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of Moniack Mhor, and has managed to balance her work at the creative writing centre with her own writing. She has published four novels and a collection of short stories, all alongside broadcasting on BBC radio and being included in various anthologies and magazines. How does she do it? Find out, and hear more about the support that Moniack Mhor offers writers, at this special talk. Edinburgh FREE Tell Them Our Stories University of Edinburgh, Anatomy Theatre, 57 George Square, 651 4736. 6.30–8pm. A series of readings and stories from novelist and scientist Ann Lingard, Surgeons’ Hall Museum Collections Manager Andrew Connell, and poet and writer Diana Hendry, all connected to the exhibits at Surgeons’ Hall. Expect scientific insight, poetry, fiction, illustration and moments of reflection on the material fragments left behind by former patients.
✽ William Dalrymple: The Return of a King George Square
Theatre, University of Edinburgh George Square, 651 2120. 7pm. £6 (students £5). The historian discusses his book The Return of a King, a substantial and analytical new account of the first Afghan War.
HEADLINE GOES HERE Saturday 16
Watch out Edinburgh, there’s a Edinburgh new kid on the east coast block. Stand Up and Relax Scottish Arts Well, OK, chances are Dundee’s Club, 24 Rutland Square, 229 8157. bookish extravaganza might never 10.30am–5.30pm. £70. Workshop quite reach the exalted status aimed at prose and poetry writers, to help nervous readers feel more of the capital’s world-beating comfortable performing their work in literary fiesta but it’s making a very front of an audience. strong case for itself with a series
Monday 18
Edinburgh FREE Blackwell Book Group Blackwells, 53–59 South Bridge, 622 8222. 6pm. Share the reading experience with a group of fellow booklovers, with an evening of friendly discussion. The group discusses Empire of the Sun by JG Ballard.
Tuesday 19
Glasgow Glasgow Science Fiction Writers’ Circle The Ogilvie Centre, 25 Rose Street, gsfwc.wordpress.com 8pm. £2. See Tue 5.
Wednesday 20 Edinburgh Henry Marsh Scottish Poetry Library, 5 Crichton’s Close, Canongate, 557 2876. 6.30pm. £7 (£5). Poet Henry Marsh, whose collections include The Guidman’s Daughter and The Hammer and the Fire, reads a selection of poems from his work on John Knox and Mary, Queen of Scots. There are Scottish fiddle tunes from Ian Laing to accompany the verse. A Pint and a Poem Jewel Miners Club, 56 Duddingston Park South, 669 5955. 7.30–10.30pm. £3 suggested donation. Poetry open mic from the Craigmillar Writers’ Group, with other literary surprises and music every third Wednesday of the month. Sign up on the door for five and ten minute slots.
Thursday 21 Edinburgh SWC ‘In Process’ Masterclass: Donny O’Rourke Scottish Poetry Library, 5 Crichton’s Close, Canongate, 557 2876. 7pm. £7 (£5; swc members £3). In a collaboration between the Scottish Poetry Library and the Scottish Writers’ Centre, Donny O’Rourke shares the secrets behind his writing.
ARTS AND HUMANITIES: NATIONAL ESSENTIALS In recessionary times, we are told that culture is a luxury that a country can’t afford. Pifl e, obviously. Director of the Edinburgh International Festival, Jonathan Mills and Edinburgh College of Art Principal, Christopher Breward debate the importance of the arts and humanities. ■ Edinburgh College of Art, Wed 6 Feb.
Monday 4 Edinburgh FREE Blackwell Book Quiz Blackwells, 53–59 South Bridge, 622 8201. 6pm. Test your literary credentials in teams of up to five members. Please arrive for 5.45pm.
Tuesday 5
Glasgow Glasgow Science Fiction Writers’ Circle The Ogilvie Centre, 25 Rose Street, gsfwc.wordpress.com 8pm. £2. Regular fortnightly critiquing workshop for writers of all things fantastical. Beginners welcome; email glasgowsfwriters@gsfwc.co.uk in advance to attend.
Edinburgh ✽ Christopher Brookmyre: Bedlam Waterstones West End,
128 Princes Street, 226 2666. 6pm. £3.
Launch of Christopher Brookmyre’s latest book. Booking essential. Wednesday 6
Edinburgh FREE Arts and Humanities: National Essentials Edinburgh College of Art, 74 Lauriston Place, 221 6000. 6pm. Professors Jonathan Mills (Director, Edinburgh International Festival) and Christopher Breward (ECA Principal) debate the importance of the arts and humanities. Register online in advance. Booking essential. See preview.
Tuesday 12 Glasgow Writers in Scottish Literary Organisations Scottish Writers’ Centre, CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, 352 4900. 7–8.30pm. £6 (£3). Cynthia Rogerson is Programming Director
FIRST WRITES
Sarah Butler tackles this is- sue’s debut author Q&A. Her first book features Alice and Daniel and their very differ- ent searches for meaning
Can you give us five words to describe Ten Things I’ve Learnt About Love? Home, heartbreak, London, long- ing, love.
Name one author who should be more famous than they are now?
Maggie Gee, particularly for her novel The White Family, a brilliant, challenging, important book about prejudice and intolerance. What was the first book you read?
Apparently I could read before I could speak properly (which says a lot about my speaking!). The first book I can remember reading is Mrs Pepperpot, about a woman who kept shrinking to the size of a pepperpot and getting embroiled in various adventures.
What was the last book you read? Wish I Was Here by Jackie Kay. I love her quirky, subtle stories, and particularly adored the last one in this collection, which left me with my heart in my mouth.
Which book makes you cry? Why Be Happy When You Could Be Normal? by Jeanette Winterson. It is such a brave and passionate book. I was moved to tears more than once, not just because of the events she de- scribes, but also the courage and compassion she shows towards herself and others.
Which dead author do you wish was still alive today?
I love the wit, irreverence and sat- ire of The Canterbury Tales, and would love to see what Chaucer would make of the world in 2013. What plans do you have for book two?
For it to be brave and beautiful and the best that I can write. It is currently a lot of sketchy ideas and scribbled notes, but I’m excited about it. (Interview by Brian Donaldson) ■ Ten Things I’ve Learnt About Love is published by Picador on Thu 31 Jan. For more of this interview, go to list.co.uk
24 Jan–21 Feb 2013 THE LIST 45