This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
Compiled by Rachael Featherstone.
It’s time to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. Just remember, however impossible they seem on January 1st, there’s a bookish event out there that can help you on your way – even if it’s just a reward for reaching a mini-goal. So, whether your New Year’s resolution is to write a novel or get fit, there are plenty of great bookish events in January to keep you motivated!
02 January – First up is a no-brainer for all the aspiring romance novelists out there. The Romantic Novelists Association’s New Writers Scheme opens at 10am. Membership costs £135 and includes a critique of your manuscript. There are only 250 places available and they are filled very fast so put the reminder in your phone now!
04 January – Do you consider yourself to be a bit of a book boffin? If so, then why not put your bookish knowledge to the test in Waterstones Birmingham’s “Not a Pub” pub quiz! Tickets are £1.
06 January – Fans of Bridget Jones know that her adventure starts with a list of her New Year’s resolutions and if getting fit is on your New Year’s resolution list then how about making it that little bit easier for yourself by signing up for the Finding Bridget Jones London walking tour. Tickets are £15.
08 January – Have you decided that 2017 is the year to write that novel you’ve been talking about for ages? Finding the blank page a little daunting? If so take a look at The Literary Consultancy’s How to Write a Novel 12-week course. Tickets are £349.
09 January – Maybe you’ve already written a novel and you’re determined to see it published in 2017. If you’re considering self-publishing, then The Writers’ Workshop four-week self-publishing course is well worth signing up to. It is taught by indie expert and Amazon bestselling author, Joanne Philips. Tickets are £195.
11 January – If you are looking to go down the traditional publishing route then don’t miss the opportunity to Meet the Editors with Mslexia at Waterstones Newcastle. Tickets are £5 and include a free glass of wine.
14 January – Whatever your New Year’s resolutions are, getting in the right frame of mind is the key to fulfilling them. So why not Explore Mindfulness with Ruby Wax in Bath. Tickets are £14.99 and include a copy of Ruby’s latest book Mindfulness for the Frazzled as well as a £6 book voucher.
14 January – Want to know How to get your novel published? Literary agent Ed Wilson and publisher Suzie Dooré will be revealing all in an unmissable half-day Guardian Masterclass. Tickets are £99 or £189 if you want to include a 20-minute feedback session.
17 January – If you are likely to struggle with post-Christmas blues and love the Great British Bake off then this is an event to put in your diary. Meet Nadiya Hussain, beloved star of #GBBO, in Waterstones Leeds where she will be signing copies of her debut novel, The Secret Lives of the Amir Sisters. Find out more details here.
21 January – What it is like to hear voices that no-one else can hear? This is the question being examined as part of a large study being carried out at Durham University. Join some of the scholars involved in the project for a talk on Literary Minds on 21 January and Dickens and Over-hearing on 26 January. Tickets are free.
25 January – If you are in need of some editing tips why not join Novelicious columnist Gillian McAllister, GX Todd and Stephen Aryan in Waterstones Birmingham where they will be discussing their editing processes as well as their paths to publication. This is a free event.
25 January – For Books' Sake actively seeks to empower women of all backgrounds to tell their stories. Join them for their monthly That's What She Said open mic event at The Book Club, London. Tickets are £7 in advance or £10 on the door. If you want to participate, email Paul to find out how to get your voice heard.
25 January – Join Cathy Bramley for afternoon tea at the Bookcase Bookshop in Lowdham, Nottinghamshire to celebrate the launch of White Lies and Wishes. Tickets will be on sale soon. You can follow Cathy on Twitter: @CathyBramley.
28 January – If you are looking to ‘Free your creativity and get started on your book’ then check out the Guardian Masterclass weekend course taught by Philippa Pride. Previously an editor at Hodder, Philippa has since set up The Book Doctor and has worked with bestselling authors including Stephen King. Tickets are £449.
29 January – Maybe you’re hoping to go to gym regularly in 2017. Well don’t forget about the Writing Gym. Join fellow writers in Waterstones Piccadilly for this motivational writing workout. Tickets are £12.
30 January – Are you an author? Want to sell more books? (Stupid question, right). Why not join Byte the Book at the Groucho Club, London for Publishing for Consumers to hear from publishing professionals about how to use data to maximise sales. Tickets are £20 for non-members.
31 January – Rounding off the first month of 2017 in style we have the announcement the prestigious Costa Book of the Year. Good luck to all the shortlisted authors!
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.