News & Events
ONLINE WORKSHOP
July 18, 2026
Through the lens of a writer and artist, we'll draw inspiration from the world around us, cultivating curiosity in the act of creation.
Join award-winning, bestselling author and ghostwriter, Cathryn Kemp, and internationally-recognised visual artist, Clarissa Shanahan, for a practical and inspiring online workshop on the creative process.
Develop your practice with creative writing prompts, guided visualisations and methods to overcome creative blocks, within a welcoming, inspiring space. Together, we'll explore where ideas come from, how to access our inner knowing and develop our creative intuition.
WORKSHOP
December 16, 2026 6pm - 8pm GMT
As we approach the darkest time of year, join award-winning author Cathryn Kemp as she delves into gothic fiction and how it continues to resonate today.
We’ll explore themes of mystery, horror and the supernatural, as well as settings, characters, dread and building the gothic world in your writing. With writing exercises and prompts, you’ll craft the uncanny alongside discussion.
Bring a pen, notebook or laptop and put the gothic into your fiction.
When: 6-8pm on Wednesday 16th December 2026
Where: Kemptown Bookshop, Brighton
Cost: £45 (including VAT)
new release
May 1, 2026
The upcoming release of THEY CAN'T BURN US ALL, mentioned in the New Titles: Fiction for August.
Release date is August 13, 2026.
Pre-orders available HERE
Workshop
Begins March and September 2026
The Creative Writing Programme has been carefully designed to develop your understanding of the craft of writing, to provide you with the support and structure you need to push your skills to another level and to complete a planned writing project.
Workshop
7-11 December 2026
On the newest of our themed four-night writing retreats, Cathryn Kemp, author of award-winning novel, A Poisoner’s Tale, will help you dive into the murky depths of writing witches.
Podcast
7 November 2025
In this episode we are diving back to Renaissance Italy to learn more about a circle of women poisoners, and the men they chose to murder. Podcast on Betwixt the Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal and Society
Kate is joined by Cathryn Kemp, author of historical novel, 'A Poisoner's Tale'.
Award
15 October 2025
Cathryn Kemp's complex and powerful novel, "A Poisoner's Tale" shortlisted for the 2025 Debut Crown Award.
Event
UK Ghost Story Festival Event in Derby’s Museum of Making
22 February 2025
Cathryn will be speaking as part of the ‘Witchcraft in Fiction Panel’ at the UK Ghost Story Festival.
Event
6 February 2025
Cathryn will read from her book, answer questions and sign copies. 10% off all books at the event in Haworth.
Interview
21 October 2024
An in-depth Q & A on the popular blog, BooksByYourBedside.org, Cathryn Kemp discusses the process and ideas behind her novel, A Poisoner's Tale.
Event
4 September 2024
Book signing, reading and in conversation with author Rachel Blackmore
Article
10 July 2024
She is the legendary serial killer you may not have heard of. Giulia Tofana, a woman famed for the undetectable poison she unleashed upon the unsuspecting husbands of 17th-century Palermo and Rome.
Read this fascinating article by Cathryn Kemp on History.
EVENT
August 27, 2026
Cathryn will be reading from and discussing her novel as well as answering questions and signing copies, and will be held in person at the shop and online via Zoom.
Copies of They Can't Burn Us All, signed or otherwise can be purchased here: They Can't Burn Us All by Cathryn Kemp – Wave of Nostalgia
Tickets are £5. Attendees in person will receive a free drink - wine, tea or coffee and ALL attendees will be eligible for 10% off all books in the shop or online.
Wave of Nostalgia
74 Main Street, Haworth
Keighley, West Yorkshire BD22 8DP
Podcast
March 19, 2026
Professor Suzannah Lipscomb investigates the legend of Giulia Tofana, the so-called criminal mastermind behind a secret poison network. With historical novelist Cathryn Kemp, she uncovers the blurred line between truth and terror, reveals how the Pope hunted down a group of women who were not only independent businesswomen but who were striking back at abusive husbands across Italy..
Workshop
7-11 June 2026
Step into the shadows of the Gothic with CJ Cooke and Cathryn Kemp and discover how to craft fiction rich in atmosphere, tension, and emotional depth.
Award
19 November 2025
'A Posioner's Tale', Cathryn Kemp's gothic and spellbinding novel with poisoning and papal intrigue, wins the 2025 HWA Debut Crown Award.
Interview
30 April 2025
How tarot, a historic trial, and female rage inspired her bestselling novel, A Poisoner's Tale
Event
Nightshade: Cathryn Kemp In Conversation, at Van der Velde Boeken in the Netherlands
29 March 2025
Cathryn will be speaking as part of the ‘Nightshade’ event in Zwolle, Northeastern Netherlands.
Event
13 February 2025
Join us for an evening of conversation, hosted by Sarah Gwonyoma, to celebrate the paperback release of A Poisoner’s Tale.
Event
29 October 2024
Cathryn Kemp and Rosie Hewlett meet and discuss their books in time for the commencement of Halloween.
Event
22 September 2024
Cathryn Kemp and four other local published writers meet to talk about their work and the publishing process, hosted by Della Reynolds.
Event
11 July 2024
Book signing, reading and in conversation with book influencer @whatsarahreadnext
Interview
2 January 2013
Cathryn joins Kate on the Lorraine sofa to discuss her debut, "Painkiller Addict: From Wreckage to Redemption - My True Story"
