13th-19th November is Book Week Scotland, a week dedicated to celebrating the importance of books and reading. It is run by the Scottish Book Trust, a charity that aims to promote accessibility to books, particularly for children who might otherwise not have opportunities to read, and to engage people of all ages with reading.
There is plenty to get involved with throughout the week. As well as live events, the Scottish Book Trust website offers a variety of materials for readers and writers alike, ranging from tips on getting back into reading and guides on diversifying what we read, to advice on writing and getting published.
Here’s a roundup of just a few of the events taking place in Edinburgh next week.
Monday 13th November
Meet the Author: Serafina Crolla
18.30-19.30, Edinburgh Central Library, free (reserve in advance)
A conversation with Italian author Serafina Crolla, author of memoir The Wee Italian Girl and a coming of age novel, Domenica. Crolla’s stories explore themes of identity and belonging, partly through her own experience as being a part of Scotland’s vast Italian immigrant population.
Writing Historical Fiction – Forgotten Voices
19.30-20.30, Typewronger Books, free (reserve in advance)
Panel event featuring writers of historical fiction: Flora Johnston, Rob McInroy, L.A, Kristiansen and Carol Margaret Davison.
The event will tackle questions such as; how do we write and rewrite history in novels? Where lies the distinction between fact and fiction? How are novels useful in helping us to understand history, and interrogate its biases?
Tuesday 14th November
Plain Sight, a Writing Workshop with Tako Taal
14.30-17.00, Fruitmarket, free (reserve in advance)
Held within Fruitmarket’s current exhibition of the work of Zarina Bhimji, a Ugandan Indian photographer, this writing workshop led by artist tako Taal will take its inspiration from Bhimji’s work and materials.
The workshop will explore the use of text within art, and will use photographic slides as a springboard for creative writing.
Author Event: Equinox by Ruth Aylett and Greg Michaelson
18.00-19.00, Newington Library, free (unticketed)
A discussion followed by a Q&A with the authors of murder mystery novel Equinox, set in the Outer Hebrides.
Wednesday 15th November
Jamie Crawford Goes Wild
18.30-19.30, Colinton Library, free (reserve in advance)
Edinburgh native Jamie Crawford is a writer, broadcaster and publisher, whose work, documenting Scotland’s nature and history, has appeared in The New York Times, The Guardian and The Sunday Times amongst others.
Author Event: Magaccioni – My Food, My Italy by Anne Pia
18.00-18.45, Newington Library, free (unticketed)
Event with food writer Anne Pia, who will be sharing stories and family recipes from Italy, making use of fresh, simple ingredients to create delicious meals and bring people together.
Thursday 16th November
Everyday Queer Adventures with Kirsty Logan and Alice Tarbuck
19.30-20.30, Lavender Menace Queer Book Archive, London Road, free (reserve in advance)
A conversation on the adventures of everyday queer life, with authors Alice Tarbuck and Kirsty Logan.
Tarbuck is the author of A Spell in the Wild, documenting the “intersectional, accessible” witchcraft which she practises, whilst Logan’s latest book, Now She is Witch is a “queer medieval revenge quest.”
The Pleasures of Reading with Val McDermid
19.00-20.00, The Portobello Bookshop, free (reserve in advance)
What do we gain from reading? How does being a reader have an effect on one’s life? Does reading actually improve our wellbeing? These questions and more will be tackled by a panel of author Val McDermi; Philippa Cochrane, Head of Reading Communities at Scottish Book Trust; and Dr Sarah McGeown from the University of Edinburgh.
Friday 17th November
Home: A Journey with Plants and People
14.00-15.30, The Botanic Cottage, Royal Botanic Gardens, free (reserve in advance)
An inspiring exchange on language, place and plants, hosted by botanist and author greg Kenicer and visual artist and writer Amanda Thomson.
Saturday 18th November
Cymera Writers’ Conference
09.00-18.00, Nicolson Square, paid (reserve in advance)
An all-day writing festival, with events including writing and publishing workshops, finding your voice, access and accessibility and working with editors. The event is ticketed, but there are concession tickets available for those under 26.
The Colinton Tunnel: An Underground Art Movement
11.00-12.00, Colinton Library, free (reserve in advance)
Discover how the Colinton Tunnel came to be home to Scotland’s largest heritage mural, celebrating industrial, social, artistic and literary history.
Mike Scott and Eddie Banks were key figures behind the transformation of the tunnel. Learn about its significance within the community at this panel event.
“Books Are Back” by byronv2 is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0