By Maria Sadek, Fernanda de Madariaga and Isobel Edmondson
An Evening with Elodie Harper, Waterstones Liverpool
8 November, 6:30 p.m.
Join bestselling author Elodie Smith as she discusses the final instalment in her The Wolf Den trilogy: The Temple of Fortuna. Over the course of the trilogy, we have witnessed Amara’s journey as a slave in Pompeii’s wolf den, to becoming a high-powered courtesan in Rome. This final instalment, however, finds Amara fighting for power in Rome whilst her family remains in Pompeii. With the year being 79 A.D. and Mount Vesuvius beginning to rumble, this final book is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. To find out more about the trilogy, join Elodie as she sits down with the team at Waterstones Liverpool by clicking this link to purchase tickets.
Christmas Crime and Wine: Janice Hallet, Aleksandra Benedict, Andreina Cordani and Susy Holliday, Waterstones Oxford
9 November, 7:30-9:00 p.m.
With Christmas racing to us from right around the corner, Waterstones has taken their usual Crime and Wine to another level. By hosting a Christmas edition in Oxford, Waterstones has made sure every detail of the event is perfectly in tone for a magical yet gripping evening. The event will be joined by the fantastic Janice Hallet, Aleksandra Benedict, Andreina Cordani and Susy Holliday. They will be leading the discussion through their Christmas murder mysteries, which will be coming out this festive period, and promise much curling up in the warmth of a whodunnit. Tickets will include a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic beverage alternative. For more information or tickets for the event, click here.
Saturday Storytime! Waterstones, Bromley
11 November, 11:30 a.m.
Waterstones never fails in remembering the little ones as well! Join them on a lovely Saturday morning along with the family’s youngest members for a great start to the day. They will be reading acclaimed author Benji Davies’ bestselling book, The Great Storm Whale. For more information or tickets for the event, click here.
How to Lead Now (BookMachine Unplugged Live! 2023), Greenwich Peninsula
15 November, 6:00-9:00p.m.
This is a space where Gen-Z and millennials alike can congregate and gain confidence in their abilities to lead in the publishing industries. The panel, consisting of heads from different stages in their leading and management careers, will impart their wisdom and answer any burning questions you may have if you feel you are a budding team leader. This event is hosted by Mags Abraha, a writer, cultural curator and multi-award-winning publisher. Having started out in journalism, she was one of the youngest on the team of columnists for The Independent. Amy Mae Baxter is Commissioning Editor at Avon (HarperCollins) and founder and Editor-in-Chief of Bad Form, a wildly successful literary magazine by and centring writers of colour. Sanphy Thomas is the Managing Director of Jessica Kingsley Publishers. She is a two-time winner of the Academic, Educational and Professional Publisher of the Year award at the British Book Awards. Lastly, we have Jake Richings, Director of Strategic Consultancy Authentic Engagement. He has worked closely with the likes of General Assembly and The Co-operative Group to spark inspiration and motivation in young people in terms of their career paths. You can buy tickets to watch online or attend in person here.
AIM Literary Festival 2023, Brent Civic Centre, Wembley Park
19 November, 10:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
The AIM Literary Festival is back for another year! The much-anticipated event for storytellers and book lovers of all ages will be on at the Brent Civic Centre all day on the 19 November and there’s plenty going on from attending thought-provoking panel discussions to listening to captivating author talks, so you do not want to miss out!
This event is renowned for its celebration of diversity within the publishing industry and will be attended by special guests Joseph Coelho (Waterstones Children’s Laureate), Kate Nash (Literary Agent) and Balisha Karra (Theatre Director) to name a few. Special events being held throughout the day include a talk delving into the secrets of book marketing to help those keen to start a career in this area, a talk from production company Pendragon as they discuss what it is like to adapt children’s books into cartoons, and multiple different book launches from new and exciting authors. To book your tickets or to find out more information about the programme, click here.