Events

‘ROOM 67′
University of Leicester Northampton Centre Writers’ Showcase Evening.  This evening sees the launch of Room 67, an anthology of poetry and prose by students working for a Higher Education Certificate in Creative Writing. Come and hear writing that is by turns entertaining, thought provoking and emotional. 

Thursday 23rd October 2008, 7.30pm, £3 entry fee, Northamptonshire Central Library.  For further information drop in to the library, call 01604 462040 or email centlib@northamptonshire.gov.uk.

The Museum Writers’ Group event
The Museum Writers’ Group will be giving a reading from their recent works of poetry and prose inspired by artifacts and exhibitions at the Northampton Museum and Art Gallery, Guildhall Road.
This will take place on Thursday 27th November at 10.30am and is part of the Museum Mornings for the over 60s talks programme. Entry is free.

National Year of Reading activities

To celebrate National Year of Reading, Literature Northants and Northamptonshire Libraries and Information Service are working on a number of exciting projects and activities.  Keep checking http://litnorthants.wordpress.com/nyr/ for all the lastest information. 

Oundle Festival of Literature events
Sunday 9th November, 5pm, Oundle Methodist Church: Award-winning book to raise more funds for service heroes.  Oundle’s War, The unique story of Oundle’s contribution to World War Two will be told again when a best-selling book by former Oundle School teacher Michael Downes will be reprinted by popular demand.  Tickets are priced at £5 (£3) and available from Oundle Tourist Information Office (01832 274333).  All profits from this event will be donated to the Royal British Legion.

Saturday 11th October, 5pm, Oundle Methodist Church: Writing the right Story.  Pat Thomson celebrates the publication of her 65th book this October.  On this occasion she will be talking about writing children’s books for publication.  This event is suitable for aged 7+.  Tickets are priced at £3 and available from Oundle Tourist Information Office (01832 274333).

Saturday 8th November, 7.30pm, St Peters Church, Oundle: The Post-Birthday World.  Returning to Oundle by popular demand Lionel Shriver will be reading from and discussing her latest novel The Post-Birthday World, which employs a parallel-universe structure to explore what difference it makes to one woman’s life which man she chooses to be with.  Tickets are priced at £8(£7) and available from Oundle Tourist Information Office (01832 274333).

NewCon 4 - New convention, new concept!
Northampton, October 11th & 12th Guests of Honour: Iain Banks, Ken MacLeod and Storm Constantine Special Guest: Paul Cornell Chairman: Ian Watson Vice Chairman: Ian Whates Other program participants include: Geoff Ryman, John Clute, John Jarrold, Chaz Brenchley, Juliet McKenna, Eric Brown, Tony Ballantyne, Farah Mendlesohn, Mark Robson, Dave Hutchinson, Neil Williamson, Andrew Hook, Kim Lakin-Smith, Colin Harvey, Paigan Stone, Una McCormack and Jaine Fenn.

Britain’s first ever convention to be held in a fish market (now an art gallery and events venue)! The weekend will include a full two day program, featuring: panel discussions, talks, readings, interviews, questions and answers, writing workshops, kaffeeklatsches, book launch, quizzes, party, live music, book signings, dealers room, chinese water clocks, a bed of nails, erotic poetry, writing competitions (with signed books as prizes), Northampton’s official town jester, socialising… and real ale… What more could anyone ask for? Don’t miss out! For more information and membership details, see: www.newcon4.com.

Alt.Fiction Horror Writing Weekend
November 7th-9th 2008, Dove Valley Centre, outside Buxton.  Alt.Fiction is proud to present its first writing weekend, set in the stunning hills of the Peak District.  Come join us for a weekend of writing workshops, discussions and free writing time- the ideal retreat for anyone interested in horror and dark fantasy.

Guest Authors: Conrad Williams, horror author, ‘The Unblemished’, ‘London Revenant’, ‘Head Injuries’, Kim Lakin-Smith, dark fantasy author, ‘Tourniquet’.  Weekend rates (including two nights stay, all meals and soft drinks) at £150. For further information, or to book your place, contact Alex on 07768 635293 or at alexdavisevents@hotmail.co.uk.

GOLD NUGGETS
An evening of poetry, short stories and songs about life issues at the Jesus Centre, at the top of Abington Street, near BBC Radio Northampton.  Time: 7.30 - 9.30pm, on Friday January 9th, March 6th and May 15th 2009.  Admittance is free.  Drinks and snacks available in the cafe during the break.  Bring your friends, and feel free to contribute, or just come and see what we’re doing.  For enquiries contact Ase on 01327 344576 after 2pm or e-mail goldnuggets@myway.com.