Books, Writing the Long Way Around2 Comments

AL Kennedy at the Book Festival

August 28, 2011August 28, 2011 Writing The Long Way Around

I took copious notes at the AL Kennedy event, but to be honest, I was a little drunk and can’t make any sense of them. I had arrived early at Charlotte Square and smuggled in a bottle of wine, my intention to find a quiet corner to read and relax. I found an abandoned church pew outside the RBS Main Theatre where Alison was scheduled to appear and settled down. Pews, whether they are inside a church or outside at a book festival are most uncomfortable. I was about to move to a rather lovely wooden table and chair ensemble under some trees – I do like a … Continue reading AL Kennedy at the Book Festival

Writing the Long Way Around1 Comment

When Evil Goes Right

August 27, 2011August 27, 2011 Writing The Long Way Around

Eschewing poetry with a sneer and a toss of the head, David Bishop has been commissioned to write for River City. Congratulations! David Bishop Official Announcement Continue reading When Evil Goes Right

Writing the Long Way Around1 Comment

When Evil Goes Wrong

August 26, 2011 Writing The Long Way Around

In a darkened hole somewhere in Biggar, Satan’s meat-suit aka David Bishop, is bleeding from every orifice and killing random rodents in fury. Well perhaps not outright fury, but he’s definitely in a snit. Having spent two years demonising poetry as the work of …his own, the very talented Sean Martin has ignored Bishopian scripture and won the Wigtown Festival 2011 Poetry Competition. Massive congratulations to Sean and commiserations to the Bishop. Wigtown Poetry competition Sean Martin blog Continue reading When Evil Goes Wrong

Writing the Long Way AroundLeave a comment

Literary Good Luck – You’re going to need it

August 22, 2011August 22, 2011 Writing The Long Way Around

I see Stuart Kelly is hosting a literary quiz next month at Wigtown. Having experienced one of these before, it only remains for me to encourage you all to swot like hell! Stuart Kelly Quiz Continue reading Literary Good Luck – You’re going to need it

Writing the Long Way AroundLeave a comment

Have it your way

August 18, 2011August 18, 2011 Writing The Long Way Around

While I don’t exactly live life right on the edge, I like to try most things once. But let me save you the trouble: Gourmet Burger Kitchen on George Street – the Gourmet is silent. When the waiter asked me if this was my first time at ‘GBK’ – I swear to God she said that – I should have walked out. Their business model requires you to pay for your meal before you consume it; hell, before you even lay eyes on it. At least McDonald’s give you a Photoshop representation of what you are about to receive. Without flogging … Continue reading Have it your way