Please note that we'll be on hiatus through the summer and will start things up again on September 21.
Other 2010 dates are: October 19, November 16, and possibly December 21.
Upcoming Salon information:
- September 21 2010 - Info coming soon!
- October 19 2010 - Info coming soon!
- November 16 2010 - Info coming soon!
- December 21 2010 - Info coming soon!
Past Salons:
May 18 2010 - Peter Urpeth joined us from Stornoway to speak about his writing journey. He did a few readings of poetry and from his novel Far Inland.He also spoke with us about HI~Arts Writing Development, including their mentoring scheme and the Work in Progress programme.
We appreciate Peter taking the time out of his very busy life to pay us a visit!
May 18 2010 - We were pleased to welcome Moira Forsyth to the 18 May Literary Salon. Moira kindly explained the acquisitions and publishing process to us, using examples from her work as Commissioning Editor of Sandstone Press.Moira also talked with us about her own writing, and her experiences working with agents and publishers large and small throughout her career. She also read from her new book, Tell Me Where You Are.
Moira is an inspiring and encouraging writer, and our group discussions continued long after her presentation was finished. We appreciate her time and hope she will join us again for future events.
April 20 2010 - Our own Angus Dunn entertained a small but lively crowd at the April Literary Salon.He shared many of his poems, including crowd favourite Blessing, and read from his book Writing in the Sand.
Angus shared insight into his writing life and answered the many questions about his work and his writing process.
We appreciate Angus taking the time to join us and look forward to seeing him at future salons.
March 16 2010 - In March, we had the privilege of hosting Sharon Blackie, co-founder of Two Ravens Press and an author in her own right, and Donald Paterson, author of "Homecomings", recently released by Two Ravens.Sharon gave us writers a much-appreciated primer on the publisher's end of the book business and talked about Two Ravens' unique author-publisher model.
Donald described his long, but satisfying journey from idea to published novel, and read to us from his debut novel.
The only disappointment of the evening was that Sharon and Donald didn't bring enough books for purchase and signing.
Those who missed out on buying Sharon's "The Long Delirious Burning Blue" or Donald's "Homecomings", can click on the book titles to order their copy from Two Ravens Press.
February 16 2010 - We were thrilled to have Simon Varwell as our guest at the February Salon. Simon entertained us with excerpts of his new novel "Up The Creek Without A Mullet" and anecdotes from the many trips which filled the book.Quite a few people stuck around afterwards, chatting to Simon about the process of writing a "travelogue", which seemed to be an idea many people have had, but never pursued.
Due to illness, Simon's publisher, Sandstone Press director Moira Forsyth, was unable to join us. We wish her a speedy recovery and hope to see her in the coming months.
A hit, as usual, it was great to see everyone. We hope that you can all join us for the next salon on March 16.
January 19 2010 - It was standing room only at the Glen Mhor for the January salon. We're delighted that Kevin MacNeil could join us, and hearing the world premiere of a scene from his new novel was a treat. Kevin also shared some poetry and lyrics with us, and discussed many aspects of writing, publishing, agents, and literature.It was great to see some new faces, and hope that you can all join us on February 16.
December 15 2009 - A very last-minute venue change did not deter our December Literary Salon, and we crowded into a corner of McNab's to hear Jennifer Thomson talk about local literary magazine Random Acts of Writing. We also heard a reading of Chris Matthews' Inverness Book Festival prizewinning story by Stewart Lackie (pictured).
Thanks to everyone who braved the weather for the evening, and we look forward to catching up again in January.
November 17 2009 - The November Literary Salon featured Janis Mackay, who shared much about her writing career, her former positions as writer-in-residence in Caithness and Sutherland, and the success of her first children's book, "Magnus Fin and the Ocean Quest", which won the 2009 Kelpies Prize. We appreciate her driving down to Inverness from Dunbeath, Caithness, and enjoyed her inspiring talk.Many of those in attendance wanted to meet again in December, so we will go ahead with the December 15th Literary Salon. Hope to see you there!
October 27 2009 - The inaugural Highland Literary Salon featured Cynthia Rogerson (author of "Upstairs in the Tent" and "Love Letters from My Death-bed"), who led a discussion about writing opportunities in the Highlands. She focused on the 2010 schedule at Moniack Mhor, the Arvon centre near Inverness. We appreciate Cynthia’s time and congratulate her on her new novel which will come out in 2010.