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Whether you're a lifelong bookworm or just looking for your next read, escape the reality of the city for a day and step into the Bangkok Speculative Literature Festival.
This literary gathering brings together like-minded people who find comfort and joy between the pages of a book with author talks, panel discussions, workshops, a book and craft market and an offline reading session.
But it’s not all just books. With this year's speculative literature theme, the festival explores all the infinite ‘what if?’ scenarios too, inviting readers and writers alike to use the creativity and freedom of storytelling to reimagine today's challenges.
Back to the details, the festival features four acclaimed authors from Thailand, China and the UK:
Veeraporn Nitiprapha, the first woman to win two Southeast Asian Writers Awards for her novels The Blind Earthworm in the Labyrinth and Memories of the Memories of the Black Rose Cat.
Regina Kanyu Wang, the award-winning Chinese science fiction writer and co-editor of The Way Spring Arrives.
Katalina Watt, author of the Sunday Times bestseller Saltswept.
Apinuch Petcharapiracht, known for her dark, surreal storytelling in Death and the Maiden, published by Penguin Random House SEA.
Arrive at the right time, and you’ll get to hear from the speakers in the panel discussions, and even join them in workshops (if you’re lucky enough to grab a spot), where everything is laid bare on the table – from their creative writing process to how they handle writer’s block with tips that can help land aspiring authors and curious readers in the next literature festival.
Make sure to also check out the book and craft market with plenty of bookish finds, from second-hand books and zines to stationery and handmade creations by local artists. Even if you resist adding another book to the collection already gathering dust on your shelves, chances are you'll head home with plenty of inspiration and a longer to-be-read list.
The one-day festival is on Saturday, August 22 from 10am-6pm at Bangkok Kunsthalle. Admission is free, but registration is required. Register here and receive an exclusive festival freebie.