Last night I sat for a couple of hours in a small room with 17 other people taking turns critiquing a piece fiction. The chat was good, the vibe lighthearted, the critique uniformly honest and forensically accurate and the author stoic. And then we went to the pub.A regular night at the Glasgow SF Writers’ Circle – an organization that I joined in 1993, and which had been going for a few years prior to that.
This year GSFWC celebrates it’s 30th anniversary of helping writers of all levels of ability and experience hone their skills and shape their stories, edging closer to professional publication. Many have achieved that, and several – William King, Louise Welsh, Gary Gibson, Hal Duncan, Michael Cobley – have made writing their careers.
Quite aside from the help and advice I’ve received personally over the years, I consider it a privilege to be part this incredible engine of creation, and its longevity and ongoing rude health are something to really celebrate.
To that end, GSFWC has produced an anthology of stories and poems featuring many of the writers who have featured in the group over the years. It’s edited by Elaine Gallagher, Cameron Johnston and myself; the interior layout is by Hal Duncan and the cover photography is by the incredibly talented Andrea Heins; and it’s available to buy right now.
And to launch the book properly into the world, we’re holding an event on Friday September 30th at 7pm at Waterstones, Sauchiehall St. If you fancy joining us, it’d be great to see you along.
ayeahmur 