Scottish Arts Council - Literature notices

Browse the literature related notices and announcements including activities, opportunities and other key notices about literature in Scotland.

Opportunities & Jobs

Fielding Programme

The Fielding Programme is a specialist residency programme for new and early career writers. It offers the opportunity to develop professionally in the spectacular and inspiring surroundings of Cove Park on the west coast of Scotland. Having sold out our Spring programme, we are now taking bookings for this Autumn.

These unique residencies provide a special period of undisturbed time, along with informal one-to-one meetings with writer Polly Clark, and workshops with a small group of fellow residents. Private and high quality accommodation, along with opportunities to escape the page in the evenings and enjoy the company of other writers and the hosts, complete the package.

Our Autumn programme offers the same special combination of solitude and support, with the extra social dimension offered by the season: log fires, reading evenings, informal dinners. Join us this Autumn and make real progress with your work.

For more details please visit the fielding programme web site

(updated 2 July 2009)

Scottish Book Trust Mentoring Scheme

The Scottish Book Trust are currently open for applications for the 2009 mentoring scheme.

The Scottish Book Trust Mentoring Scheme is aimed at established and emergent writers, playwrights, screenwriters and author/illustrators who have a specific project on which they'd like some dedicated support. The purpose of the scheme is to offer support to writers and to create an environment in which the mentee will grow in confidence and find the skills required to unlock their potential and move forward in their writing careers.

Deadline: 10 July 2009

For more information:
website: www.scottishbooktrust.com/node/3759.

(updated 21 May)

Elthan College Seeks Writer-in-Residence

Eltham College, London, is seeking a published poet, novelist or playwright to work with the English Department for one term, three days a week beginning in September 2009.

This is an opportunity to be involved in encouraging and teaching writing with pupils across the age range of 11-18.

Further details and an application form are available from:
The Headmaster’s PA
Eltham College
Grove Park Road
London, SE9 4QF
Telephone: 0208 857 1455
email Eltham College
website: www.eltham-college.org.uk

(updated May 21)

Arvon Foundation Offers Free Places for Writers

Arvon has joined up with Arts Council England to provide 41 fully funded places (worth £575 each) to people who haven’t been on an Arvon course before and who are on low or no income.

The Arvon Foundation has been running week long residential writing courses in unique locations for over four decades. Led by published, professional writers, their courses are for every kind of writer. For writers who are just starting or for those more experiences, there is something for all abilities.

This offer is on a first-come, first-served basis. For further information:

website: www.arvonfoundation.org/open
phone: 020 7931 7611 for a brochure.

(updated 19 May)

Work In Progress - A Critical Reading Scheme For Scotland's Writers

HI~Arts’ successful critical assessment scheme for writers - Work In Progress - is now open to writers across Scotland.

Work In Progress has been available to writers living in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland for the last three years, and in that time over 200 unpublished manuscripts have been read and assessed.

From the beginning of April 2009, Work In Progress is available on a pilot project basis to writers across Scotland, and is open to writers working in adult general fiction (English, Scots and Gaelic), non-fiction, poetry (English, Scots and Gaelic), screen, radio and drama, and in fiction and non-fiction for children.

Work In Progress assessments are free, mutually anonymous and their reading panel is comprised of some of Scotland's (and the UK's) finest writers in their chosen field.

The project provides writers with a detailed report on their work that is constructive, honest and full of helpful pointers.

Full terms and conditions, an application form and guidelines for submissions are available for download from website www.hi-arts.co.uk/services-for-writers.htm

Any questions can be directed to workinprogress@hi-arts.co.uk

For press enquiries - please contact Peter Urpeth on 07827 974459.
(updated 9 Apr)

Fife Anthology Project: submissions invited

Writers who live in Fife or are connected to the region by birth, education or upbringing are invited to submit work for an anthology that will be published in 2009. Poetry, drama, short fiction or creative prose may be submitted but not full-length plays or novels, though self-contained extracts are acceptable. Prose submissions should not exceed 3000 words.

Work can be submitted as email attachments with author's details included. Ariel font should be used and text should be double spaced.

Submissions by post are also acceptable and should be typed on one side of the paper only with the sheets secured at the top-left corner. Each individual work should be clearly marked with the author's name and address.

Mail submissions should be accompanied by two stamped addressed envelopes, with sufficient postage (one for a receipt, the other for return of manuscripts).

Deadline: 31 July

Email: submissions@thedam.org.uk.
website: www.thedam.org.uk/

Address:
Dunfermline Arts and Media
35 Buffies Brae
Dunfermline
Fife, KY12 8ED

(updated 21 May)

Call for Entries: Artwork, Fiction and Poetry

Categories: Artwork, Photography & Sculpture, Fiction and Poetry
Three winners will be awarded £500 each
All finalists will be published in the Aesthetica Creative Works Annual, in stores December 2009
Entry to the 2009 Aesthetica Creative Works Competition is £10
This allows you to submit up to 5 images, 5 poems or 2 short stories
Closing date to receive Creative Works is 31 August 2009.

For full guidelines and to enter the competition please visit www.aestheticamagazine.com/submission_guide.htm

The 2008 Competition was a successful springboard for artists’ careers around the globe, with winners and finalists securing further exhibitions, commissions and publications. All of 2009’s winners and finalists will be published in the Aesthetica Annual, available nationwide through Borders Stores from December 2009. It is a great opportunity to bring your work to a wider audience.
(updated 29 Apr)

The National Poetry Competition 2009

The 32nd National Poetry Competition is now open for entries and represents a great opportunity for poets to have the spotlight put on their work.

First prize - £5,000
Second prize - £1,000
Third prize - £500

The winners will be published in Poetry Review, on the Poetry Society website, in Aesthetica Magazine and also get the chance to read at Ledbury Poetry Festival. This year’s judges are leading poets Daljit Nagra, Ruth Padel and Neil Rollinson. The competition judges poems anonymously, ensuring that the award often generates debate and shock wins for previously unknown writers.

Deadine for submissions: 31 October 2009

For further information visit the Poetry Society's website.
(updated 29 Apr)

New magazine seeks writers

Artartart, a quarterly online publication based in London, are looking for enthusiastic artists or creative writers to contribute articles and reviews to their magazine.

Artartart covers a broad range of artistic practices and interests. The magazine is currently in the process of expanding to include content from the whole of the United Kingdom. Please note that submissions at this point would be unpaid.

If you are interested in this opportunity, or have further questions please contact their Scottish Regional Editor John Routledge.
(updated 8 Apr)

The Bridport Prize 2009

The Bridport Prize is one of the top open writing prizes worldwide in both reputation and prize money. Prizes for short story and poetry categories:

First prize - £5,000
Second prize - £1,000
Third prize - £500
Ten runners up prizes of £50 each.

The Prize is open to anyone, including non-UK entrants, over the age of 16. 5000 words maximum for the short story; 42 lines mazimum for all poems. There is no limit to to the number of entires each entrant may submit.

Entry fees: £7 per story; £6 per poem.

Closing date: 30th June 2009.

Prizewinners will be notified in writing by the beginning of October 2009.

For full information see www.bridportprize.org.uk.
(updated 19 Mar 2009)

Call for submissions: CCA Glasgow

The Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Glasgow are looking for brave writers who are able to step outside the ordinary and command their readers to take note of a new perspective of reality.

The CCA are seeking contributions from writers, critics and artists for a newly launched quarterly publication named 2HB. The focus will be on short pieces of fiction and also creative critical pieces on the themes of eroticism, sci-fi, philosophical fiction, art as writing and detective fiction.

For more information on 2HB please see the CCA webpage. Please feel free to forward this email to interested parties.

If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact CCA’s Audience Development Intern Rosemary James.
(updated on 11 Dec)

Fielding Hothouse

Fielding Hothouse is an intensive weekend writing course running 18-20 September 2009. It brings together a small group of just eight early-stage writers and two specialist tutors in spectacular surroundings to give the very best possible start to your writing.

The tutors of Hothouse in 2009 are poet Polly Clark and novelist Toby Litt. Over the course of the weekend, students take part in writing classes led by each tutor, along with a Sunday morning group workshop. Hothouse students stay in Cove Park’s high quality individual self-catering accommodation where there is also time to reflect and write outside the workshops.

As there are so few places, it is advisable to book early. The only qualifications necessary are enthusiasm and commitment to your writing.

For more details and to book please visit

(updated 2 July)

Masterclass

A further treat for writers and readers of poetry is that Douglas Dunn has agreed to run a Masterclass on Tuesday 28 July at 11am in 131 Studio Theatre, Rutherford McCowan Building, The Crichton, Dumfries. Tickets £5.

Ring DGAA on 01387 253383 to book early for what will be a lively and stimulating masterclass on the craft of poetry. If you're looking for advice on developing your own skills, here’s a chance to get some helpful feedback from one of the foremost practioners of the craft.

Please submit any poems you wish to have considered by Friday 17 July by email

Douglas will then make a selection from the submitted poems to provide feedback in the masterclass. You can also attend the Masterclass as an audience member.

(updated 23 June)

Douglas Dunn

Monday 27 July we welcome Douglas Dunn, one of Scotland's foremost living poets, who will be reading his work in RBCFT.

Tickets will shortly be available from the RBCFT, £5.50/£4.10 concession, tel 01387 264808.

(updated 23 June)

Rab Wilson

Friday 17 July at 7.30pm will be Rab Wilson, winner of the McCash prize. Rab, a very popular reader of his own work, will be launching his new collection 'Life Sentence' in Bar DG at DG One in Dumfries.

Tickets will be available from DG One from 25 June onwards, £5.50/£4.10 concession, tel 01387 243550.

(updated 23 June)

Poetry Prizewinners and their Craft

DGAA will be hosting a mini season 'Poetry Prizewinners and their Craft' this July, the first event being none other than Jen Hadfield, winner of this year's T S Eliot prize. Jen will be reading from 'Nigh-No-Place', her winning collection, at the Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre on Wednesday 1 July at 7.30pm.

Tickets are available from the RBCFT, £5.50/£4.10 concession, tel 01387 264808.

(updated on 23 June)

Word Factory

The Tramway's own writing group offers the opportunity to explore creative writing and spoken word. This is an experimental workshop open to all who wish to explore creativity and words.

Word-work will aim to produce material, for use in public performance, in response to the theatre space, the ideas of the group and the gallery exhibitions and programme.

You will benefit from the support of the group and of the facilitator Marc R. Sherland, Chair of the Federation of Writers (Scotland).

Every Tuesday afternoon
from 12.30 – 3pm
Tue 13 Jan - 23 June
Free with a limited membership capacity.

For more information see the Tramway's website.
(updated 21 Apr)

Shore Poets

The Shore Poets is an informal collective that provides a platform for new poets to read alongside more well known names on the Scottish poetry scene. Each poet reads for 15 to 20 minutes and there are three 10 minute music spots during the evening. New readers and musicians are always welcome.

Readings are held on the last Sunday of every month at 7.45pm.

Admission £3 / concessions £2.

The Lot
4 – 6 Grassmarket
Edinburgh
EH1 2JU

http://www.shorepoets.org.uk/
(updated 21 Apr)

The Writing Room

Maggie McKernan, a leading editor-turned-literary-agent, has launched a new website consultancy, www.writing-room.co.uk, which offers aspiring writers the answer to the perennial question: how do I get publishers and agents to pay attention in today’s highly competitive market?

Based on her twenty years experience in UK publishing, working with many prize-winning writers including Ben Okri, Vikram Seth, Alasdair Gray and Andrew Greig, the new website consultancy is designed to bring the very best in professional market-led editorial advice and assessment to unpublished and published writers alike.

The new service will supply succinct, constructive and market-conscious reports on typescripts of all kinds, including fiction, memoir, non fiction, and young adults’. The service will also offer reports on synopses, on presenting work to publishers and agents, and will offer mentoring services to a limited number of writers. The Writing Room, which will be based in Edinburgh, will be distinguished by the commitment to writing and editing which Maggie will personally bring to bear on each and every typescript which is submitted to the consultancy. All reports and assessments will be either produced by her, or under her direction and supervision. Clients can expect to benefit from Maggie’s extensive range of contacts among agents and publishers, built up over her years as a Publishing Director and agent.

Initial contact should be made by email or by telephone. Further information is available on the website.

T: 01315571771

E: enquiry@writing-room.co.uk

W: www.writing-room.co.uk

(updated 18th June 2009)

MA in Creative Writing

A new MA in Creative Writing has been announced at Edinburgh’s Napier University, starting in September 2009. The course will be taught by novelist and screenwriter David Bishop, and literary journalist and critic Sam Kelly.

The course is aimed at aspiring writers who are seeking a career in the literary and cultural sector. Students will have the opportunity to have one-to-one mentoring, editorial support, make connections within the industry, the chance to take a module in screenwriting at Screen Academy Scotland and the opportunity to specialise in a particular commercial form of writing.

Applications are now being accepted – see the links below for more information:

Part time study
Full time study

For further information, an informal discussion or to arrange a visit, please contact:

Sam Kelly
Programme Leader – MA in Creative Writing

School of Arts & Creative Industries
Napier University
New Craig
Craighouse Campus
Edinburgh
EH10 5LG
T: 0131 455 6381
Email Sam Kelly
(updated 12 Mar)

Iona: Sense of Place

Residential Poetry Writing Course: 14 - 19 September 2009
Tutors: Stephanie Green and Mandy Haggith
Suitable for beginners - more experienced

Venue: (Accommodation at the Argyll or Columba Hotel, or private B&Bs on Iona). Important: the accommodation is to be booked separately direct to your hotel/B&B of choice. Beds are not reserved for the course but bookings will be taking on first come, first served basis. Interested parties should act quickly.

Workshops and dinner will be at the Argyll.

More information about the course can be found here: http://steph.green1.googlepages.com/ionasenseofplace

Cost: around £520 (or more dependant on room, hotel and menus chosen)
(updated 29 Apr)

Wildfire

Location: The Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh

Wildfire offers writers, poets, MCs, rappers - anyone who wants to have a go - a chance to take the Traverse 10 Minute Challenge. They'll give you a starting point - like “do a piece for three actors and a tuba” - and you come up with a completely new 10 minute work to be performed in the Bar Cafe.

A new challenge every month, new artists taking a chance, with a new resident performance poet to host, plus professional actors and a director to work with. If you’re an artist who’d like to take the challenge, contact Cheryl Martin or phone 0131 228 3223 for more details.
(updated 23 Apr)

Young Edinburgh Writers (YEW)

A monthly drop-in creative writing group for teenagers aged 13 -18 years. A great opportunity to meet other young people from across the city who enjoy writing.

The drop-in sessions are held on the last Thursday of the month from 4.30pm - 6.30pm at the South Bridge Resource Centre, Infirmary Street, (round the corner from Blackwells bookshop in South Bridge). All welcome. Cost is £5 (includes refreshments). Led by Dorothy Baird, poet and experienced writing tutor.

For more information contact Dorothy on 0131 449 3265 or email her on dorothybaird@tiscali.co.uk
(updated 9 Apr)

New retreat for writers and artists

Genoch Cottage, near the head of the Girvan Valley in South Ayrshire, has recently been refurbished to make the ideal space for creative work, and is now available as a retreat for writers and artists. The cottage would suit anyone seeking escape from city distractions to work on their writing, or indeed any other creative pursuit that would benefit from the peace and quiet.

There are two rooms available to let throughout the year at fixed, inclusive rates for short, medium or longer stays.

For more details, including photographs, rates and availability, visit the genoch cottage website.

(updated 12 Mar)

What’s your favourite Edwin Morgan poem?

The staff at the Scottish Poetry Library (SPL) invite you to tell them your favourite poem by Scotland’s national poet, Edwin Morgan. As part of the Edwin Morgan Archive project, the SPL staff are encouraging as many as possible to get involved.

Voting for your favourite is simple – just use the online form at www.spl.org.uk/edwin_morgan/submit_poem.htm.
(updated 3 Mar)

For other Literature news - go to the Literature news page.