June 2014 ~ Events for Book Lovers, Writers and Curious Souls

Exhibitions, festivals, signings, competitions, courses and workshops, and regular events... There is a lot going on in June and some of it it's free, so don't stay at home!! 

 

EXHIBITIONS & FESTIVALS

Today!!! 10th June ~ Screening of Common People I don't usually add film screenings to the monthly event lists, but this indie gem will be screening just for today in selected cities in the North West and because it is so cute and I am dying to watch it, I think it deserves a spot. Common People is a British comedy about 30 characters in 6 stories, intertwined by a escapee parrot and a London park. I laughed just reading the synopsis!! If you are near York or Liverpool, this is a 'must watch'. Book tickets here.

Until the 30th June ~ The Portico Library in Manchester hosts A Northern Narrative Exhibition, a collaboration of four artists inspired by the life up North and its people. Admission is free and if you are a regular reader of this blog, you know I have already mention how beautiful The Portico Library is as a building. Definitely worth the visit. More details here.

Until the 9th July ~ The Text Festival celebrates the connection in between language and art. It's main idea is to be experimental, finding new ways to mix the two and creating something any geek linguist like me might find fascinating. There are some really interesting exhibitions on offer and admission is free at the Bury Sculpture Centre. More information here.

Fri 20th - Sun 22nd June ~ The first ever London Short Story Festival is taking place at Waterstones Piccadilly, London, with a whole array of events from workshops to readings and interviews. If you are from that neck of the woods, check it out! More info and tickets here.

Thu 26th Jun - Sun 6th July ~ the Manchester Children's Book Festival takes place in iconic locations all over Manchester and this year, it will host events with famous authors such as Michael Morpurgo. For the full list of events click here.

SIGNINGS & CHATS

Sat 21st June ~ Meet Joseph Delaney, the writer of YA series Spooks, our very own Lancastrian J.K. Rowling. He will be at Waterstones Preston signing copies of his new book, which is also the first book of a brand new series!!! Exciting!! More information here.

Sat 28th June ~ Sane New World - An Evening with the incredibly funny, comedian Ruby Wax at the Waterstones Liverpool One. Tickets £10. Check the details here.

COMPETITIONS

Deadline: Monday 30th June ~ The London Magazine has a poetry competition going. Apart from the prize money, the winner's poem will also be published in the magazine. More info here.

Deadline: Friday, 11th July ~ The Apprenticed Actors Company is looking for a stage play to tour the North West with. So if you are older than 25 and a playwright, this could be your chance to have your play professionally produced. Check the details here.

Deadline: Friday 29th August ~ Are you a crime writer? Then The Northern Crime Competition is looking for you. The winning novel will be published on e-book and paper. More information here. 

COURSES & WORKSHOPS

17th June ~ Writing Fiction for Print, Radio & TV, discussion with a panel of expert talking about how to get your work commissioned and published. Expert panel includes Publishers and BBC Producers. This event is free, but it's ideally aimed at artists living in the Bolton area. Find more information here.

Sat 28th June ~ The Secret of Character Writing, a masterclass by Bridport Prize winner Vanessa Gebbie, explores how to let your characters have a life of their own. Waterstones Piccadilly, London. Tickets and more information here.

REGULAR EVENTS

Don't forget to check your local library and bookshop for events. Most of them host book clubs and writing groups. Libraries, in particular, are very good at hosting events for young children.

Mon 16th June ~ if you are a fan of graphic novels, then this one is for you. The Graphic Novel Bookclub is meeting at Waterstones Liverpool One to discuss Battle Royale. More details here.

Tue 24th June ~ ScRibble Creative Writing Group meets on the last Monday of every month at The Continental in Preston. It's free to join and it offers a monthly challenge, writing exercises and constructive feedback on your writing. Ideal if you want to strengthen your writing or build your confidence in your writing skills. Learn more here.