MUST DO: Brixton BookJam

In the mood for a pre-Christmas literature fix? Head to Brixton’s Hootananny next Monday night for the quarterly Brixton Book Jam, featuring 12 writers reading five-minute excerpts of their work. Yep, five minutes – this really is flash fiction.

We’re particularly excited to hear Hebrides-born author Kevin MacNeil reading from his forthcoming novel The Brilliant & Forever for the first time in London. The uber-talented Kevin is a contributor to our sister paper the Kentishtowner – read his thoughtful piece on the link between cycling and creativity here – and has lived in south London for the past three years.

“I’m looking forward to previewing my new book in London,” says Kevin. “I guarantee it’s the best book you’ve ever read featuring a talking alpaca.” Yes, you did read that right – The Brilliant & Forever is a cross between a music festival and a writing competition, in book form, and a talking alpaca is one of its main characters. We’ve had a sneak peek at the book (which is out in March) and can say that if offbeat humour and lyrical writing are up your street, you’ll love it.

The other authors reading at the event include poet and novelist Richard Skinner, Fraser McAlpine reading from his incisive Stuff Brits Like, and Metro journalist Jenny Stallard, author of Boyfriend By Christmas. So there’s something for every taste – plus hot food, and plenty of booze.

Best of all? It’s free entry – and you don’t even need a ticket.