Events

12 November 2025 [6:30-8:30 PM]

The Cromwell Arms, Fore Street, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AE

The Writing Social is a monthly gathering to work on whatever you’re working on among fellow writers. All abilities welcome – just bring yourself and whatever you’re currently writing on whatever form you prefer (laptops, notebooks, phones, post-its, etc).

We meet on the second Wednesday of each month to write silently together. Here’s how it runs.

6:30PM – Doors open, get settled, say hello
6:45PM – Silent Writing Block #1 Begins
7:30PM – Break, chat about the work; option to head off
7:45PM – Silent Writing Block #2 Begins
8:30PM – Social Ends

It’s a great mix of people at all points in their writing journey. At recent Writing Socials, people were editing articles, starting new stories, and refining novel drafts. So bring whatever you’re working on – or hoping to start – and let’s write together.

This event is free.

14 November 2025 [4:00-5:00PM]

In the Shop, 54 Fore Street, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AE

Save Your Seat here // Free with ticket

Celebrate Madeline Dyer’s new Dartmoor-inspired mystery for middle grade readers. The delightfully prolific Chudleigh-based author Madeline Dyer is back with her first book for young readers. She’s infused it with all of the dark magic and mystery that you’d expect from the Lamba Literary Award finalist of the Untamed and Roseheart Ballet YA series.

Madeline will introduce us to Cally Harper’s Dartmoor – full of legends and witches. Then, she will lead us through a local legend creative writing session. All materials will be provided. She will also hang around after the session to answer any questions and sign copies of her newest book, which will be available through First Draft Books.

This is a free but ticketed event. Recommended for ages 8+. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

19 November 2025 [5:30-7:30PM]

The Cromwell Arms, Fore Street, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AE

Calling all you readers in Bovey Tracey who are looking for dedicated time each month to read amongst friends. Grab whatever you’re reading, however you’re reading it and join us in the Cromwell Arms for a bit of friendly, bookish chitchat and silent reading.

How it works:

+ 5:30pm – arrive, get settled, chitchat
+ 6:00pm – the silent reading hour
+ 7:00pm – more chitchat about what we read
+ 7:30pm – wrap up

All readers welcome, no purchase necessary! No need to register – just pop in. See you there & happy reading!

20 November 2025 [5:30-7:30PM]

Upstairs @ TQ BeerWorks, 1A Abbey Crescent, Torquay

Calling all you readers in Torbay who are looking for dedicated time each month to read amongst friends. Grab whatever you’re reading, however you’re reading it and join us upstairs at TQ BeerWorks for a bit of friendly, bookish chitchat and silent reading.

How it works:

+ 5:30pm – arrive, get settled, chitchat
+ 6:00pm – the silent reading hour
+ 7:00pm – more chitchat about what we read
+ 7:30pm – wrap up

All readers welcome, no purchase necessary. And no need to register in advance – just pop in. See you there & happy reading!

2 December 2025 [7:00-8:30PM]

In the Shop, 54 Fore Street, Bovey Tracey TQ13 9AE

JOIN THE CLUB // £5. Please reserve your spot in advance.

The final Curious Readers Club of 2025 is going to be a cracker. Join us on 2 December from 7-8:30pm to dig into Colony by Annika Norlin, translated by Alice E. Olsson.

We will dig into all the big ideas and small moments that made us feel the feelings. Annika will join us virtually from Sweden to answer our questions. Plus, when you register for this event, you get 10% off the book when you buy it in the shop (£10.99 RRP).

What to expect:

+ 7:00pm – Settle in with a drink & a biscuit

+ 7:15pm – Book club chat commences

+ 7:30pm – Q&A with Annika Norlin

+ 8:00pm – Book club chat continues

+ 8:30pm – End of event

Curious Readers Club is a book club for, you guessed it, curious readers. Books are selected by Leslie at First Draft Books with an eye towards unique, thought-provoking debut titles. Always in paperback. Always discussion-worthy. Join us!

About the book

A mega bestseller in Sweden — and winner of two of its biggest literary awards — Colony is a gripping portrayal of contemporary society and its alternatives. Burnt-out from a demanding job and a bustling life in the city, Emelie has left town to spend a few days in the country. Once there, in the peaceful, verdant hills, down by the river she encounters a mysterious group of seven people, each with personal stories full of pain, alienation, and the longing to live differently.

They are misfits, each in their own way, and all led by the enigmatic and charismatic Sara. How did they end up there? Are they content with the rigid roles they’ve been assigned? And what happens when an outsider appears and is initially drawn to their alternative lifestyle, but cannot help stirring things up? A masterful blend of humour, emotion, unforgettable characters, and sharp social commentary, Colony is a magnetic and deeply touching story about love, community, and the unfathomable power we have over others and that others have over us.

4 February 2026 [7:00-9:00 PM]

Moretonhampstead Community Club, 17 Court Street, TQ13 8NE

SOLD OUT // To join the waitlist, email Leslie at [email protected].

Tickets: £20 per person

Good food, good books, good company. The perfect trio! The Van du Pain and First Draft Books invite you to join us at From Page to Plate’s first literary supper club of 2026.

How does it work?

–> We cook up a delicious two-course meal inspired by a great book. And it’s BOYB – we’ll have water but you can bring anything else you might enjoy.

–> We provide prompts throughout the evening to support an engaging conversation about the boo

–> You enjoy a wonderful evening of delicious food and rich discussion at your table.

Our next literary supper club will be inspired by Glorious Exploits by Ferdia Lennon, a funny & raucous story about the healing power of art in dark times. Set in Ancient Sicily among ancient Greek soldiers, expect a meal that fuses Italian and Greek cuisine.

You can request a copy of the book through your order form today or pop into one of our shops (54 Fore Street, Bovey Tracey OR Zero Waste Moreton) later. You can also pick up the audiobook here, purchase the e-book here or order online for home delivery here – all of which support our independent bookshop.

Dietary restrictions will be accommodated where possible and with advance notice. Feel free to reach out to Leslie with any questions.

Bon appétit and happy reading!