Updating of this event calendar was suspended at the end of 2013 due to lack of support. If you found the calendar useful, please let us know!

Calendar

Past Events 2011

North East Writers

Past Events – 20132012201120102009200820072006

January 2011

Top ↑

Thursday 27 January 2011
6.30pm

Books and Beans, Aberdeen

Admission by donation

Byron and Burns

This month, Poetry Aberdeen is an open floor evening with a focus on two poets with birthdays at this time of year.

See www.poetryaberdeen.co.uk for details

Saturday 29 January 2011
11.00am

Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen

Admission free

Workshop with Gillian Philip

Lemon Tree Writers host a fiction writing workshop led by Gillian Philip, whose latest novel "Firebrand", the first of four about the Scottish Sithe, was published last August by Strident.

See www.lemontreewriters.co.uk for details

February 2011

Top ↑

Wednesday 2 February 2011
7.30pm

Sunninghill, Banchory

Admission £2.00

At Random Sonnets

Poetry workshop and reading with Sheila Reid. All poets and lovers of poetry welcome! Bring poems, finished and in progress, of your own to read or a poem by someone else that you want to share.

See www.woodendbarn.co.uk for details

Friday 11 February 2011
7.00pm

Better Read Books, Ellon

Admission free

Poetry Evening

Better Read Books will be hosting one of their popular poetry evenings, with Michael Molden as MC and local poets, musicians and singers. Newcomers are always particularly welcome. Please come along to read, sing, play or just listen. Refreshments will be provided.

See www.better-read.co.uk for details

Saturday 12 February 2011
1.00pm

Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen

Admission free

Kelly's Cats

Launch of the new collection from Lemon Tree Writers featuring poetry and prose from Richard Anderson, Mark Pithie, Grainne Smith and Michelle Wyllie.

See www.lemontreewriters.co.uk for details

Saturday 12 February 2011
2.00pm–5.30pm

Union Square Shopping Centre, Aberdeen

Admission free

Valentine's Poetry Event

Come along to Union Square on Saturday afternoon to hear readings with a Valentine's Day theme from a wide range of North-East Scotland's most talented poets. Poets appearing will include Sheena Blackhall, the North-East's own Makar, amongst other published poets and members of local writing groups.

See www.northeastwriters.co.uk for details

Sunday 13 February 2011
7.30pm

Inn at the Park, Aberdeen

Admission £5.00

Pushing Out the Boat

Come and join a group of Pushing Out the Boat's talented poets and story-tellers as they perform selections of their own work, interwoven with the voice and guitar of Alex Reid.

See www.pushingouttheboat.co.uk for details

Wednesday 16 February 2011
10.30am

Aberdeen Arts Centre, Aberdeen

Admission £2.00

Aberdeen Writers' Circle

Writer Pamela Sweeney will be guest speaker at Aberdeen Writers' Circle. Writing as Ella Bridges, Pamela has recently self-published her first novel, "A Tale of Two Teachers". Her book results from a family connection with Aberdeen and her experiences as a student at Aberdeen University, where she graduated in 1997. Besides reading some short excerpts from her book, she will speak about the difficulties of finding a publisher for new talent, and the problems to be aware of in self-publishing. The meeting is open to both members of AWC and any others who may be interested.

See beehive.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk for details

Thursday 24 February 2011
6.30pm

Books and Beans, Aberdeen

Admission free

Love Poems for Valentines

A new collection of 18 love poems from 18 Aberdeen and North-East poets will provide the heart of this event. There will also be generous open mic time for you all to read your own or your favourite love poem and there will be music and songs.

See www.poetryaberdeen.co.uk for details

Sunday 27 February 2011
2.00pm

Stewart's Hall, Huntly

Admission by donation

Donald Goodbrand Saunders

A reading by poet Donald Goodbrand Saunders, with supporting readings by members of Huntly Writers.

See www.huntlywriters.co.uk for details

Sunday 27 February 2011
3.00pm

The Airt Gallery, Leylodge

Admission TBC

Of Feathers and Wool

To accompany the Airt Gallery's preview to the exhibition "Of Feathers and Wool", poet Gerard Rochford will give a short reading of a few of his bird and nature poems.

See www.theairtgallery.co.uk for details

March 2011

Top ↑

Wednesday 2 March 2011
7.30pm

Sunninghill, Banchory

Admission £2.00

Poetry Evening

All poets and lovers of poetry welcome! Bring poems, finished and in progress, of your own to read or a poem by someone else that you want to share.

See www.woodendbarn.co.uk for details

Thursday 3 March 2011
6.30pm

Aberdeen Arts Centre, Aberdeen

Admission free

Family Legends

Thanks to the generous support of Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Book Trust offers a free writing workshop for adults, to give advice and inspiration to those who want to write their Family Legend story. The workshop will be led by author Mae Stewart.

See www.scottishbooktrust.com for details

Thursday 3 March 2011
7.30pm

Acorn Centre, Inverurie

Admission £5.00

Travel the world with Nick Thorpe

Nick Thorpe is an award-winning writer and journalist; he contributes to the Sunday Times, Daily Telegraph, Guardian, Independent and Scotsman newspapers, as well as BBC Radio 4. He has covered stories ranging from the Russian presidential elections to the Coca Wars of Bolivia. On Thursday, March 3, the Acorn Centre, West High Street, Inverurie will host an evening with Nick where you can come along and hear him talk about his bestselling works.

See www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk for details

Monday 14 March 2011
7.00pm

The Forum, Aberdeen

Admission £7.50 / £5.50

Benny and the People Upstairs

You don't have to be mad to love him, but if you are.... When Benny gets kicked out of his house, his friends are keen to give him advice - but is he listening and will they tell him what he wants to hear? Written by Get Ready For Work students at Aberdeen Foyer. Directed by Colin Garrow and Jessica Hernandez of WAC Theatre.

See wactheatre.wordpress.com for details

Wednesday 16 March 2011 –
Sunday 20 March 2011

Various venues, St Andrews

StAnza 2011

Scotland's International Poetry Festival.

See www.stanzapoetry.org for details

Friday 18 March 2011
7.30pm

Grassic Gibbon Centre, Arbuthnott

Admission TBC / TBC

Sweetness

Kevin MacNeil, one of Scotland's most exciting young writers, has adapted Torgny Lindgren's dark, comic novel about love, jealousy and death, transposing it from Northern Sweden to Northern Scotland. This production is directed by Matthew Zajac for Dogstar Theatre Company.

See www.neatshows.org.uk for details

Friday 18 March 2011
7.30pm

MacRobert Memorial Hall, Tarland

Admission £9.00 / £7.00 / £5.00

Mother Courage and her Children

Birds of Paradise's Spring tour is a contemporary and visually engaging translation of Brecht's classic play, "Mother Courage and her Children" by stage and screen writer, Lee Hall (Billy Elliot, Cooking with Elvis).

See www.birdsofparadisetheatre.co.uk for details

Saturday 19 March 2011
1.00pm–3.00pm

Better Read Books, Ellon

Admission free

Hollow Footsteps

The launch of Karen Reid's debut historical novel "Hollow Footsteps" from Olida Publishing.

See www.better-read.co.uk for details

Sunday 20 March 2011
3.00pm

Friends' House, 98 Crown Street, Aberdeen

Admission by donation

Liu Xiaobo

Scottish PEN contributes to a worldwide event in support of imprisoned Nobel Prize winning writer and human rights activist Liu Xiaobo. Ian Crockatt will read a poem by Liu Xiaobo, which is also being read at similar events across the world. You are invited to bring a short poem or prose piece to read too.

See www.scottishpen.org for details

Wednesday 23 March 2011
7.00pm

The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen

Admission £12.00 / £10.00

Mother Courage and her Children

Birds of Paradise's Spring tour is a contemporary and visually engaging translation of Brecht's classic play, "Mother Courage and her Children" by stage and screen writer, Lee Hall (Billy Elliot, Cooking with Elvis).

See www.birdsofparadisetheatre.co.uk for details

Saturday 26 March 2011
11.00am

Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen

Admission free

How to maximise the likelihood of your work being published

If your 73 bestsellers have already been translated into 164 languages... well, you probably don't need this event. However, if you are an aspiring author, or are in the early stages of your career, then you probably do. A workshop with Keith Charters, novelist and founder of Strident Publishing.

See www.lemontreewriters.co.uk for details

Saturday 26 March 2011
7.30pm

Lonach Hall, Strathdon

Admission TBC

Sweetness

Kevin MacNeil, one of Scotland's most exciting young writers, has adapted Torgny Lindgren's dark, comic novel about love, jealousy and death, transposing it from Northern Sweden to Northern Scotland. This production is directed by Matthew Zajac for Dogstar Theatre Company.

See www.neatshows.org.uk for details

Sunday 27 March 2011
2.00pm

Stewart's Hall, Huntly

Admission by donation

Kenneth Steven

A reading by poet Kenneth Steven, with supporting readings by members of Huntly Writers.

See www.huntlywriters.co.uk for details

Tuesday 29 March 2011
8.00pm

Acorn Centre, Inverurie

Admission £7.00

Wildscape: Kenneth Steven and Daniel Thorpe

An evening of poetry and music with Kenneth Steven, poet, novelist and award winning broadcaster, and Daniel Thorpe, traditional fiddler and winner of BBC Scotland's Young Traditional Musician of the Year 2010. This will be a recital of words and music inspired by the Highlands and Islands.

See www.northeastwriters.co.uk for details

Thursday 31 March 2011
6.30pm

Books and Beans, Aberdeen

Admission free

Failing Light: poems by Gerard Rochford

Gerard Rochford launches a handcrafted publication from Embers Handpress, with guests Bryony Harrower and Louise Counsell. There will also be open floor opportunities.

See www.poetryaberdeen.co.uk for details

Thursday 31 March 2011
7.30pm

Queen's Cross Church, Aberdeen

Admission £5.00

Poetry Evening

Poetry from Kenneth Steven with music from Moira Docherty, soprano.

See www.queenscrosschurch.org.uk for details

April 2011

Top ↑

Wednesday 6 April 2011
7.30pm

Sunninghill, Banchory

Admission £2.00

Poetry Exchange

All poets and lovers of poetry welcome! Bring poems, finished and in progress, of your own to read or a poem by someone else that you want to share.

See www.woodendbarn.co.uk for details

Saturday 23 April 2011
12.00pm

Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen

Admission free

Shades of Time

Come and join Lemon Tree Writers for the launch of their latest collection. "Shades of Time" features poems and prose by Elizabeth Reinach, Lorna Taylor, E. E. Chandler and Rachel Grant, with graphic design by Camilla-Erika Campbell.

See www.lemontreewriters.co.uk for details

Thursday 28 April 2011
6.30pm

Books and Beans, Aberdeen

Admission free

Poems in the Wind: Volume 1

The launch of the first issue of a quarterly publication of local poetry from Malfranteaux Concepts. Some of the contributing poets will read their work and there will be open mic opportunities.

See www.poetryaberdeen.co.uk for details

May 2011

Top ↑

Wednesday 4 May 2011
7.30pm

Sunninghill, Banchory

Admission £2.00

Poetry Evening at Sunninghill

Writing about friends and family and self-censorship: a poetry session led by Gerard Rochford. Does the poet owe loyalty to an actual experience or to the poem arising from it? Can a poet's biography be gleaned from their poems? The emphasis will be on actual poems and not on the intellectual/ethical issues.

See www.woodendbarn.co.uk for details

Saturday 7 May 2011 –
Sunday 8 May 2011
11.00am–5.00pm

Peacock Visual Arts, Aberdeen

Admission £20.00 / £10.00

Beyond Genre Writing Workshop

Jay Murphy leads a workshop for all who want to gain a richer, wider understanding of modes of contemporary writing that freely crosses conventional genres and borders, and thereby stimulate innovations in their own practice. Special focus is on how personal or autobiographical forms can often even inadvertently become potent tools of social and political investigation.

See www.peacockvisualarts.com for details

Thursday 12 May 2011 –
Saturday 21 May 2011

Various venues, Midmar, Kemnay, Aberdeen, Tornaveen, Finzean, New Deer and Lossiemouth

Catherine, the Musical

Fleeman Productions tour a new musical by Charles Barron with music and lyrics by Winnie Foster.

See www.charlesbarron.co.uk for details

Friday 13 May 2011 –
Sunday 15 May 2011

University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen

Word 2011

The University of Aberdeen Writers' Festival.

See www.abdn.ac.uk for details

Saturday 14 May 2011
8.30pm

Cellar 35, Aberdeen

Admission £4.00 / £3.00

Demented Eloquence

Performance poetry featuring Amanda Aitken, Marlyn Halliday and Rapunzel Wizard.

See www.facebook.com for details

Friday 20 May 2011
7.00pm

Better Read Books, Ellon

Admission free

Open Poetry Evening with Catriona Yule and Gerard Rochford

Better Read Books host another of their popular open poetry evenings, with guest poets Catriona Yule and Gerard Rochford. Bring something to read, or just come to listen. Refreshments will be provided.

See www.better-read.co.uk for details

Thursday 26 May 2011
6.30pm

Books and Beans, Aberdeen

Admission by donation

Considering the Lilies

We are delighted to announce that C. P. Stewart will be the guest reader at Poetry Aberdeen this month as we celebrate his new publication "Considering the Lilies".

See www.poetryaberdeen.co.uk for details

Saturday 28 May 2011
1.00pm–3.00pm

Better Read Books, Ellon

Admission free

Calvi Sinners

Roberta Vassallo will be signing her new novel "Calvi Sinners" at Better Read between 1pm and 3pm. Her third murder mystery following "Carob Syrup" and "Calyx Strewn" is set in Scotland, Corsica and Venice. This is a mix of sex, violence, strange characters, local colour and a very sick serial killer. A great read.

See www.better-read.co.uk for details

Saturday 28 May 2011
4.00pm

One Up Records, Aberdeen

Admission free

Mr Elastic Brain

A performance to launch "Mr Elastic Brain: The Life and Poetry of Sid Ozalid, Tap Dance Teacher to the Queen". Come down and see the man live and hand over 10 pounds for his fab new book. All profits go to MIND for better mental health.

See www.facebook.com for details

Saturday 28 May 2011
7.00pm

The Green Tree, Banff

Admission TBC

Renewing All: art in process

Local artist Bryan Angus and poet and storyteller John Mackie combine their practice to explore the continuous new beginnings that come from the creative process: thinking, sifting, choosing and making new pieces. In an evening of art in performance, Bryan will draw, making new work in dialogue with John's poetry and spontaneous composition by a virtuoso musician.

See www.coastfestival.org.uk for details

Monday 30 May 2011
7.30pm

Inn at the Park, Aberdeen

Admission by donation

Connections

Morag Skene, Tom Dailly, Colin Edwards and Grainne Smith plus friends invite you to join us for an evening of words and music, songs, stories, poems and much much more. All donations to Japan tsunami and earthquake victims, via Red Cross.

See www.northeastwriters.co.uk for details

June 2011

Top ↑

EVENT CANCELLED

Wednesday 1 June 2011
7.30pm

Sunninghill, Banchory

Admission £3.00

This event has been cancelled.

Poetry Exchange

All poets and lovers of poetry welcome! Bring poems, finished and in progress, of your own to read or a poem by someone else that you want to share.

See www.woodendbarn.co.uk for details

Saturday 11 June 2011
8.30pm

Cellar 35, Aberdeen

Admission £4.00 / £3.00

Demented Eloquence

Anarcho-comic poet Rapunzel Wizard hosts another night of performance poetry featuring Harry Giles, Master Vo and Victor the Impossible, and open mic spots.

See harrygilesbrazenrhymes.wordpress.com for details

Thursday 30 June 2011 –
Saturday 2 July 2011

Various venues, Longside and Inverurie

Catherine, the Musical

Fleeman Productions tour a new musical by Charles Barron with music and lyrics by Winnie Foster.

See www.charlesbarron.co.uk for details

Thursday 30 June 2011
6.30pm

Books and Beans, Aberdeen

Admission free

Back Wynd of the Mind

Poetry Aberdeen hosts the launch of Mark Pithie's first chapbook, "Back Wynd of the Mind", published by Malfranteaux Concepts. Mark's special guests this evening are E. E. Chandler and Morna Annandale, two of our finest up and coming poets, and there will be the usual open floor opportunities.

See www.poetryaberdeen.co.uk for details

July 2011

Top ↑

Sunday 17 July 2011
2.00pm

Tolbooth Museum, Stonehaven

Admission TBC

Grainne Smith

Grainne Smith, poet in residence at the Tolbooth Museum, reads from her Doric poems and children's stories.

See www.facebook.com for details

Sunday 17 July 2011
3.00pm

The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen

Admission free

The Right Kind of Love

Playwrights' Studio, Scotland, WACtheatre and Aberdeen Performing Arts present a rehearsed reading of "The Right Kind of Love" by young Aberdeen playwright Chantelle Higham.

See www.playwrightsstudio.co.uk for details

Friday 22 July 2011
8.30pm

Cellar 35, Aberdeen

Admission £4.00 / £3.00

Demented Eloquence 3

Featuring top names in spoken word performance, hosted by anarcho-comic poet Rapunzel Wizard. This month's guests are funny and insightful performance poet Richard Tyrone Jones and storyteller Martin Walsh.

See www.facebook.com for details

Sunday 24 July 2011
2.00pm

Tolbooth Museum, Stonehaven

Admission TBC

Grainne Smith

Grainne Smith, poet in residence at the Tolbooth Museum, reads from her Doric poems and children's stories.

See www.facebook.com for details

Monday 25 July 2011 –
Monday 8 August 2011
9.15am–5.00pm

Orb's Bookshop, Huntly

Admission free

Huntly Writers at Orb's Bookshop

Huntly Writers are working at Orb's Bookshop until Monday 8 August. Come along to meet and chat with local writers. Readings daily at 11am and 2:30pm.

See www.huntlywriters.co.uk for details

Wednesday 27 July 2011
6.30pm

Buchanan Food, Banchory

Admission £25.00 / £10.00

Don Paterson at the Bistro

An evening of supper, poetry and music with world renowned Don Paterson. Advance booking essential, telephone 01330 826530 or email bistro@buchananfood.com for more information.

See www.facebook.com for details

EVENT CANCELLED

Thursday 28 July 2011
6.30pm

Venue TBC, Aberdeen

Admission TBC

Please note that the July Poetry Aberdeen event has been cancelled.

Poetry Aberdeen

See www.poetryaberdeen.co.uk for details

Sunday 31 July 2011
1.00pm–5.00pm

Crathes Castle, Crathes

Admission £15.00

Hurricane Hilda at Magical Fun Day

The Magical Fun Day at Crathes Castle includes "Hurricane Hilda" storytelling sessions presented by children's author and Mearns FM radio presenter Elaine May Smith.

See www.arting-around.net for details

August 2011

Top ↑

Tuesday 2 August 2011
7.00pm

Grassic Gibbon Centre, Arbuthnott

Admission £5.00

Short Story Workshop

Local author and performer Catriona Yule leads a short story workshop at the Grassic Gibbon Centre.

See www.catrionayule.co.uk for details

Friday 5 August 2011
7.00pm

Better Read Books, Ellon

Admission free

Open Poetry Night

Michael Molden introduces another of these popular open poetry nights at Better Read Books.

See www.better-read.co.uk for details

Saturday 6 August 2011
9.00am–1.00pm

The Square, Huntly

Admission free

Huntly Writers Family Fun Stall

Huntly Writers will be running a fund-raising stall at the Huntly Farmers' Market. There will be something for all the family, with quizzes and competitions, face painting, books and other works by local authors in Doric and English, second-hand books, and a chance to meet and talk to local authors.

See www.huntlywriters.co.uk for details

EVENT CANCELLED

Thursday 11 August 2011
7.30pm

Pittenweem Church Hall, Pittenweem

Admission £8.00

This event has been cancelled by the Pittenweem Arts Festival due to lack of pre-sales and fear of flooding.

New Poetry Cafe at the Pittenweem Arts Festival

Once again this year's Pittenweem Festival features a performance from five North-East poets. Catriona Yule, Haworth Hodgkinson, Knotbrook Taylor, Bernard Briggs and Rapunzel Wizard will be joined by Pittenweem-based singer-songwriter Jo Foster.

See www.bluesalt.co.uk for details

Thursday 25 August 2011
6.30pm

Books and Beans, Aberdeen

Admission free

Enormities, Volume 1

Aberdeen's popular monthly poetry session presents the launch of a new collection of poetry by local writers. There will also be open mic opportunities.

See www.poetryaberdeen.co.uk for details

September 2011

Top ↑

Thursday 8 September 2011 –
Thursday 29 September 2011

Various venues, Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire

New Words 2011

Festival of New Writing in Aberdeen and North-East Scotland

New Words is North-East Scotland's innovative festival exploring the spoken and written word in performance, with events taking place in venues in Aberdeen and towns and villages throughout Aberdeenshire.

See www.newwords.co.uk for details

Thursday 8 September 2011
7.00pm–9.00pm

The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen

Admission £4.00 / £3.00

One Night Stand

A non-stop review in poetry, prose and music

Financial difficulties in Aberdeen at the end of 2007 forced the Lemon Tree Writers, one of Aberdeen's longer running writers' groups, to find new premises. They found a happy new venue at the Douglas Hotel. But for this event they return to the Lemon Tree Theatre for one night only. This performance of poetry, prose and music in a non-stop review is in celebration of a relationship spanning 14 years, and an affirmation that both organisations are here to stay.

Part of New Words 2011

See www.newwords.co.uk for details

Friday 9 September 2011
9.00pm–11.00pm

Cellar 35, Aberdeen

Admission £4.00 / £3.00

Demented Eloquence

Performance Poetry Showcase

An evening of performance poetry that will be both demented and eloquent. Verses and rhymes that will make you laugh, make you cry, and say something to you about your life, hosted by anarcho-comic poet Rapunzel Wizard. This month a showcase of talent with links to Aberdeen, featuring Haworth Hodgkinson, Sid Ozalid, Gordon Campbell, and Grant Fraser.

Part of New Words 2011

See www.newwords.co.uk for details

Saturday 10 September 2011
11.00am–1.00pm

Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen

Admission free

Self-Publishing a Novel

Steven Porter's experience with self-publishing his novel "Countries of the World"

Why would a writer with a substantial amount of work in print want to start self-publishing? Is it not only for those who can't get a proper deal elsewhere or whose work is simply not good enough to warrant publication otherwise? In this workshop, the author will explain why he took this decision and examine some of the pros and cons of self-publishing, based on both information gathered and on his personal experience so far. The workshop will also look at some of the outlets out there for self-publishing in both traditional (paper) and digital forms. Questions and feedback welcome.

Part of New Words 2011

See www.newwords.co.uk for details

Saturday 10 September 2011
7.30pm–9.30pm

Stewart's Hall, Huntly

Admission £8.00 / £5.00 / £1.00

Walk the Way

with the Artisans, Vanderbilt and Aykroyd

Walk the walk of walks from the comfort of your seat. Let London's early-music group The Artisans whisk you to the Iberian Middle Ages of song and praise. Be stirred by Paulina Vanderbilt's poetic pilgrimage — a journey of reflection and observation. Enjoy Lucy Aykroyd's experiences on St James's Way in extracts from her walking diary. Come and share the highs and lows of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela — but without the sore muscles or the blisters.

Part of New Words 2011

See www.newwords.co.uk for details

Sunday 11 September 2011
1.00pm–3.00pm

St Nicholas Square, Aberdeen

Admission free

9/11-TEN Handout

Ten poems by ten local writers on the tenth year since the atrocity

Poems by Keith Murray, Sheena Blackhall, Bernard Briggs, Andrew Milne, Roger Barnett, Olivia McMahon, Sheena M. Leith, Gerard Rochford, Jim Murphy and Eddie Gibbons. A commemorative chapbook published by Malfranteaux Concepts will be distributed in St Nicholas Square.

Part of New Words 2011

See www.newwords.co.uk for details

Thursday 15 September 2011
6.30pm–8.00pm

Books and Beans, Aberdeen

Admission free

In Defence of Protozoans

Aberdeen launch of Stuart B. Campbell's new collection

Stuart B. Campbell reads from his new collection. He is joined by local poets Catriona Yule and Catherine Jaraszkiewicz.

Part of New Words 2011

See www.newwords.co.uk for details

Wednesday 21 September 2011
7.30pm–9.30pm

Ford of Clatt, Clatt

Admission free

Speaking in Tongues

The who, why and where of writing monologues, with Cal Wallace

Monologues — by their very nature — are often the most immediate and powerful type of writing. However their composition can be challenging. In this practical workshop, fiction writer Cal Wallace explores the basic requirements for crafting stand-alone pieces; how to devise plausible situations, believable characters, and how to give them voice to deliver their rants, diatribes, soliloquies or sermons.

Part of New Words 2011

See www.newwords.co.uk for details

Thursday 22 September 2011
6.30pm–8.00pm

Books and Beans, Aberdeen

Admission free

The Blue Remembered Hills

The past recalled in memoir and poetry to musical accompaniment

Brian Farrington will read entertaining extracts from his memoir "A Rich Soup with Additional Material", violinist Louise Counsell will provide music and there'll be plentiful open mic on the theme of remembrance of things past.

Part of New Words 2011

See www.newwords.co.uk for details

Friday 23 September 2011
7.00pm–9.00pm

Better Read Books, Ellon

Admission free

Open Poetry Night

Come along to listen or bring a poem or two to read

The usual mix of poetry at Better Read's open mic evenings with the possibility of some musical interludes depending on who arrives and on who wants to contribute. Refreshments will be provided.

Part of New Words 2011

See www.newwords.co.uk for details

Saturday 24 September 2011
11.00am–1.00pm

Douglas Hotel, Aberdeen

Admission free

Himself by the Seaside

Launch of the latest Lemon Tree Writers chapbook

Lemon Tree Writers present readings from their new chapbook, featuring new poetry and prose from four members.

Part of New Words 2011

See www.newwords.co.uk for details

Saturday 24 September 2011
8.00pm–10.00pm

Acorn Centre, Inverurie

Admission £9.00 / £7.00 / £1.00

Trio Verso

Poetry, jazz and improvised music

Trio Verso is a collaboration whose work interprets and refocuses the 1950s poetry and jazz movement for a 21st century audience, through the fusing of evocative lyric texts with free improvised jazz grooves and jazz-inflected soundscapes. The CD "Storm Chaser" was released in 2010.

Part of New Words 2011

See www.newwords.co.uk for details

Thursday 29 September 2011
6.30pm–8.00pm

Books and Beans, Aberdeen

Admission free

9/11-TEN

Ten poems by ten local writers on the tenth year since the atrocity

Poems by Keith Murray, Sheena Blackhall, Bernard Briggs, Andrew Milne, Roger Barnett, Olivia McMahon, Sheena M. Leith, Gerard Rochford, Jim Murphy and Eddie Gibbons. Poets will read from the commemorative chapbook published by Malfranteaux Concepts, with music composed and performed by Haworth Hodgkinson.

Part of New Words 2011

See www.newwords.co.uk for details

October 2011

Top ↑

Thursday 6 October 2011
6.30pm

Brander Library, Huntly

Admission free

Poems Hoarded and Boarded

Following on from last year's successful National Poetry Day event, the Brander Library has teamed up again with Huntly Writers to present an open poetry reading session in the library. Come along and listen or join in the reading.

See www.huntlywriters.co.uk for details

Saturday 15 October 2011
8.30pm

Cellar 35, Aberdeen

Admission £4.00 / £3.00

Demented Eloquence 5

As the nights draw in, an evening of dark stories and literally underground comic poetry, featuring Cal Wallace, Rapunzel Wizard and Shade Wizard. The evening will also include open mic opportunities.

See www.facebook.com for details

Thursday 27 October 2011
6.30pm

Books and Beans, Aberdeen

Admission free

Of Love and Water

Gerard Rochford launches his new collection "Of Love and Water", with images by David Ladmore from Victoria BC, Canada. The evening will also include open mic opportunities.

See www.poetryaberdeen.co.uk for details

Sunday 30 October 2011
2.00pm

Books and Beans, Aberdeen

Admission free

Karen Reid

Karen Reid, author of the thrilling historical novel "Hollow Footsteps", will be signing at Books and Beans.

See www.olidapublishing.com for details

November 2011

Top ↑

Thursday 10 November 2011
7.30pm

John Skinner Centre, Aberdeen

Admission free

Poetic Justice

The Aberdeen Amnesty International Group invites you to the launch of their collection of poems on a human rights theme. The evening will feature readings of the poems by their authors, live music from Louise Counsell, and a bar. The collection, "Poetic Justice" will be available for sale. An excellent and thought provoking seasonal gift!

See aberdeen.amnesty.org.uk for details

Saturday 12 November 2011
8.30pm

Aberdeen Arts Centre, Aberdeen

Admission £4.00 / £3.00

Demented Eloquence 6

Performance poetry and performance prose with Messrs English and Inglis, neither of whom are English. Features Alain English, Gavin Inglis and Rapunzel Wizard. The evening will also include open mic opportunities.

See www.facebook.com for details

Thursday 17 November 2011 –
Saturday 19 November 2011

Aberdeen Arts Centre, Aberdeen

Admission £11.00 / £9.00

Under Milk Wood

Studio Theatre Group celebrates its 40th birthday by performing the Dylan Thomas classic. Actors from the 1992 production are returning along with familiar faces from more recent times.

See www.aberdeenartscentre.org.uk for details

Thursday 17 November 2011
7.00pm

Salmon Bothy, Portsoy

Admission free

In Defence of Protozoans

You are invited to the home town launch of Stuart B. Campbell's latest book. Come and see what it's all about!

See www.salmonbothy.org.uk for details

Sunday 20 November 2011
2.00pm

Aden Country Park, Mintlaw

Admission free

Vikings and Mermaids, Moths and Camels

Aberdeen-based publisher Koo Press has recently reprinted several titles from its acclaimed poetry chapbook series. At this event in the theatre at Aden Country Park, poets Ian Crockatt, Maureen Ross, Keith Murray and Haworth Hodgkinson will read from their relaunched books, and copies will be available for sale. The event will also include music from Haworth Hodgkinson.

See www.northeastwriters.co.uk for details

Thursday 24 November 2011
6.30pm

Books and Beans, Aberdeen

Admission free

Hello to All This

Sheila Templeton, Olive Ritch and Olivia McMahon are this month's readers at Poetry Aberdeen, the popular monthly poetry session with guest poets and open mic opportunities.

See www.poetryaberdeen.co.uk for details

December 2011

Top ↑

Friday 2 December 2011
8.00pm

Cafe Drummond, Aberdeen

Admission free

Oxbow Lake Album Launch

A night of celebration of Oxbow's new album including poetry and music by John Mackie and the phenomonal Moroccan musician Omar Asif.

See www.facebook.com for details

Thursday 8 December 2011
7.00pm

Waterstones, Aberdeen

Admission free

There's been Bonnie Days

Phyllis Goodall reads from her newly published collected poems at Waterstones in Aberdeen.

See www.waterstones.com for details

Friday 9 December 2011
7.30pm

Quaker Meeting House, Aberdeen

Admission free

Poetry and Song for a Peaceful World

Aberdeen CND invites all to participate in an evening of poetry and singing; contributions will be welcome. Complimentary mulled wine and mince pies will be provided.

See www.aberdeencity.gov.uk for details

Sunday 11 December 2011
3.00pm

The Airt Gallery, Leylodge

Admission free

Water Marks

To celebrate Christmas and the opening of the "Water Marks" exhibition, Gerard Rochford will read from his new book of poetry "Of Love and Water". Signed copies will be available for GBP 15. GBP 5 from the sale of each book will go to WaterAid. All are welcome to join us for mulled wine and cake.

See www.theairtgallery.co.uk for details

Friday 16 December 2011
7.00pm

Better Read Books, Ellon

Admission free

Open Mic Poetry Evening

The ever-popular Better Read Books open mic night, open to all to contribute or just to enjoy. Two of the poets in attendance will also be signing their new books during the rest of the weekend. Refreshments will be provided at half time.

See www.better-read.co.uk for details

Saturday 17 December 2011
1.00pm–3.00pm

Better Read Books, Ellon

Admission free

Can't Talk, Can Think, Can Write!

Robert Morrison, a regular at the Better Read Books open mic poetry evenings, will be launching his first collection "Can't Talk, Can Think, Can Write!" published by Cauliay Publishing. Come along to get your copy signed by the young upcoming poet.

See www.better-read.co.uk for details

Sunday 18 December 2011
1.00pm–3.00pm

Better Read Books, Ellon

Admission free

A Hatching of Ghosts

Bernard Briggs will be signing his latest collection of poetry "A Hatching of Ghosts" (Cauliay Publishing). Come along to get your copy signed and to meet the author.

See www.better-read.co.uk for details

Thursday 29 December 2011
6.30pm

Books and Beans, Aberdeen

Admission free

A Festive Open Mic Free-for-all

Poetry Aberdeen invites you to contribute poems, instrumental music, singing, including carols... or just come to listen and enjoy! Hope to see you there!

See www.poetryaberdeen.co.uk for details


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