By Kellie Smith, Erin Evett and Rosie Burgoyne
Swindon Festival of Literature
2–8 May
The Swindon Festival of Literature is back in person this year and is welcoming back book lovers with a variety of live events. There really is something for everyone, whether you prefer to read lifestyle books, scientific literature or fiction. Events include Isabel Hardman and Caroline Williams discussing the benefits of moving and exercising outdoors in their books, The Natural Health Service and Move!; Charlie Corbett to talk about nature’s lessons for happiness from feathered friends in his book 12 Birds to Save Your Life; Jules Howard discussing his new book, Wonderdog, which explores how the science of dogs has changed the science of life; Sally Page and Libby Page will be talking about Sally’s debut novel, The Keeper of Stories, and on writing, reading, friendship and the stories we tell of ourselves. For more information, including a comprehensive list of events and ticket information, please click here.
Jennifer Saint and Elodie Harper in conversation
3 May, 6:30 p.m.
Join Jennifer Saint, author of Ariadne, and Elodie Harper, author of The Wolf Den, for this wonderful evening in London, Piccadilly. Saint will be discussing her new novel, Elektra, which is based on the Greek myths around the Trojan War and the curse on the House of Atreus Saint focuses on Elektra’s perspective rather than her more famous brother, Orestes. Harper will be talking about the second instalment in her trilogy which focuses on and recreates the lives of the women who worked in Pompeii’s infamous lupanar. For more information and for ticket prices, click here.
Talking Tech (BookMachine Unplugged Online 2022)
11 May, 6:00–7:00 p.m.
BookMachine are back for another instalment of their ‘Unplugged’ publishing events series, this time with an online event focusing on the science of reading. Featuring a range of expert speakers delving into topics such as usage data, reading habits and what analytics can teach the publishing industry across all of its departments. Tickets cost £5 (or free of charge for BookMachine members) and can be purchased here.
Northern Publishers’ Fair 2022
14 May, 11:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Manchester Central Library
This event is not to be missed, with thirteen Northern indie publishers (and more to be announced) providing book sales, author performances and friendly discussions with local presses.
The annual Northern Publishers' Fair, organised by Fly on the Wall Press and featuring Carcanet, Commonword, Comma Press, Saraband, Stairwell Books, UCLan Publishing, Manchester University Press, Bluemoose Books, TTA Press, Confingo Press and Nine Pens Press, invites you to come in, talk about books, buy way too many and find your next indie read.
Some of the readings confirmed so far include:
Gaynor Jones (Fly on the Wall Press) – Reading ‘May We Know Them’, her short story from Of Myths and Mothers.
John Siddique (Crocus Books, Commonword) – Reading from his sixth collection of poems, So Collected Poems, written between 2011 and 2021.
Alison Armstrong (Saraband) – Reading from her debut novel, Fossils.
Stu Hennigan (Bluemoose) – Reading from his first non-fiction book, Ghost Signs, which is to be published in June.
Stephen Hargadon (TTA Press) – Reading from the first of his ten short stories published in Black Static magazine, 'World of Trevor.'
You can register for the event here or drop in on the day!
NYALitFest 2022
21 May, 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Greenbank Building, Preston, Lancashire
The Northern YA Literary Festival, which is passionate about the publishing industry, books and bringing authors to the North of England, is an event where bookish fans have the opportunity to delve into the industry and meet critically acclaimed and international best-selling authors.
With workshops from authors Danielle Jawando and C.G Moore, discussions with literary agents and panels from the likes of Sara Barnard, Bryony Pierce, Simon James Green and MANY others - not to mention the bookish stalls available to browse – this is sure to be another fantastic year for the annual festival.
Click here to view the programme, decide which panels and workshops to register for and click here to register for general admission.
KIDSLitFest 2022
22 May, 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. Greenbank Building, Preston, Lancashire
For the first time ever, NYALitFest introduces KIDSLitFest: a family fun day focused on middle-grade books! This will be a great day for everyone, with panels and signings from Helen Rutter, Darren Simpson, Susan Brownrigg, and many more.
You can also have a lot of fun at the Story Mixing Station, where you can use story cards from Magical Story Jars to help inspire your very own short story. The Chief Story Makers will be on hand to offer advice, assist children in shaping their stories and ensure that they leave feeling inspired and excited about all things story.
Click here to view the programme, decide which panels and workshops to register for and click here to register for general admission.