Salons
Upcoming Salon information:Past Salons:
January 2011 - Thanks to Nicola Morgan for presenting two inspiring events for our January Salon. She gave an excellent workshop about what makes publishers say yes and what makes them say no, including specific reasons for rejection such as consistency in voice and narrative drive. Her Salon event focused on her prolific writing career and included readings from two of her books, including Wasted, which is up for numerous awards in 2011. We eagerly await the publication of her book Write to be Published in June. Until then, see her blog (http://writetobepublished.co.uk/the-blog-help/) for her no-nonsense writing advice.
November 2010 - We were delighted to welcome literary agent Jenny Brown (www.jennybrownassociates.com) to our November Salon. Jenny presented a workshop which focused on the various meanings of 'no', the information that is expected in a query letter, and how to create a pitch that will entice agents and publishers. A few fearless volunteers read out their pitches, and Jenny gave frank and constructive advice about how to make them better. After a short break, Jenny launched into a lively and interesting discussion of the publishing industry, from last week's bestsellers to next year's e-books. She also gave us some insight about what an agent does - she can receive 1000 submissions in a month! - and what we can do to ensure agents and publishers take notice of our work.We were happy to see so many new faces and hope to welcome you again soon. A heartfelt thank you to Jenny for spending time with us and helping us to better understand the commercial side of writing.
October 19 2010 - For our first anniversary, we tried out a new concept that proved both creative and stimulating. Keith Gray came up from Edinburgh to give a workshop entitled Developing as a Writer. He discussed how structure and style are crucial to any writer's work, and through well-considered exercises he got us all writing. After a short break, our regular Salon event began, and Keith told us about his path to becoming a writer and how he continues to challenge himself by encouraging young writers and editing short story collections. He also gave a short reading from Ostrich Boys, his most recent novel.We're delighted that so many people turned out for both the workshop and the Salon event. Thanks to Keith for presenting two excellent events, and for a successful inaugural workshop.
Here is a link to Keith's workshops, made during his time as Scottish Booktrust Virtual Writer-in-Residence. (http://www.scottishbooktrust.com/children-and-young-people/creative-writing/keith-gray)
September 21 2010 - Chris Powici spoke to a packed room of writers at our September Salon.Chris is a poet and teacher and is the new editor of Northwords Now.
Chris read us some of his poetry and shared a bit about his writing practice. He also answered our many questions about his involvement with Northwords Now, including insight into what writers can do to increase their chances of publication in a literary magazine.
Many of us stayed after to talk with Chris. We appreciate his time!
June 15 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 "travelogue" "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 prize-winning 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.