This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
by Zarina de Ruiter
Writers across the globe simultaneously live towards and dread the month of November. Not because it is awfully close to Christmas and they realise they haven't done any of their festive shopping and/or card writing yet, but rather because it announces the start of NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month). It is a great way to kick your poor writer's block deprived brain into action while neglecting your day job, family and any social outings until November 30th. If you need a break from the action, or would like to be inspired by listening to a talk or two with published authors or attend a workshop on how to get the most from your writing, then we recommend you visit at least one of the events in this month's Dates For Your Diary.
3 November – For a thrillingly good night in this week, check out Fabulous Magazine's latest event at Sun HQ where readers have the opportunity to listen to a Q&A with authors Erin Kelly, Clare Mackintosh & Colette McBeth, while enjoying a glass of wine. After the panel there is the opportunity to get books signed and mingle with the guests of honour, and tickets for the full event are just £5.
4 November – Chorleywood Bookshop is hosting a fun fiction food evening with Tasmina Perry, Stella Newman and Louise Lee. For £8, the evening promises to be the perfect recipe for fun and laughter with a trio of stellar women's fiction authors.
4 November – Join Dorothy Koomson at the opening day of the new Camberwell Library for a chat about her latest novel, That Girl From Nowhere, her life and her career. It's totally free to attend but advance booking is essential.
6-27 November – The Richmond Upon Thames Literature Festival is filled to the brim with books and works, tales and talks, and events and ideas. Highlights include a panel with 'killer women' Erin Kelly, K.T. Medina and Laura Wilson (18 November, £7.50/£6), a discussion on writing about forgotten women in history (20 November, £10/£8.50), and a workshop on writing genre fiction (26 November, £6).
7 November – Do you want to know more about self-publishing in the digital age? Then this conference from Writers & Artists might be just the thing for you. The full-day event includes insightful workshops on themes such as editing, cover design and knowing your rights as an indie author, as well as the opportunity of one-on-one advice. Tickets are £95.
12-15 November – The Dublin Book Festival has some great events this year including Meet the Editors, book launches, lunchtime readings and a literary walking tour.
18 November – Trisha Ashley is holding another meet up for her readers in Waterstones Piccadilly London, just drop her a line on Twitter and you're good to go!
21 November – Do you want to know all the latest goss about the Shopaholic series or Sophie Kinsella's other novels? Then check out the Q&A with this brilliant author at No. 41 Mayfair later this month, where you'll have the opportunity to put forth your burning questions to the talented lady yourself. Tickets are £10 and include a copy of Sophie's new book: Shopaholic to the Rescue!
20-22 November – Do you rather not venture outside in the cold and rain to hit up the latest bookish events? Then the virtual romance festival from HarperCollins and the BFI might be just the thing for you. #BFILoveFest promises to be a weekend of exploring the links between romance in film and fiction with author debates, digital forums, giveaways and much more. It's free to attend but you need to register to receive the full programme.
23-29 November – Book Week Scotland promises ALL the bookish fun for our Scottish friends this month with hundred of events across the country for both readers and writers, such as Jenny Colgan and Cathy Rentzenbrink, this is a week not to be missed if you live up North.
24 November – The Sun is really going all out this month with bookish delights as they're also hosting a Fireside Readers Event with Mills & Boon and HarperCollins. Relax with a mince pie and glass of mulled wine while you listen to a panel discussion with authors Lucy Holliday, Erin Lawless, Eva Woods and Jessica Gilmore. And you'll even get a fabulous goodie bag filled with bookish treats to take home too! Tickets are £5.
25-27 November – Join Adele Parks for a writing retreat in Okehampton, including a fiction masterclass, and a workshop on the importance of the opening chapter and knowing how your novel is going to end. Tickets are £475-£555 and also include 3-nights accommodation, meals, snacks and wine.
26 November – Do you feel you have the perfect 140 character long pitch for the book you've written, then check out the online Discovery Day by literary agencies Curtis Brown and Conville and Walsh. Not only are they accepting pitches on Twitter, they're also holding live Q&As and information sessions for aspiring authors.
27-29 November – A weekend with Chrissie Manby includes masterclasses on plotting a novel and getting published. Tickets are £324-£370, including 2-nights accommodation, meals, snacks and wine.
29 November – Are you based in or near Birmingham? Kim the Bookworm, Publicity Manager of digital publisher Bookouture, is organising an author and reader meet-up. For more details drop her a line on Twitter.
Enjoy! And as ever, if you know of any other bookish events coming up this month or the next, just comment below or tweet me on @zarinatweets.