Hello booklovers!
For many this summer just won’t feel like summer without the excitement of attending at least one literary festival or bookish event. The thrill of meeting a much-loved author, the buzz of the bookshop, the chatter of bookworms filling tents and halls all gone…
Or perhaps not… as several festivals have taken the creative decision to offer bookish content for FREE online, whilst publishers rush to fill the yawning gap in the literary landscape. There are now loads of opportunities for those who already love literary festivals to grab their bookish hit. But more importantly, if you’ve never attended a book festival then now is a brilliant time to get closer (and support) those authors you love, by giving a bookish event a go.
Why not make an evening of it with you book group or reading buddies? Watch an author event online, then meet via Zoom (with coffee or wine) to discuss.
The following bookish events are all FREE. Also, please share in the comments if you discover more exciting bookish treats.
Stay safe and enjoy!
BOOKISH THINGS HAPPENING THIS WEEK
NOTTINGHAM, UNESCO CITY OF LITERATURE
(THURSDAY 25JUNE 2020)
Nottingham, Unesco’s City of Literature, is running a series of free events for both readers and writers. On Thursday 25th June at 7pm BST the Building a Better World with Words programme gets underway with #ReadingWomen – a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Women’s Prize for Fiction with writer and founder of the prize, Kate Mosse in conversation with Tayari Jones (author of An American Marriage) and Ann Patchett (author of The Dutch House). More details available here.
WOW – WOMEN OF THE WORLD FESTIVAL
(SATURDAY 27 – SUNDAY 28 JUNE 2020)
WOW Global 24 is the Women of The World’s first FREE 24 hour online festival uniting women and girls across the world. With speakers including the former Australian Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, the former President of Ireland, Mary Robinson, singer and activist, Annie Lennox and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, WOW Global 24 will run across all time zones, responding to the world’s current events, including racial injustice and the disproportionate impact the pandemic is having on women and girls, particularly those already marginalised.
Available to watch live via thewowfoundation.com #WOWGlobal24 …
ONGOING BOOKISH EVENTS
MyVLF (MY VIRTUAL LITERARY FESTIVAL)
For those still craving the feel of a book festival then I recommend checking out MyVLF.com (My Virtual Literary Festival)) A free online community that hosts regular literary festival events complete with theatre and café.
Once logged in, past interviews are there to enjoy by writers including Adele Parks, Victoria Hislop, Elizabeth Buchan, Sara Collins and more.
Dates for your diary include an author panel with Sheila O’Flanagan, Beth O’Leary and Jill Mansell on 8th July. As well as a session with Dorothy Koomson on July 9th.
AT HOME WITH PENGUIN …
At Home With Penguin is described as a weekly peek into the homes of some of our most loved authors. Which self-respecting booknerd could resist that?
Penguin authors share how they’re spending their time, talk about the books they are turning to, and take questions from readers. It’s a great chance to connect with writers and fellow bookworms.
Interviews available now (for FREE) include chats with Lisa Jewell, Marian Keyes and Bernardine Evaristo.
A BOOKISH EVENT FOR YOUR DIARY
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FESTIVAL
(15-31 AUGUST 2020)
Being Scottish, I had to finish with the Edinburgh International Book Festival. Many will be disappointed that the physical gathering of authors and book lovers has been mothballed for now, BUT over 100 FREE events will be available online from 15-31 August, with sessions suitable for both adults and children. How fantastic is that? To find out more click here, or follow the Edinburgh International Book Festival on Twitter @edbookfest
Thanks, Rae. What a tempting selection!
Aw thank you, Sareen. Hope there is something for everyone.