Published: 18 Apr 2024
Voices from across the Scottish literary sector, authors and poets, agents, publishers, festival programmers, and booksellers, are coming together for Life of a Book: a series of free online events designed to clarify the journey and processes of writing and publishing a book.
The sessions will run over five days, Monday 13th to Friday 17th May, covering the following topics: Writing the Book; Querying; Working with Publishers; Post-Publication; and Building Community. Panel discussions and 1-2-1 surgeries will be led by key figures within the literature sector who have deep working knowledge of publishing and all its component parts.
This programme has been developed and funded by funded by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland, with support from Hawthornden Foundation with Society of Authors, and facilitated by Moniack Mhor, Scotland’s Creative Writing Centre.
Rachel Humphries, Centre Director at Moniack Mhor said, “Moniack Mhor are thrilled to be supporting this programme: it aligns very closely with our principles of providing opportunities for writers to enhance their knowledge of the industry and make new connections. It’s a wonderful chance for Moniack Mhor to consider this approach in our ongoing programme. We would encourage anyone who is writing, who is interested in publishing or pursuing a career in the art form to join us in this online space.”
Katalina Watt, Literature Officer at Creative Scotland said: "Life of a Book is dedicated to empowering authors and demystifying the intricacies of the publishing world. Moniack Mhor's commitment to accessibility, fostering a diverse range of expertise and championing fresh and diverse voices contributes to a vibrant and inclusive literary landscape in Scotland. We're delighted to collaborate with them in offering a week of free online events, encouraging writers at every stage of their journey to participate and thrive.”
Explore the Life of a Book: Author Development Programme
About Moniack Mhor, Scotland’s Creative Writing Centre
Moniack Mhor Writers’ Centre is situated in a beautiful rural location in the Scottish Highlands, Teavarran, Kiltarlity, 14 miles outside Inverness. Since 1993, Moniack Mhor has been working with the finest writers from the UK and beyond to deliver creative writing courses, retreats and other support for writers of all ages and abilities and from all walks of life.
Moniack Mhor is a registered charity and is supported by Creative Scotland as a Regularly Funded Organisation. It also offers courses, mentoring and a leadership programme for care experienced young people aged 14-26 in Scotland, via funding from Life Changes Trust.
The centre also facilitates several writing awards as well as providing residential opportunities for professional, published artists to develop their work. It works closely with other key Scottish literature organisations and other UK and international partners and runs a broad community programme. It also runs a wide programme of creative opportunities for care experienced young people in Scotland and provides writing tuition in Highland schools.
Moniack Mhor champions equality and aims to break down barriers to the creative process, including offering a bursary scheme to support fees where needed.
About Creative Scotland
Creative Scotland is the public body that supports culture and creativity across all parts of Scotland, distributing funding provided by the Scottish Government and The National Lottery. Further information at creativescotland.com. Follow us on X, Facebook and Instagram. Learn more about the value of art and creativity in Scotland and join in at www.ourcreativevoice.scot
About Society of Authors
The Society of Authors is the UK trade union for all types of writers, scriptwriters, illustrators and literary translators, at all stages of their careers. They have more than 12,500 members and have been advising individuals and speaking out for the profession for more than a century. www.societyofauthors.org
About Hawthornden Foundation
The Hawthornden Foundation is a U.S. private charitable foundation supporting contemporary writers and literary arts. Founded by Drue Heinz, a patron and benefactor of the arts, the Foundation is named for the historic Hawthornden Castle in Scotland where an international residential fellowship program provides month-long retreats for creative writers. Hawthornden also supports a second historic property, Casa Ecco, on Lake Como in Italy, the site of years of “Conversazioni” among writers and now a retreat for invited authors to complete a literary work in progress. In addition, the Foundation sponsors the annual Hawthornden Prize, one of Britain’s oldest and foremost literary awards, and provides grant support to other literary programs.
For more information contact info@moniackmhor.org.uk
