Engage, Connect & Meet the Author J L Givens

Join J.L. Givens for heartfelt author talks, inspiring literary gatherings, lively local markets, and the much-loved Cuppa, Cake & Courage tour — an intimate spoken-word experience where stories, poetry, honesty and community come together over a cuppa and a slice of cake.

Each event is an invitation to slow down, listen, feel, and connect — with words, with one another, and with the courage it takes to share our stories. We can’t wait to welcome you.

Cuppa, Cake & Courage: a woman's words tour

Cuppa, Cake & Courage is J.L. Givens’ intimate spoken-word and poetry experience, blending storytelling, reflection, and gentle conversation in cosy café and community spaces.

Through original poetry, personal stories, and shared moments, these events explore themes of resilience, identity, love, loss, mental health, and finding courage in everyday life — all enjoyed with a cuppa and a slice of cake.

Warm, welcoming, and deeply human, Cuppa, Cake & Courage is a space to feel, connect, and remember that you’re not alone.

Book Tickets

Inspiring young minds: children's workshops

Jlgivens is dedicated to creating inclusive and adaptable spaces for all children through our workshops and events. We strive to deliver meaningful, fulfilling, and energising talks that spark imagination and a love for reading. Watch your child's creativity blossom in a fun and welcoming environment. All of my children's workshops and events are an inclusive and adaptable space for all and I strive to give meaningful and fulfilling energising talks.

Book a workshop

Discover J L Givens upcoming event appearances

From insightful author talks and bustling local market appearances to vibrant literary events and grand book festivals, there’s always something exciting happening with J L Givens If an event sparks your interest and holds space for you or your child, simply click the booking link provided within the event details or email us directly at hello@jlgivens.co.uk to secure your spot. Please note, all free events will have limited spaces.

Guest Tour Guide

I am delighted to be a guest tour guide on select dates with Paisley Tours for their Witch Walking Tours. Tickets from £22.50*

Including a private reading of The Witch & the Snitch

Final date Sunday 19th April 11am

Book through Paisley Tours Direct

Cuppa, Cake & Courage

Tuesday 28th April

Colette's Cairn, Lochwinnoch

6.30-8pm (£8*)

Meet & Greet

Barrhead Foundry

Saturday 9th May Free Entry

Books for sale retailing from £9.99 all signed & dedicated

Meet & Greet

Bargarran Community Centre

10am -1pm

Come and learn all about the Bargarran Witches and local history

Free to be me - Meet J L Givens & Team

Big Heroes in Tiny Shoes - My workshop coming to PAISLEY BOOK FESTIVAL in May 2026 Book your FREE ticket to come to my workshop at Paisley Central Library

Pop up Book Shop - Montrose

Join me on Friday 12th June from 9.30 -4.30 in the pop up shop in Montrose for a meet, greet, chat and book signing

Free Entry

Comet Festival- Port Glasgow

Join me at the Authors tent at the Comet Festival this summer on Saturday 20th June in Port Glasgow

Solas Festival - Perth

Booked your tickets for the Solas Festival this year ? Join me for my workshop Big Brave Decisions – a Free to be me workshop and inclusive space for young people to explore the story and discover what makes each of us truly unique

Her Body Remembers – Tir Nah Nog

Join me for a one off exclusive workshop Her Body Remembers – Breaking Cycles & Rewriting Stories

Part of the Pagan Fellowship Festival (tickets for Festival must be purchased separately) tickets for my event are £8 and available on my ticketsource link

Literary Escape Festival Glasgow

Sunday 4th October tickets available for this event online with the merchant

General event enquiries

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Comments

Sharon Stalker

3 months ago

Love you, you are an inspiration and a sensational writer

Grace Lawrie

4 months ago

Sent a preview copy of The Girl they Targeted

This touching collection really helps the reader to process difficult emotions thanks to the author’s perseverance, openness and awareness.

Caileigh and Caisey's mum.

Oh my goodness, what a beautiful story for anybody who has went through loss and then brought home a rainbow baby. It's such a hard subject to tackle but this was handled so delicately and had me bubbling the whole story. Such a lovely story to read to your rainbow baby about their sibling and a beautiful way to keep your angel baby close and involved. It's Caisey's bedtime story and we always end it by saying goodnight to her big sister in heaven Caileigh. This is a moment I cherish every night as I effectively get to tuck them both into bed together.

Louise Wilson - Owner of Pagan Fellowship Events

Wow, what can I say, this hit home, truly powerful words, if you have ever been bullied or persecuted for just being you then these poems will connect with you. You will not only read them, you feel them in every part of your being. J.L again brings raw, powerful emotions through her words to connect with the reader by showing you parts of her soul, helping you reconnect with your own.

Anon

I cried reading many of the poems in Her Body Remembers, but the tears were not from sadness. They came from recognition. From seeing myself reflected in her words and feeling those deep, rooted similarities that come from being a woman. This book mis vulnerable and powerful in equal measure. It speaks to the way our bodies hold memory, pain, and resilience all at once. There is strength in these poems, not loud or forceful, but steady and true. Reading it felt both moving and empowering, like being gently reminded that I am not alone in what I carry.

Christina Enever

The Girl they Targeted - Beautiful!!!!!
J.L Givens opens herself in these poems to show wounds that don’t show on the outside- not only bullying but gas lighting, emotional abuse, and being made to feel “too much.” The poems don’t ask for pity but are a form of reclaiming self whist finally allowing the inner child to be comforted.
When I worked as a youth and community worker the biggest thing I struggled with was bullying- kids bullied at school and even home. As adults woman we are meant to be ‘over these things’. These poems address the fact that wounds are deep and often pushed down.
J L Givens brings these into the light, as a reader I am reminded of similar events in my own life and perhaps through reading these poems we allow ourselves to bring what’s dark into light- tell our younger self her feelings are not ‘too much’ and allow her to heal.

Iain Denham

"While I've never been one for poetry, I found what I read both moving and thought-provoking. From great hardships to regaining inner strength, I consider this truly worthwhile reading material." – Her Body Remembers

Stephanie O

The Girl They Targeted by J.L Givens - Review

I am so honoured to have been sent an ARC of J.L Givens new upcoming book to read and review. @j.l_authorofficial

The book centres around and will resonate most with those who have endured emotional abuse, and difficult mother daughter relationships and or been bullied in the past or are still being taunted now.

What an absolute heart wrenching beautiful story of how to overcome and defy the gaslighting and shaming of bullies. The poems were so carefully curated to show strength and resilience whilst healing yourself from the hurt of childhood.

I particularly loved "Why can't you just..." as I feel there is a lot of pressures surrounding women to shrink themselves and conform to please others and this simultaneously resonated with me and broke my heart at the same time.

It's a beautiful collection of poems and I cannot wait to get a physical copy in my hands when it is released. Thank you for creating and trusting me with these poems.