Hermit crab essays are typically short memoir narratives presented in borrowed forms - recipes, for example, or letters to the editor.

In this workshop, participants will explore examples of the hermit crab form, work together to generate ideas for hermit crab essays, and then have time to develop and (optional!) share a piece of their own. Aimed at all - from experienced writers interested in playing with a new form or shaking a creative block, to first-timers, and everyone in between.

Join Hold Fast Bookshop as we celebrate the release of a new book of short stories by writer S J Bradley -  'Maps of Imaginary Towns'. 

Welcome to the Under the Sun Book Launch & Performance! Join Seki Lynch at The Attic for an unforgettable evening filled with jazz music and poetry.

Meet the author and enjoy a live performance of stage-adapted poems accompanied by Ozzy Moysey, Hugh Vincent, and Mick Bardon of the Ancient Infinity Orchestra.

Why do we travel? How can we do it better? And how can it be part of a fulfilling life? Journalist, broadcaster, and author, Ash Bhardwaj explores these questions and more during an evening of storytelling at The Leeds Library. Join Ash as he shares insights from travels at home and abroad, and offers his advice on making every journey more mindful and satisfying. Guaranteed to provoke self-reflection and wanderlust.

Bestselling author of eleven acclaimed novels, Tracy Chevalier is expert at setting her stories in other times and places, thereby transporting the reader on fictional journeys through her carefully researched and skilful writing. 

We welcome her to Leeds to introduce her latest story The Glassmaker, to discuss her craft and the importance of reading for pleasure with Rebecca Fletcher on behalf of The Queen’s Reading Room, a reading charity and podcast.

Join Leeds author Chris Nickson for a discussion of his new novel Them Without Pain. The latest of Chris’ historical, Leeds based crime novels, Them Without Pain is inspired by the story of Arthur Mangey, a goldsmith who made the Leeds Mace in 1696 and was hanged for treason two years later. The evidence was flimsy, his accuser of dubious reputation… delve into the world of this lesser-known Leeds tale as Chris talks about the inspiration for his new novel, his writing process and of using Leeds as his creative backdrop in turning history into fiction.

Writer, movie critic and film/television historian Ian Fryer presents a preview of his next title, Spy Boom: How Secret Agents Ruled the Sixties. 

Learn what the well-dressed spy was wearing, from their Walther PPK to hand-made suits and fighting leathers and why it was so important for Britain's self-image as London began to swing.

Part of Farsley Literature Festival.

Forming one of the events of (M)OTHER Exhibition by Ellie Andrews, we are very excited to host author and journalist Lucy Jones for a reading from her groundbreaking book, Matrescence.

Join us for an hour of reading, Q&A's, a look around the exhibition, tea, coffee and biscuits, and some time with other like minded women.

For all mothers.

You can find information about Lucy and her publications at www.lucyfjones.com

Instagram: @lucyfjones

About Matrescence:

As part of the 2024 Farsley Literature Festival we are bringing you another fabulous event, join us in the Old Woollen as we chat to Anna Murphy, Fashion Director of The Times. Anna will be introducing Destination Fabulous – her inspirational and invigorating guide to embracing your age and celebrating the wisdom and inner beauty that comes with it.

From the Fashion Director of The Times comes a wise and inspiring guide to making the most of life as a grown-up woman – from the practical (how to dress your best) to the existential (how to feel your best).