Book Arts

#### WEDNESDAY **8/April 6.30pm** ## The Art of Crime Writing #### *with **Katherine Faulkner**, **Emily Freud** and **Mel Pennant*** #### What makes a crime story irresistible? How do writers balance motive, mystery and meaning? Following up from last's year International Women's Day event we have a female led panel where, Katherine Faulkner, Emily Freud and Mel Pennant will delve into the art of crime writing — from building tension and crafting unforgettable characters to reflecting social currents in fiction that keeps us turning pages late into the night. Hear how they approach plot twists, moral ambiguity and the genre’s endless capacity to surprise. This event is funded by the Arts Council and is free to attend

Join to us to talk about Chinua Achebe's "Things Fall Apart" (1958) chronicles the life of Okonkwo, a proud, influential Igbo leader in colonial Nigeria whose life and community are torn apart by British colonialism and Christianity.

***Meet at the light end of the tunnel at 7:15, we’ll then go deeper into the tunnel past the bar and start doing art. I’m the skinny bloke with the buzzcut.*** ***This is a group for deep conversation, making friends, discussing philosophy, (good) music, art, poetry, experiences, politics, and building a strong community in London. Bring a little artefact if you wish.*** ***This week we are going to do chalk graffiti and talk about life ( or other sorts of graffiti if you have the resources). I have a packet of chalks so don’t worry if you don’t have any art supplies.*** ***If you have a speaker, bring it.*** **18:00 - 20:30** ***is the club time, but people can and will*** **stay longer** ***for more chatting, and to talk about other groups for you to join.*** **For updates, conversation and our whereabouts on the day check the WhatsApp:** [https://chat.whatsapp.com/LyRmJUaqN5zLJ2x21nIo04](Whatsapp)

We're really excited to be organising a brilliant free event with three incredible authors, Katherine Faulkner, Emily Freud and Mel Pennant. Following up from last's year International Women's Day event we have a female led panel where, Katherine Faulkner, Emily Freud and Mel Pennant will delve into the art of crime writing — from building tension and crafting unforgettable characters to reflecting social currents in fiction that keeps us turning pages late into the night. Hear how they approach plot twists, moral ambiguity and the genre’s endless capacity to surprise. Tickets Available from the Alternative Book Fair website but there will be space for walk-ins.

BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL TODAY ⬇️⬇️⬇️ Come down to our class in Pimlico and learn Kickboxing and our street oriented Mixed Martial art. Go to [BOOK TRIAL CLASS](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17766466&appointmentType=10242425) to get your free trial session while there are still spaces. Ages: 18+ Our classes are fun, friendly and open to EVERYONE from COMPLETE BEGINNERS to EXPERIENCED MARTIAL ARTISTS that want to add an effective reality oriented style to their current skills. We can help increase your 💪🏼 Strength 🫀 Health & Fitness 👊🏼 Skills 🦵🏼 Speed 😎 Confidence And all in a Fun Friendly and Supportive environment. Here's what some of our other students have to say about our classes: Dean "I started Bushin a few months ago. Having done martial arts for 5 years in another art, I was open to new ideas of what may come with this one. I am thrilled to say it has been fantastic. My instructor Stephen is a legend, he knows what he's talking about and has a no bs way of getting to a point. He is a lover of martial arts and it shows. His enthusiasm rubs off onto myself and the other students which creates a great learning environment. This art is marvellous, the group is a humble yet enthusiastic class of students coming to learn. I felt like I was part of the group the moment I joined. Higher belted student don't have an ego and are happy to help and train along side anyone in the class. Joining Bushin has been a tremendous experience." Konrad "Great place to learn self-defence . Coach with a passion to MMA show you how to react and defend yourself" Penny "I was completely new to martial arts so I didn't really know what I wanted to learn but I love the way they teach a mixture of martial arts and have a set syllabus. I felt like I was learning boxing, Kickboxing, jujitsu and self defence all in the same class which was great value for money!" Elizabeth "Great class for beginners and those with experience. Stephen is so welcoming and has been great at helping me find equipment and modify exercises to help with my mobility issues! Really recommend for anyone wanting to try martial arts or get fit in a friendly atmosphere :)" Lucia "I joined Bushin after a friend of mine was attacked in London and I thought it was a good idea to learn how to defend myself in case something like that happened to me as well. I didn't have any previous experience of self defense or fighting and I thought that this would hold me back, but it was definitely not the case: people in Bushin are so welcoming and nice to each other, always ready to help - it's truly a place for every level, from beginner to black belt. It's much more than a self defense class, it's real street fighting and a super good workout as well , but most importantly, it's great fun! I highly recommend it" Check out these and our other reviews for yourself!: [Club Reviews](https://maps.app.goo.gl/Gm9DV2xyYun55UqS8) And most importantly BOOK YOUR FREE TRIAL TODAY! [BOOK TRIAL](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=17766466&appointmentType=10242425) IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS LEAVE YOUR DETAILS AND OUR INSTRUCTOR WILL GET IN CONTACT WITH YOU SHORTLY. #mma #artemarcial #taekwondotraining #sanda #kyokushin #aikido #jujitsu #jiujitsu #hapkido #martialartslife

Shogo makes his first visit to our group. Link to Shogo's Instagram [@amoshogo](https://www.instagram.com/amoshogo/) The session is held in the TRA Community Hall, Ground Floor, Simla House, Weston Street, SE1 3RL. All abilities are welcome to draw and meet likeminded people. Two hours of active dynamic poses from 2 to 25 minutes. £12.00 for the session. The group is run on a drop-in basis. Pay on the night. Cash or card. Artists are advised to bring their own materials although a small amount will be available for emergency use. I think that is everything but message me if you have any queries. Kind regards, Cliff

[Follow this link to get your ticket ASAP](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/exhibition-viewing-and-curators-tours-saturday-opening-repeat-tickets-1976713996776) Join us for an in depth look at the exhibition Guildhall Library 600 where the curator will share the stories of the objects in the exhibition including their oldest book, medieval manuscripts, early printed books as well as Victorian and modern publications and why they were chosen for this exhibition. Followed by social at a nearby cafe. See comments below for updates.

Get ready to bring your sketchbook and art supplies for a chilled café sketching session! There'll also be a movie hangout afterwards! You're free to just attend the sketching session. If you'd like to come to the movie hangout, scroll down for more info. No matter your skill level lets grab a coffee and unleash our creativity into our sketchbooks. There's no formal guidance, you'll be free to get on with your own drawings/personal art projects while being able to connect with other local artists. You're welcome to join in on the group conversations or quietly get on with your art studies whatever your preference. A few basic drawing supplies (pencils, colouring pencils, erasers etc) will be provided but please bring your own sketchbook / tablet / paper / something to draw on! After the sketching session at approx 2:30pm, we will make our way to BFI IMAX in Waterloo for 3:30pm to see **The Super Mario Galaxy Movie**. The film starts promptly at 3:30pm - approx 5:20pm. I've booked seat H11 so make sure you book a seat in or around row H! [Link to buy your ticket](https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/imax/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=super-mario-galaxy-movie-2d) **(Make sure you book the 2D screening on 11th April at 3:30pm on page 4!)** Hope to see you there 👋 (Also please feel free to join even if RSVPs are full!)

We will be at the Alternative Book Fair on Thursday 9th April to see the brilliant Natasha Brown speak on Creative Marketing for Books. Tickets are free and bookable from the Alternative Book Fair website, but there will be walk-in availability too. We'll then be going to the The Lamb pub next door for a social. Everyone is welcome! Here's what Natasha will be speaking on: In this special session for the Alternative Book Fair, Booker Prize-longlisted and Granta Best of British Young Novelists author Natasha Brown speaks about the creative marketing strategies behind her novel Universality. Moving beyond traditional publicity, Natasha developed a suite of unconventional, in-world promotional materials — including a fictional magazine, an investigation board, and bespoke social media and podcast assets — all created on a shoestring budget and without the use of AI! ####

¿Hablas español? 🇪🇸 🇲🇽 🇨🇴 🇦🇷 ¿Vives en Londres o alrededores? 🇬🇧 🏙¿Te gusta dibujar? 🎨 Ven y dibuja con nosotros. No hace falta que tengas experiencia o vocación artística. Todos los niveles de habilidad son bienvenidos, pero sí esperamos que hables español La primera mitad del evento (90 min más o menos) dibujaremos, y al terminar compartiremos lo que hayamos hecho, dejando el resto de tiempo para socializar y conectar. Este es un meetup para conocer y conectar. con hispanohablantes que gustan de expresarse y relajarse dibujando o coloreando en un espacio relajado.✨ Ofrecemos material básico para que puedas dibujar pero te alentamos a traer material con el que te sientas más a gusto. Hay un café en el espacio donde puedes comprar alguna bebida o snack.

This Month's Book: *On A Sunbeam* by Tillie Walden Join us for discussion at the Granville Public Library from 6 to 7pm. Follow us on Instagram: @granvillepridebookclub

* Second ever book club! April meet up. All are welcome. * The book will be Play Nice by Rachel Harrison (determined by votes from March Book Club. Let me know if you’d like a free digital copy of the book) * This event will be at the main library, meeting room 1B, the location will not be changed for this event due to the number of people attending, we will just add more chairs if needed! * Feel free to come whether or not you’ve started or finished the book ◡̈ * Small snacks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own snacks & drinks too! Starting in June I will try to keep future book clubs at the Dublin Library. Now that I understand their reservation system, I will be on top of it with booking that location as soon as the date is released for the month. Thanks for your understanding with the varying locations in the meantime.

**Our April novel is: *The Hong Kong Widow* by Kristen Loesch** **This month’s novel blends gothic atmosphere with historical fiction and chilling horror, set against the haunting backdrop of China. The book is 368 pages in print and 10 hours and 42 minutes on audiobook.** In 1950s Hong Kong, Mei is a young refugee of the Chinese Communist revolution struggling to put her past in Shanghai behind her. When she receives a shocking invitation—to take part in a competition in one of the city's most notorious haunted houses, pitting six spirit mediums against one another in a series of six séances over six nights, until a single winner emerges—she has every reason to refuse. Except that the hostess, a former Shanghainese silent film star, is none other than the wife of the man who once destroyed Mei’s entire life. It is promised the winner will receive a fortune, but there is only one prize Mei wants: revenge. Decades later, the final night of that competition has become an infamous urban legend: The police were called to the scene of a brutal massacre but found no evidence, dismissing it as a collective hallucination. Mei knows what she saw, but now someone else is convinced they know what she did. She must uncover the truth about the last night she ever spent in that house—even if the ghosts of her past are waiting for her there. . . .

AI is changing how art is made. But when does it stop being your work and start being the machine’s? This month we're going to be doing a panel with with digital image, music, and written word artists, talking about at what point, while using AI in the creation process, does the work become not the artist creation? We encourage audience participation during this event that will be moderated by Chris Slee. Whether you’re deep in the field or just getting curious, come connect with others building and exploring AI in Columbus. Sponsored by [Transform Labs](https://www.transformlabs.com/services) Sign up also accessible via [Transform Labs Luma](https://luma.com/55umjqta)

Let's bedazzle some books while we discuss our April pick: Bloodguard by Cecy Robson! Book description: One hundred years. Tens of thousands of gladiators. And today, only one will rise… Everything in the Kingdom of Arrow is a lie. Leith of Grey thought coming to this new land and volunteering to fight in the gladiator arena—vicious, bloodthirsty tournaments where only the strongest survive—would earn him enough gold to save his dying sister. He thought there was nothing left to lose. He was wrong—and they took everything. His hope. His freedom. His very humanity. All Leith has left is his battle-scarred body, fueled by rage and hardened from years of fighting for the right to live another day. Then Leith meets Maeve, an elven royal who is everything he despises. Everything he should hate. Until the alluring princess offers him the one thing he needs most: a chance to win the coveted title of Bloodguard—and his freedom. But in a kingdom built on secrets and lies, hope doesn’t come cheap. Nor will his ultimate revenge… Event: Please bring your own book, journal, bookmarks, etc to bedazzle. If you have bedazzling supplies, please bring them as well. I will supply gems, glue, and picker tools, but if you have certain colors in mind, you may want to bring your own.

**We are expanding our creative programming opportunities with Queer Quills, a quiet writing and sharing space. Queer Quills features some prompts, supplies and friendly faces to help get some inspiration or feedback for your writing. Hope to see you there!**