Supporting writers in Scotland
Between 2009 and 2016, NAWE has supported the professional development of writers in Scotland under the umbrella of Turning A New Page (2014-2016), Turning Another Page (2012-2014), Turning the Next Page (2011-2012) and Turning the Page (2009), thanks to key investment from Creative Scotland.
As well as running a series of hugely popular national and regional events, NAWE has commissioned the following free resources as pdfs:
Keeping the creative flame alive: a series of thought-provoking pieces by poets Ken Cockburn, Margot Henderson, Kate Hendry, Elspeth Murray, Liz Niven and J.L. Williams
Making things happen: a series of pieces offering information, advice and inspiration on how you can make things happen for yourself as a writer. Topics include: the poet as producer (Harry Giles); setting up a pamphlet press (James T Harding and Rachel McCrum of Stewed Rhubarb); engaging new audiences for poetry (Gerry Loose); offering ‘para-poetry services’ such as mentoring (Kona Macphee); cross-platform poetry (Ali Maloney); and setting up your own live events (Michael Pedersen).
Rich text: A guide for poets publishing their work in ezines by Chris McCabe
Self-publishing for poets by Gerry Cambridge
Support systems for writers: a series of pieces offering personal insights into the rich diversity of support available for writers from writers and other creatives. These include: mentoring from the perspective of the mentor (Beatrice Colin) and the mentee (Linda Cracknell); the writing buddy (Moira McPartlin); collaborating with another writer (Michael Richardson); the writing class (Hugh McMillan); Borders Writers’ Forum (Dorothy Bruce); Highland Literary Salon (Debbie Ruppenthal); and Creative Dundee (Peggy Hughes).
We have also commissioned the following podcast:
The Power of Creative Collaboration: Poet Ken Cockburn and visual artist Brigid Collins talk about their experiences of collaborating, together and with others, and why they are drawn to working in this way
These are all available to download for free here. To find a particular article, click on the search tab and search by author.
NAWE’s work in Scotland has been undertaken in collaboration with, and support from, a wide range of organisations including the Scottish Book Trust, Scottish Poetry Library and Glasgow Life, as well as CABN, CCA, Fife Cultural Trust, Freight Books, Hi-Arts Writing Development, Jenny Brown Associates, Literary Dundee, Moniack Mhor, St Mungo’s Mirrorball, and the screenwriting programmes at Glasgow Caledonian University, Screen Academy Scotland/Napier University and the University of the West of Scotland.