How do we find radical and profound empathy for ourselves and others in the face of even the thorniest facets of the human experience?
Join acclaimed writer Lydi Conklin as they present their electrifying debut novel Songs of No Provenance, a visceral exploration of shame, desire, and the cost of artistic authenticity through the eyes of indie folk singer Joan Vole.
Joan Vole has spent years teetering on the edge of fame, but after committing a shocking sexual act onstage, she flees New York with the threat of an internet storm looming over her. Seeking refuge at a writing camp for teenagers in rural Virginia, Joan is forced to question her own toxic relationship to artmaking—and her complicated history with a friend and mentee—while finding new hope in her students and a deepening intimacy with a nonbinary artist and fellow camp staff member.
Join us as Lydi boldly navigates the treacherous waters of kink, shame, queer appropriation, fame hunger, and cancel culture, all while asking how we might forge new futures for ourselves when our past threatens to consume us.
"Lydi Conklin has gathered up slippery ideas about art-making and desire and mentorship and gender and plunged an antihero for the ages... a raw, empathetic novel of exceptional power." Carmen Maria Machado

The ‘stream and book’ package includes a unique ticket for the stream, and a copy of Songs of No Provenance (RRP £16.99) deliverable to any UK or international address.
The event will initially be broadcast on 15 July at 6.30pm UK time. It will be available to view up to two weeks after the event has ended and can be accessed Worldwide. If you live in a time zone that does not suit the initial broadcast time you can watch it at any point after the initial showing for two weeks.
If you have any questions, please email [email protected].