There's a lot of arts events this month with at least eight major ones to head to, and this includes bookish events for lit nerds too. Have a look here:

The Resident Tourist Book Launch (Jan 9)

Troy Chin's The Resident Tourist is back for its 7th installation with a book launch. The series was borne out of Chin's displacement upon returning home after having spent some time in America. In this new volume, he tackles challenges of adulthood. The session starts at 4pm. Books Kinokuniya, Free

Bad B!tch Poetics by Sally Wen Mao (Jan 9)

Aspiring writers or Lena Dunham wannabes, check out this edgy and fun workshop by Sally Wen Mao, which embraces the theme of being a "bad b!tch" in creative writing. Apart from drawing inspiration from poets like Marilyn Chin and Bhanu Kapil, participants will also analyse work from Beyonce, Missy Elliot, Nicki Minaj and all the other independent women in pop culture who don't let anyone mess with them. The Arts House, $50.

Speakeasy (Jan 13)

Divya Victor

Hosted by poet Pooja Nansi, Singapore's emerging and well-known poets will perform pieces inspired by animalistic instincts in their monthly spoken word series, "Speakeasy." Marc Nair, Divya Victor, Shivram Gopinath will touch on wrath, lust and gluttony, among other themes. Artistry, free.

Shape of a Bird (Jan 15-16)

Written by Jean Tay, this play is part of the M1 Fringe Festival and tells the surreal story of a mother trapped in a prison cell, fending off a jailor who wants to force a confession out of her, all the while trying to write stories and letters to her daughter. Everything comes to a head when the mother has to choose between her daughter and her stories. Esplanade Recital Studio, $22.

The Grand Slam (Jan 29)

Stephanie Dogfoot

Usually a fixture at Artistry, Story Slam Singapore is upgrading to a bigger, sexier venue for its big Grand Slam, where eight storytellers pit themselves against one another. Among the eight finalists are Becca D'Bus, who may or may not tell a cheeky tale and Stephanie Dogfoot of The Sekaliwags fame.  Esplanade Recital Studio, $30-42.