Greek myth of Pandora with the atmosphere of Georgian London. Get tickets here.
Meet the Author – Fran Dorricott
3 February, 6–7:00 p.m.
Don’t miss out on this evening with author Fran Dorricott, who will be discussing her new novel, The Lighthouse, with crime writer Roz Watkins. The Lighthouse follows a group of six friends on a university reunion which takes a chilling turn. Any readers who love horrors and thrillers filled with edge-of-the-seat suspense, this is the perfect event for you! The event will be taking place at Derby Waterstones and is free of charge. For more information and to book your ticket, please click here.
Byte Lunch: Understanding Publishing & Publishing Professionally with Caroline Goldsmith
4 February, 1–2:00 p.m.
Are you a Byte the Book member with an endless list of questions about the publishing industry? Spend your lunch break with Caroline Goldsmith, a freelance publishing professional with twenty years of industry experience. Caroline’s services include editorial and manuscript feedback, cover design and ebook production. She is especially knowledgeable about independent publishing. Who better to answer all your questions?
Don’t miss out, sign up here.
An Evening of Norfolk Gothic with Rosie Andrews
8 February, 7–9:00 p.m.
Join Rosie Andrews to celebrate the publication of her new novel, The Leviathan. If you love gothic literature, this novel promises to be one of the literary highlights of the season. It explores witchcraft, monsters and ancient shipwrecks to name just a few, all whilst set in Norfolk in the civil war era. This event will be taking place in Norwich Waterstones and tickets cost £2. For more information and to book your ticket, please click here.
An evening with Janice Hallett, author of The Twyford Code
9 February, 7–9:00 p.m.
If you loved Janice Hallet’s first novel, The Appeal, this is the perfect event for you! To celebrate the publication of Hallet’s second novel, The Twyford Code, Norwich Waterstones is hosting an evening with the author. She will be discussing her latest novel, one that promises to be even more mysterious than the last, with elements such as amnesia, a disappearing teacher and a secret code. Tickets cost £3. For more information and to book your ticket, please click here.
Faversham Literature Festival
12–20 February
Faversham, Kent
Physical and Online
This festival is jam-packed with events, both digital and physical, with the physical events held in the picturesque market town of Faversham. There are events to suit all ages with a new “Buzz” section for young adults and children. This section is complete with events with authors such as Lucy Strange and illustrators such as Kiran Millwood Hargrave. There are also workshops and events for adults covering everything from non-fiction to spoken word. Explore more here.
The Survival of New Beacon Books and the Challenges of being an Independent Black Publishers
Friday 18 February, 1–2:00 p.m.
Digital – Zoom
In this digital event, Way Wive Wordz founder, Michelle Asantewa, explores the challenges of publishing and writing in an industry that remains dominated by traditional white-owned publishers. Asantewa looks to the example of New Beacon Books which was at risk of closing down in 2021 if not for a huge fundraising campaign. The campaign itself reflects the importance of the survival of Black owned bookshops and Independent Black Publishers. As the publishing landscape becomes increasingly digital, Asantewa views where Independent Black Publishers and bookshops sit within this framework and what can be done to ensure they thrive in this ever-changing landscape.
This event will be held on Zoom. Book your ticket here.
Manchester in Translation
22–24 February
Digital
This is a series of free online workshops and talks offering advice and insight into the often opaque world of translation. If you are addicted to words and have a passion for languages then you might want to consider a career in translation. This festival is great for those looking to learn about the life of a translator and develop skills in literary translation. Follow and keep an eye on @commapress on twitter for announcements and programme details.
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