Aye Write! Home Ground, new writing inspired by the Homeless Word Cup in Glasgow, 2016 review by Pat Byrne.

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Aye Write! Home Ground, new writing inspired by the Homeless Word Cup in Glasgow, 2016 review by Pat Byrne.

It was full house for the launch of Aye Write, 2017, Home Ground, certain to be one of the most enjoyable and moving events of this year’s book festival. Home Ground is described as ‘a powerful and enduring collection of new writing from established authors, learners, students and tutors’ who have worked together in Glasgow – following on from last year’s Homeless World Cup Tournament.

The book is an anthology edited by Zoe Strachan and Louise Welsh with arange of stories and poems focusing on issues that contribute to homelessness. They are ‘peppered with the landmarks, spaces and places that are emblems of our city. Most of all, they are about people; their hopes and fears, and their trials and triumphs.’

A range of volunteers supported the project with graduate MLitt students (including the talented Gillean McDougall), creative writing tutors and authors including Lin Anderson, Robert Douglas, Alan Bissett, David Farrell and city Makar Jim Carruth.

It was a fantastic event and I hope that the new writers will continue with their creative writing as the talent on display was breathtaking and the stories full of insight, heartbreak and humour. I found the readings very moving, including Lisa McPeake’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’, David Farrell’s ‘From Happiness to Homelessness: One Man’s Journey to Hell and Back’ also the simple but effective poems by Jacqui Cathcart. The writers took us with them as they opened our eyes to new places and experiences, such as Robert Douglas’ description of The Great Eastern Hotel, which I’d only ever heard of as the dreaded ‘model’. Eric Hamilton’s story ‘Clyde’ made the river the main character – it seemed to be presenting a symbol of hope:

‘The wildlife and nature that has been missing for so long has all come back.

Perhaps the songs will become louder now.’

I could go on and on about this event and this project but I have to get ready for my own creative writing class. But really, well done all involved.

I absolutely loved the Homeless World Cup and I loved this event – if you didn’t make it along you can pick up a copy of Home Ground for free at The Mitchell Library or online

Pat Byrne, 14 March, 2017

Homeless World Cup in Glasgow 2016