Lapidus International Publishing Launches with Poetry Anthology Celebrating Marginalised Voices

Lapidus International is proud to announce the launch of Lapidus Publishing, a new imprint dedicated to uplifting underrepresented voices through writing for wellbeing. 

Its inaugural project, Flight, is a vibrant poetry anthology that brings together powerful work from writers affiliated with three Bristol-based organisations: Misfits Theatre Company (led by people with learning disabilities), Diverse UK (supporting autistic adults), and Bristol Drugs Project’s Lyrically Lifted (working with individuals impacted by drug and alcohol use).

Flight is the first in a series of publications funded by Plumb Lines, a legacy gift made to Lapidus International in memory of poet and disability rights advocate Katrina Plumb. 

The project supports writing for wellbeing initiatives that give voice to those who are often unheard in mainstream literature and publishing.

Its aim is to showcase what is possible when creativity and inclusivity come together, and signals the start of a wider effort by Lapidus Publishing to provide platforms for poetry, essays, and hybrid works that reflect the full range of human experience.

The anthology will be launched at Creative Bridges 2025, Lapidus International’s biennial online conference, taking place on 13–14 September 2025. The conference gathers writers, researchers, and practitioners to explore the therapeutic and transformational power of words. To mark the occasion and honour the voices within the book, free digital copies will be made available to festival attendees.

“We’re thrilled to share this powerful collection with the world,” Regina Beach, Editor of the Plumb Lines Project told us at That's Books and Entertainment. 

“The writers in Flight have created deeply moving work that reflects resilience, identity, and hope. Our goal is to elevate stories that deserve to be heard, and this is only the beginning.”

FACTFILE:-

Lapidus International is a UK-based organisation that champions writing for wellbeing across therapeutic, educational, and creative settings. 

Plumb Lines is a legacy-funded project managed by Lapidus, designed to support writing initiatives that engage underrepresented or marginalised groups in creative expression and healing through words.

https://lapidus.org.uk

Cambridge Literary Festival’s Winter Festival returns Sat 22- Sun 23 November

The Cambridge Literary Festival is back. Their winter edition is now on sale and this November they present literary heavyweights, stars of stage and screen, academics, journalists, crime writers plus a former First Minister of Scotland. 

Highlights include outstanding novelists Zadie Smith and Ian McEwan, Mick Herron of Slow Horses fame, Katie Piper, John Cleese marking 50 years since Fawlty Towers was on our TV screens and Larry Lamb of Gavin & Stacey fame. Join them this November for their twice-yearly celebration of the written word.

Zadie Smith makes a welcome return to discuss her thrilling collection of essays Dead and Alive; Former First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon joins us in a sure to be riveting conversation with fellow Scot and Festival Honorary Patron Ali Smith; Mick Herron makes his much awaited debut at the festival with the next instalment in his Slough House series.

An unmissable and continent-spanning conversation will take place between international barrister Philippe Sands and Colombian writer Juan Gabriel Vásquez; veteran news presenter and broadcaster John Suchet, shares his passion for the music of Beethoven in his deeply personal book In Search of Beethoven.

Emerging from the Cambridge Footlights, John Cleese makes his first appearance at the festival to celebrate 50 years of Fawlty Towers; their always enlightening Cambridge Series welcomes two eminent academics. 

Fellow and Associate Professor of Downing College Bonnie Lander Johnson discusses how we became so disconnected from nature and offers some hope in her book Vanishing Landscapes; and, with too many accolades to mention, Partha Dasgupta is the Frank Ramsey Professor of Economics and a Fellow of St. John’s College and will share his latest book On Natural Capital in which he makes the case for bringing economics and ecology together to save the natural world and thereby save ourselves.

Natalie Haynes continues to stand up for the Classics with her latest show, No Friend to this House, which gloriously reimagines the myth of Medea.

Other confirmed writers include beloved poet Wendy Cope with her Collected Works; BBC's Chief International Correspondent Lyse Doucet discussing The Finest Hotel in Kabul: A people’s history of Afghanistan.

Scientist Tim Gregory on Going Nuclear, which makes the case for nuclear power to tackle our climate and energy crisis. 

Inspirational Katie Piper empowers us to reimagine aging; former President of the Supreme Court, Lady Hale joins once more to give an entertaining top-to-bottom tour of the legal system; Cambridge cook, writer and journalist Bee Wilson shares her latest, The Heart Shaped Tin, which will resonate with all of us; Ukrainian food writer and chef Olia Hercules shares her latest book Strong Roots: A Ukrainian Family Story of War, Exile and Hope; and local writer Megan Hunter has done it again with another exceptional novel, Days of Light.

www.cambridgeliteraryfestival.com

10 Perfect Christmas Gifts for Book Lovers

Finding the right present for the bookworm in your life doesn’t have to be difficult. 

Whether they love curling up with a novel, collecting beautiful editions, or adding to their bookish accessories, these Christmas gift ideas are sure to delight any reader.

1. Special Edition Classics

From clothbound editions of Dickens to illustrated versions of Tolkien, a beautifully bound book makes a timeless and thoughtful present.

2. Book Subscription Boxes

Give the gift that keeps on giving with a monthly delivery of surprise books, often paired with treats like chocolate, tea, or themed gifts.

3. Audiobook Memberships

Perfect for commuters or multi-taskers, an Audible or similar subscription means they can enjoy stories on the go.

4. Personalised Bookmarks

A handmade or leather bookmark engraved with their name or favourite quote adds a special touch to their daily reading.

5. Cosy Reading Lights

Clip-on lights, stylish lamps, or even rechargeable book lights make reading in bed or on dark evenings easier.

6. Tote Bags with Literary Quotes

Book lovers always need something sturdy to carry their next haul from the bookshop—bonus points if it’s decorated with a witty or classic line.

7. Literary-Themed Candles

Scents inspired by libraries, favourite characters, or classic novels create the perfect cosy atmosphere for reading.

8. Hampers for Reading Nights

Put together a hamper with a great novel, a soft blanket, festive hot chocolate, and maybe a few biscuits. It’s the perfect night in.

9. Gift Cards to Independent Bookshops

If you’re not sure what’s on their “to be read” pile, a gift card lets them choose while supporting a local shop.

10. Book Stands and Holders

Ideal for hands-free reading, whether for a cookery book in the kitchen or a novel on the sofa.

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New Baby Names for Progressive, Liberal or "Woke" Parents

Here's a playful yet thoughtful list of original and inventive names that might appeal to progressive, liberal, or "woke" parents—those who value inclusivity, sustainability, social justice, and modern ideals. 

Each name includes a brief explanation of its origin and symbolic meaning:

Ecoa

Origin: A blend of "eco" (ecology) and a melodic vowel ending

Meaning: Symbolises harmony with nature and commitment to sustainability.

Equell

Origin: From "equal" + a soft suffix to evoke elegance

Meaning: Stands for justice, fairness, and the hope of a balanced world.

Novara

Origin: Neo-Latin inspired; from "nova" (new) and "era"

Meaning: Represents a new age of thinking and breaking with old limitations.

Veridee

Origin: Inspired by “verity” (truth) and “idee” (idea in French)

Meaning: Embodies honesty, intellectual freedom, and speaking truth to power.

Lumix

Origin: Fusion of "lumen" (light) and a techy-sounding suffix

Meaning: Light-bringer; symbolises clarity, transparency, and futuristic vision.

Gaian

Origin: From "Gaia", the Earth Mother in Greek mythology

Meaning: Celebrates the interconnectedness of life and ecological awareness.

Paxley

Origin: Derived from “pax” (peace) and the -ley suffix found in English place names

Meaning: Signifies peacefulness, sanctuary, and community spirit.

Thinka

Origin: A whimsical name based on “thinker” with a softer, more lyrical tone

Meaning: Encourages curiosity, reflection, and mindfulness.

 Zenithra

Origin: From "zenith" (the highest point) and an invented feminine suffix

Meaning: Suggests aspirations, reaching for the best, and inner strength.

Juston

Origin: Derived from “justice” and fashioned like a classic name

Meaning: Speaks to fairness, equity, and standing up for what’s right.

Cloude

Origin: A poetic spelling of "cloud", evoking nature and digital age blending

Meaning: Symbolises both freedom of thought and environmental awareness.

Ashwyn

Origin: From "ash" (renewal through fire) and “wyn” (joy in Old English)

Meaning: Represents rebirth, hope, and optimism after difficult times.

Trueva

Origin: A fusion of “truth” and “eva” (life)

Meaning: Living authentically and truthfully in a complex world.

How to Set Up and Run a Book Reading Club

A book reading club is a wonderful way to bring people together to share their love of literature, discover new perspectives, and engage in thoughtful discussions. 

Whether you're starting a club with friends, colleagues, or strangers, this guide will help you establish and manage a successful reading group.

Step 1: Define Your Club’s Purpose

Start by deciding on the focus of your book club. Will it be a general reading group, or will it have a specific theme, such as:

Genre-based: Focusing on mysteries, science fiction, or romance.

Author-focused: Exploring the works of a particular writer.

Topical: Reading books about history, social issues, or self-improvement.

Community-oriented: Highlighting local authors or culturally significant works.

Defining a clear purpose will help attract like-minded members and ensure everyone’s expectations align.

Step 2: Recruit Members

Consider who you’d like to join your club. Start by inviting friends, family, or colleagues. You can also:

Post on social media or local community boards.

Use platforms like Meetup or Facebook groups.

Advertise in local libraries, coffee shops, or bookshops.

Aim for a group size of 6 to 12 people. This ensures a diverse range of perspectives while keeping discussions manageable.

Step 3: Choose a Meeting Format

Decide how and where your club will meet. Options include:

In-person meetings: At someone’s home, a library, or a local café.

Virtual meetings: Using platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Hybrid meetings: Combining in-person and virtual participation.

Set a regular schedule, such as monthly or bi-monthly, and agree on a convenient day and time for members.

Step 4: Select Books

Choosing the right books is crucial for keeping members engaged. Here are some tips:

Rotate book selection among members to ensure variety.

Create a voting system to decide as a group.

Consider the length and complexity of books to accommodate different reading paces.

Mix classics, contemporary works, and lesser-known titles.

Plan the reading list a few months in advance to give everyone time to obtain and read the books.

Step 5: Prepare for Meetings

To keep discussions lively and meaningful, prepare in advance:

Discussion questions: Create or find questions that explore themes, characters, and the author’s intent.

Background research: Share information about the author or historical context of the book.

Activities: Consider themed snacks, creative projects, or guest speakers to enhance the experience.

Encourage members to jot down notes or favourite quotes while reading to share during the meeting.

Step 6: Facilitate Discussions

As the organiser, your role is to ensure everyone feels heard and included. Here are some tips:

Start with a brief summary of the book.

Use open-ended questions to spark discussion.

Encourage quieter members to share their thoughts.

Respect differing opinions and keep the conversation on track.

Step 7: Evaluate and Adjust

Periodically review how the club is functioning. Ask members for feedback on:

Book selections

Meeting frequency and format

Discussion quality

Use this feedback to make adjustments and ensure the club remains enjoyable and fulfilling for all members.

Final Thoughts

Starting and running a book reading club requires some effort, but the rewards are well worth it. By fostering a welcoming environment and engaging discussions, you’ll create a space where members can connect, learn, and grow together. 

So, gather your books, rally your members, and let the literary adventures begin!