Live storytelling accompanied by cake, an immersive tour of the The Shining and secrets to a healthy life: south London has it all.
News Shopper takes a look at some of the literary events coming up in the next month.
1. Writer Ali Smith is appearing at Goldsmiths in New Cross tonight (Jan 28) to discuss the art of fiction as well as her prize-winning novel How to be Both.
She was also bookies’ favourite for the Costa Prize until she was pipped to the post by Helen MacDonald last night).
Her talk runs from 6pm to 7.30pm and you can book your free tickets here.
Ali Smith
2. Former BBC producer Tim Finch is launching the paperback edition of his political satire, The House of Journalists, at the Review Bookshop in Peckham on tomorrow evening (Jan 29) from 7pm.
Visit reviewbookshop.co.uk
3. Enjoy an immersive night of literary horror and see Canada Water Library transformed into The Overlook Hotel, the setting of The Shining, in tribute to Stephen King on Friday evening (Jan 30) from 7pm.
When each visitor arrives they will be given a hotel key with a unique room number on it which could win them 20 of the author's books.
Readings from King's novels will be accompanied by live music at the free event.
Visit southwark.gov.uk to book your place.
Stephen King
4. On February 10 Dulwich Library is holding an evening of Four Next Generation poets, run by independent bookshop Dulwich Books and literary publishers Carcanet Press.
Poets Jane Yeh, Rebecca Goss, Tara Bergin and Kei Miller will share the work as part of the Rhyme and Reason Festival.
It starts at 7.30pm, and finishes at 9pm.
Tickets are free but must be booked in advance. Visit southwark.gov.uk
5. Culinary whizz Rachel de Thample is launching her new cookbook, Five, at the Bookseller Crow in Westow Street, Crystal Palace on February 12.
The Crystal Palace resident shared her jam-making secrets with News Shopper back in 2013 and often sells her creations in the Saturday market.
It is recommended people book their free places and get there by 6pm for a sneaky taste.
The Bookseller Crow is hosting a number of other events throughout February. Visit booksellercrow.co.uk
Rachel de Thample
6. Dulwich Books is hosting a Road Trips and Rum on February 12 with Australian author Brooke Davis and Canadian born Emma Hooper discussing their books.
Hooper, also a musician, was singled out by the Observer for her debut novel, Etta & Otto & Russell & James, and she discussed the inspiration behind it on Radio 4 earlier this month.
The £10 tickets also include cocktails, nibbles and a goodie bag of books. Visit dulwichbooks.co.uk
7. Story Jam is back at Canvas and Cream in London Road, Forest Hill, with monthly nights of storytelling helped down with tea and cake.
On February 5 the evening will feature creation myths. Visit storyjamjar.com
8. And... a bonus event - not actually in south London - but boasting cheese fondue and so had to be included on this list.
The London Review Bookshop in Bloomsbury is holding a late night shopping evening on February 4, from 6pm to 8pm, with wine, 10 per cent off books and melted cheese. Enough said.
Visit londonreviewbookshop.co.uk
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