May 2012 - Events for Writers and Book Lovers

May has started and with it a new batch of events. It is all go with a lineup of festivals, regular events and one-offs not to be missed. Now all we need is the weather to bring forth the sunshine.

FESTIVALS
Lancaster Litfest might only take place later this year, but that has not kept the team from working all year round providing all sorts of events for book lovers and writers. This month they are hosting a workshop with BBC Writersroom - Writing for TV and Radio with Henry Swindell - on May 19th. For more information call: 01524 62166.

Oxford Shakespeare Fest starts on May 20th and follows through to June 2nd, including all things Shakespeare inspired - plays, music, comedy, parties, even baking!!! Great fun. For more information click here.



For crime fiction lovers... Crime Fest takes place in Bristol from May 24th till the 27th. And it attracts novelists, readers, editors and publishers. I love their tagline: "where the pen is bloodier than the sword"! More info here.

Olympia Book Fair happens in London from May 24th till the 26th and is for anyone who loves and appreciates the beauty of paper books. It's all about collectable antiques - maps, prints, manuscripts and books, of course - as well as the art of binding books, engraving and calligraphy. It includes talks, demonstrations and, of course, a lot of old books to see and buy.  I've already signed in and have my pass! Thank you Maria Costa for introducing me to this fair! For more information click here.

The all famous Hay Festival starts on May 31st and carries on till June 10th! And guess who will be attending? Earlier this year I voted 15 Days Without a Head the best book I read in 2011, and its author, Dave Cousins, will be in Hay on Tuesday 5th of June.  Visit The Hay Festival website by clicking here.

REGULAR EVENTS
12th May ~ Burnley Writers Circle meets the second Saturday of every month offering workshops, writing challenges, feedback and writing competitions. You must become a member (£15 per year) and sessions cost £2 per person towards room hire and coffees. More information here.

18th May ~ Spotlight - Lancaster Litfest's Open Mic night takes place the third Friday of every month and works as a platform for poets, writers, comedians and musicians. Please contact Tel: 01524 62166 for more information.

18th May ~ Lunchtime Classics happens once a month and is a 40 minutes introduction to works of classic literature by hearing it read out loud. Time: 1pm Tickets: £4/ £2 (Concession) Please contact Lancaster Litfest Tel: 01524 62166 for more information.

They Eat Culture is hosting a range of WEA led writing courses themed: "Preston: Past, Present and Future". This month the theme is Preston Past and the workshops take place on May 8th, 15th and 22nd 6-9.30pm. More information here.

OTHER INTERESTING EVENTS
Check your local Library for events! Libraries are always organizing interesting events for adults and children, so don't forget to check what is happening at your local. Click here for more information on events taking place in Lancashire Libraries.

12th May ~ Egyptian Activity Day 1-3.30pm at Waterstone's Deansgate, Manchester. An afternoon of Egyptian themed activities for the kiddies to celebrate the release of Rick Riordan's new book The Serpent’s Shadows. There are also other activities for children at Waterstone's throughout May, check here for further information.

16th May ~ Danny Wallace Book Signing 12-1pm at Waterstone's Deansgate, Manchester. The man behind Join Me and book-turned-movie Yes Man drops by to sing copies of his latest novel - Charlotte Street. More details here.

19th May ~ The Story of the Lancashire Witches - Clitheroe Library 2-4pm. See above for details.

26th May ~ Cassandra Clare book signing with special guest Maureen Johnson. Cassandra Clare hits Foyles to celebrate the launch of her latest book - City of Lost Souls. As I'm a big fan, I will be all over this one. To find out more click here.

29th May ~ An Evening with Jeffrey Deaver The writer of the new James Bond novel, Carte Blanche, will be stopping by Waterstone's Deansgate to sign copies of his latest books and talk to fans about his forthcoming thriller, XO - a Kathryn Dance novel. Simply a must for crime fiction lovers. Tickets: £3 Time: 7pm Further details here.

30th May ~ Just Do It: A Tale of Modern-day Outlaws is one of They Eat Culture's documentary screenings taking place at The Continental in Preston. It tells the story of Emily James who spent over a year embedded in environmental activist groups like Climate Camp and Plane Stupid to document their clandestine actions. The event includes a guest speaker, tickets are £4 on the door, and it starts at 8pm. Click here for further details.

I hope you found something interesting! There is no excuse to have a boring May. ^_^