Louise Welsh: Glasgow Writer

Louise Welsh Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Glasgow Louise Welsh in China with First Minister University of Fudan, Translation of Prime of Miss Jean Brodie into Mandarin (April, 2018) Aye Write! 2018 – Louise Welsh introduces Laura Carline and Imogen Hermes Gowar Exloring morality in the worse of timss – Louise Welsh, […]
Mary Irvine’s Blog: A Sad Day – Murder of Martin Luther King Jr

A Sad Day Fifty years ago, on April 4th 1968, Martin Luther King Jr was murdered on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, Memphis, Tennessee. For MLK I am afraid of them They’re black I am afraid of them They’re foreign I am afraid of them They’re disfigured I am afraid of them They’re crippled […]
Read the full article: Mary Irvine’s Blog: A Sad Day – Murder of Martin Luther King Jr
Wednesday, April 4, 2018 | Filed under: Mary Irvine: Writer and Philhellene, stories and poems
Home Grown In Glasgow – a poem for International Women’s Day by Ruby McCann
Home Grown In Glasgow I am woman a sister of Glasgow a pale skinned, freckled-faced Scot a she-child fae the sou’ side a native Glaswegian Mither Glasgow shaped me I am a child of many born into this city I am Pict, I am Celt I am Irish, Scottish, and Glaswegian a city born, […]
Read the full article: Home Grown In Glasgow – a poem for International Women’s Day by Ruby McCann
Wednesday, March 7, 2018 | Filed under: Poetry, stories and poems, Writing
Off Balance by Magi Gibson – a poem for Valentines

Off Balance You have knocked me off-balance! I walk like a drunk, tripping Over dogs, falling off kerbs, walking out in front of cars and trucks. This is so physical, this disorientation, this disintegration. A woman is at the door returning a leg I left at the local store. I look in the mirror, […]
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Wednesday, February 14, 2018 | Filed under: Love Poems, Stories and Tales from Glasgow writers, Valentine's Day Glasgow 2016, Valentine's Day in Glasgow 2017, Writing
Love Stories by Glasgow Writers. Sticky Love by Pauline Lynch
Sticky Love by Pauline Lynch No denying it, times were rough. Sadie was only seven, with limited life experience, but even she knew times were rough. Last night, someone had knocked on their door asking to borrow dog food. It was late and she was meant to be asleep, but she’d heard the knock, and […]
Read the full article: Love Stories by Glasgow Writers. Sticky Love by Pauline Lynch
| Filed under: Love Poems, Stories and Tales from Glasgow writers, stories and poems
The Carrbridge Rose – Brian Whittingham

A poem about love: THE CARRBRIDGE ROSE The Packhorse Bridge arches its back like a grey stone rainbow over the hard flowing river hurtling past banks of snowy ice. We explore chatting holding hands ever so slight as if young love though we are not. Our pasts ensure we tread warily. Not knowing where these […]
Read the full article: The Carrbridge Rose – Brian Whittingham
Love Sticky Lick by Jim Byrne, a poem for Valentine’s Day

Love sticky lick You, me, sticky toffee pudding Runny honey, salt and pepper Chocolate creams and tea Tart, tacky, treacled fingers Shandy, candy, juice and jelly Sticky licks, ice cream and lemonade…. Fuck. With you and me, everything rhymes. Jim Byrne, February, 2016.
Read the full article: Love Sticky Lick by Jim Byrne, a poem for Valentine’s Day
| Filed under: Love Poems, Stories and Tales from Glasgow writers, stories and poems, Valentine's Day Glasgow 2016, Writing
Valentine Haiku by Leela Soma

Haiku The gurgling feadan beside us We watch the landskein paint the sky Last kiss shared, she left. Leela Soma, Glasgow Writer
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Monday, February 12, 2018 | Filed under: Leela Soma writing and blogging, Love Poems, Stories and Tales from Glasgow writers, Poetry, Valentines Day Glasgow
A Poem for Valentine’s Day: I’m Counting by Rona Fitzgerald

I’m counting the crocuses are out, purple and yellow, encircled with slender snowdrops, soul lanterns on the Ganges. the sparkle is back in your eye, another spring taking bloom. I’m glad we weathered twenty one. that even when the wolf gnawed my soul, I could see light, feeling the consolation of words I still hear […]
Read the full article: A Poem for Valentine’s Day: I’m Counting by Rona Fitzgerald
Denise Mina at Creative Conversations review Pat Byrne

Denise Mina in conversation with Zoe Strachan. University of Glasgow Chapel Denise Mina was in sparkling form talking about her latest book ‘The Long Drop’, – based on true crime the subject being the serial killer Peter Manuel, who created terror in Glasgow and Lanarkshire in the 50s. She kicked off by telling the audience […]
Read the full article: Denise Mina at Creative Conversations review Pat Byrne
Wednesday, February 7, 2018 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry Events, What's On Glasgow West End: cinema, clubs, theatre, music, events, festivals, community and more, Writing
Denise Mina: Writer
Denise Mina is one of Scotland’s most talented writers and when you have finished one of her books you just can’t wait for the next. Thankfully they just keep coming and I am amazed at her productivity – a busy mother of young children and part of a large extended family – she has […]
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| Filed under: writers
Tags: Denise Mina, Denise Mina: Writer, writer
The Fortune Teller by Pat Byrne

‘it’s me. Colin. Let me in.’ Her brother nearly fell on top of her as Cora opened the door. ‘What’s up?’ She caught his arm as he staggered. ’Looks worse…that’s his, no mine.’ He patted his bloodstained shirt. ’My God. Look at the state of you.’ She helped him to the couch. One eye was […]
Read the full article: The Fortune Teller by Pat Byrne
Sunday, December 31, 2017 | Filed under: Christmas Poems , Stories and Winter Tales, stories and poems, Writing, Writing for the Festive Season
Christmas Day – a story by Cornelius Doherty

Christmas Day Everything old was new again. The rust on the tin roofs of the outhouses disappeared. The black pitch on the byre – gaping and torn down to the rotten cladding was covered in the cold white of Christmas morning. A small robin landed lightly on the window sill, barely marking the untouched […]
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Monday, December 25, 2017 | Filed under: Christmas Poems , Stories and Winter Tales, stories and poems, Writing for the Festive Season
Seasons Greetings from Stef Shaw The Glasgow Cabbie

‘Most of us look forward to a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings, and many enjoy a drink on Christmas Day. 🥃🍷 This time of year is such a fun time for most children and families, but I’d like you to remember that it can also be a very sad time of year […]
Read the full article: Seasons Greetings from Stef Shaw The Glasgow Cabbie
Thursday, December 21, 2017 | Filed under: Christmas Poems , Stories and Winter Tales, Writing for the Festive Season
Some Wintertime Poems by Finola Scott

Darkening So the Darkness approaches, I could talk of enveloping black the rip and reveal of the veil stripped […]
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Monday, December 18, 2017 | Filed under: Christmas Poems , Stories and Winter Tales, stories and poems, Writing for the Festive Season
Jane Sweeney – Finding Mario

Oscar Sometimes we just saunter through life; days are filled with happiness and laughter and routines keep us wrapped up in a sense of normality and contentment. Then a massive curveball is thrown your way. For me, that was losing my best friend Oscar, my rather old bearded collie cross. He had been my constant […]
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Sunday, December 17, 2017 | Filed under: Jane Sweeney: Blogging about Glasgow and its hidden gems., Writing for the Festive Season
I Deserve This – a poem for Christmas by Calum Maclean

The talented Glasgow poet Calum Maclean reveals his thoughts on Christmas. I Deserve This I must’ve been the architect of some outrageous larceny, my henchmen thieving priceless jewels delivered to me personally. Presumably, I used that swag to fund an act of treachery, facilitated shady deals, created instability, ensured elections swung my way, indulged in […]
Read the full article: I Deserve This – a poem for Christmas by Calum Maclean
Saturday, December 16, 2017 | Filed under: Calum Maclean – poet and aspiring writer, Christmas Poems , Stories and Winter Tales, stories and poems, Writing for the Festive Season
Glasgow’s West End: Ian R Mitchell: Writer and Mountaineer
Ian R Mitchell is a long-established author, who has published 20 books which range from fiction, to historical and biographical works, and to mountaineering and travel books. Ghost Dance by Ian R Mitchell – The First Trumpland Political Thriller published October, 2017 Born in Aberdeen, Ian taught History for over twenty years at Clydebank College […]
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Thursday, November 2, 2017 | Filed under: writers
‘Love’ a story by Maggie Reeve

LOVE She appeared at more or less the same time every morning. It was so regular I wondered if she set her alarm as a reminder to feed the birds. And she always wore one of her colourful hats. I used to watch her through the window as I drank my morning coffee. The […]
Read the full article: ‘Love’ a story by Maggie Reeve
Saturday, October 14, 2017 | Filed under: Love Poems, Stories and Tales from Glasgow writers, stories and poems
Glasgow Writers: Kevin Scott

Kevin Scott is a Glasgow-based author and journalist. His debut novel ‘Dead Cat Bounce’ was published in May, 2017. It tells the story of two estranged brothers forced into reconciliation when the coffin containing their 11 year-old half-brother is stolen the day before his funeral, ‘Dead Cat Bounce’ has been well-received and was shortlisted for The Sceptre Prize. A graduate of the University […]
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Thursday, August 24, 2017 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry Events, writers
Genova “La Superba” – Glasgow with sunshine? by Ian R. Mitchell

Italy has such a wealth of wonderful cities, that many which would be the jewel in the crown of most other countries, can tend to become overlooked. Such is Genoa. Little on the tourist itinerary, this Cinderella of Mediterranean cities is nevertheless a fascinating place to spend some time, with a wealth of historical and […]
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Thursday, April 20, 2017 | Filed under: Writing
Soporific Summers and Antonia Seaward

The fragrance of hazy heat that wrapped us in a warm fuzz as we walked down my street Roses at their fullest bloom in every garden infusing the air with botanical incense Memories of jam jars on my kitchen windowsill filled with petals and home made perfume Gifts for my […]
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Saturday, April 8, 2017 | Filed under: Sweet or sharp summer stories and poems, Writing
Mango – a poem by Leela Soma

It’s Mango Season in India (April, May and June.) Asians in Glasgow also look forward to special baskets of fruit from the sub -continent, sold in Asian shops. You can find different flavours and types quite unlike thos you find all year round in supermarkets. Mango Tiny green mango, picked from on high, Bit hard, […]
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Friday, April 7, 2017 | Filed under: Sweet or sharp summer stories and poems
Glasgow Writers: Alistair Braidwood – Scots Whay Hae!

Alistair Braidwood, who runs the popular website and podcast Scots Whay Hae! has a passion for Scottish creativity including books, film and music. Little wonder the site is so popular as it includes a tremendous amount of fascinating features and reviews about Scottish arts events and artists. The podcasts are engrossing, reflecting not only Alistair’s […]
Read the full article: Glasgow Writers: Alistair Braidwood – Scots Whay Hae!
Thursday, March 16, 2017 | Filed under: writers
A Night of Horror – creepy, scary podcasts by Kathleen Kidd

I’ve been enjoying A Night of Horror’s short drama podcasts, made in Scotland by Kathleen Kidd. The podcasts are designed to keep you up at night – you’ll find a selection of spooky stories to listen to on A Night of Horror website. The podcasts are also available to download.. They last between 3 and 15 […]
Read the full article: A Night of Horror – creepy, scary podcasts by Kathleen Kidd
Sunday, February 26, 2017 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry Events, What's On Glasgow West End: cinema, clubs, theatre, music, events, festivals, community and more, Writing
Past Love in the Museum of Transport – poetry by Ciara MacLaverty
Past Love in the Museum of Transport Where’s Daddy? I say, holding your son in my arms, inhaling the baby scent of his head. You’re up on the steam engine with your other son pointing, waving down at us. You still look good and I can hold your gaze without fear of loss or fear […]
Read the full article: Past Love in the Museum of Transport – poetry by Ciara MacLaverty
Monday, February 13, 2017 | Filed under: Love Poems, Stories and Tales from Glasgow writers, stories and poems, Valentine's Day in Glasgow 2017
Bloggers Glasgow West End

Blogging in Glasgow West End. On this page you will find links to Westenders and former Westenders who write a regular diary (and sometimes not regular) about their activities. Note: these may not all be strictly classified as blogs – but most are near enough for me not to quibble about it. Contact me today […]
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Tuesday, January 31, 2017 | Filed under: Writing
Mary Irvine’s Blog: Christmas Customs and Festivals

Christmas Customs Once again the rush is on and stress increases as the day draws near… I abolished, for myself, the commercialism of Christmas several years ago. It was the year I went to the post office and bought stamps which cost more than double the actual cards being sent. I also considered to whom […]
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Sunday, December 11, 2016 | Filed under: Mary Irvine: Writer and Philhellene, Writing for the Festive Season
Dear Diary by Paul Wright

Thursday 23 December Midnight Dear Diary Been thinking all day about the Prince’s Ball. Grimelda and Safi have been a nightmare all day ordering me around, getting everything ready for THEM. No time for cleaning. I’ll pay for that! Not even had five minutes to myself and been close to tears all day. But didn’t […]
Ruby saves the day by Gillian Mayes

Ruby is a young woman who lives at home with her mother, father and little brother. She lives in a part of Glasgow called Giffnock, where there are nice houses with big gardens so that everybody there feels very lucky. Most of her days are straightforward – the odd calamity happens of course, like losing […]
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Tuesday, December 6, 2016 | Filed under: Christmas Poems , Stories and Winter Tales, Writing for the Festive Season
