This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
The season to be jolly is almost upon us and I bet like us you are hoping for some books in your stocking this year. But if you can’t wait for the magic of Christmas, there are plenty of great bookish events in December to keep you going. Would you like to spend a day looking at the future of publishing or would you rather step back in time into the world of a classic? Whether you want to meet a bestselling author, attend a blockbuster course, or simply do some last-minute Christmas book shopping, there is something for you in this month’s round-up.
01 December – The Carole Blake Open Doors Project is being launched in memory of one of the most admired women in the publishing industry, literary agent Carole Blake. The project will offer work shadowing to people from a diverse range of backgrounds. Details of how to apply will be released on the Blake Friedmann website on 1 December.
01 December – If you’re in Scotland this winter, why not take the opportunity to meet Helen Sedgwick in Glasgow where she will be talking about her debut novel, The Comet Seekers, described as One Day meets The Time Traveler’s Wife. Find out more details here.
01 December – Join Caroline Roberts in Newcastle where she will be talking about her latest novel, The Cosy Christmas Tea Shop. Tickets are £3 and must be purchased in advance.
02 December – Everyone loves a launch party and Tottenham Court Road Waterstones will be hosting a very unique launch. Described as the new one-stop agency for authors, publishers and industry professionals, Bookollective was founded by a book editor, a designer and a publicist. If you want to find out more about their fresh approach to book creation and promotion, why not pop along. See here for more details.
02 December – Enjoy reading a good sex scene? Join literary critic Lucy Scholes in conversation with authors Katherine Angel, Peter Hobbs and Joanna Walsh for a Good Sex Writing Night where they will be discussing the ins and outs of reading and writing sex. Tickets are £5 and are redeemable against books purchased on the night.
02 December – Do you ever find yourself wondering what’s next for storytelling? If you do, you might just like to go along to the Bookseller’s FutureBook Conference in London. Publishing experts will be joining forces to discuss the latest advances in the world of publishing. Talks include: The market for interactive storytelling; Commercial opportunities outside of books; and Print vs digital: together in perfect harmony? Tickets are £421.
03 December – Are you thinking of writing a novel? Got an idea but not sure where to start? This one-day Guardian Masterclass, How to turn your idea into a novel, taught by award-winning novelist Jill Dawson, might be just what you need to help you get started. Tickets are £249.
05 December – Join the inspirational Joanne Harris and Ellen Kushner in London. They will be talking about books, fantasy, characters and publishing. Come prepared with questions! This is a free event. Register here.
05 December – Blackwell’s Oxford Ex Libris Live! is sure to be an unforgettable night of literary sneakiness. David Freeman hosts a panel of novelists who bluff their way through fake-but-plausible opening or closing sentences to well-known novels as well as discuss their latest books. On the panel this time is Lisa Dickenson, Jasper Fforde, Kim Newman and Maureen Freely. Tickets are £5.
07 December – Do you dream about seeing your book as a film? Waiting for that call from Hollywood? Why wait when you could go to Adapting Novels to Films at the Royal Festival Hall. In this evening workshop, creative writing teacher Greg Mosse will discuss how to transform novels into scripts. Tickets are £15.
07 December – If you just can’t get enough of the Brontë sisters, you might be interested in Nick Holland’s lecture at the University of Huddersfield. He will be delving into the Brontë sisters’ secrets. Did Charlotte really burn a successor to Wuthering Heights? This is a free event but you must book in advance here.
09 December – If you’re near Boston, you are in for a Christmas treat – the best Christmas present in the world, in fact. Michael Morpurgo will be performing his Christmas story The Best Christmas Present In The World along with Virginia McKenna and Voices at the Door. Tickets are £12 for adults and £8 for children.
10 December – Meet Carole Matthews at Hobbycraft Milton Keynes 2 – 4 p.m. where she will be signing her 29th novel, Paper Hearts and Summer Kisses (out 15 December), as well as making chocolate wrappers! Check out her Facebook page for more details.
13 December – If you like to learn about strong women in history, consider joining Lesley Downer in London at the launch of her novel, The Shogun’s Secret World of Women. Ooku, the Women’s Palace at Edo Castle in Japan was home to hundreds of women but only one man, the shogun. Lesley tells the extraordinary story of these powerful and influential women, including the young Princess Atsu. Book your place here.
14 December – Meet Hazel Osmond, author of Who’s Afraid of Mr Wolfe? at Barnard Castle in Durham for a talk and book signing. Tickets are £1 and include refreshments.
16 December – Celebrate Jane Austen’s birthday where she used to live. The Jane Austen House Museum in Hampshire will be opening its doors for free to mark the occasion. Find out more details here.
21 December – Have you got some last-minute Christmas shopping to do? Have no fear, the London Review Bookshop is staying open late for you. Visit the store after hours and receive 10% off all books, free gift wrapping, and plenty of festive treats. This is a free event, book tickets here.
24 December – Finally, to really get into the Christmas mood how about going along to the Equapoise Theatre’s unique production of Another Christmas Carol at the Dickens’ Museum. Journey through Dickens’ house and experience the events that changed Scrooge’s world. Tickets are £24 and £12 for children, booking is advised.
Have fun and let us know what you think of any events you attend! If there are any other bookish events coming up this month or the next, please comment below or tweet me on @WRITERachael.