Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events.

hyndland bookshop inside

Books, talks and poetry events. Glasgow has everything on offer for lovers of literature, including major book festivals, book launches, poetry slams and spoken word open mics.

Plenty to choose from with events showcasing new talent as well as acclaimed writers and poets.

Events and New Books To Watch Out For

How Poets See The World – Paisley Book Festival Online 2021

brian whittingham paisley

How Poets See The World with Brian Whittingham 22 February,  2021, 5 p.m. Free. Book Tickets Join Renfrewshire’s Tannahill Makar Brian Whittingham for an hour of readings from Paisley connected poets, who share their visions of the world and make some projections for its future. Featuring Jim Ferguson, Basia Palka, Kay Metcalfe and Sean McMenemy, […]

Read the full article: How Poets See The World – Paisley Book Festival Online 2021

New Patterns for Paisley, Paisley Book Festival

patterns for paisley

Poetry and Publishing 23 February, 20217 p.m. Round table event discussing transformational effects of the coronavirus pandemic on Scottish writing and opportunities this presents for Paisley writers. Panellists include: John Scally, National Librarian and Chief Executive of the National Library of Scotland; Linda Jackson: writer, editor and creative writing tutor; Jim Ferguson: poet, novelist and […]

Read the full article: New Patterns for Paisley, Paisley Book Festival

In Conversation with Dean Atta and gainAgain

govanhill baths community

Govanhill Queer Community Banner Project Event by Govanhill Baths Community Trust Online with Facebook Live Wednesday, 24 February 2021 at 18:00 UTC Free Join poet Dean Atta and artist gainAgain (Drew Taylor Wilson) for this special in conversation event, celebrating the Govanhill Queer Community Banner Project in honour of LGBT+ History month. The banner weaves together […]

Read the full article: In Conversation with Dean Atta and gainAgain

Breaking Boundaries: Main Reading Vahni Capildeo and Mark Waldron

vahni capildeo and mark waldron

Sunday 21st February – 8.00pm-9.00pm Tickets: 
£5 – Book Online – Brewery Arts Centre Vahni Capildeo’s seven books and five pamphlets extend from prose poetry into immersive theatre. Capildeo’s work is intimate yet full of humour, far-ranging and far-reaching and always fearless in its challenge to the boundaries of poetry and what it can do. Mark […]

Read the full article: Breaking Boundaries: Main Reading Vahni Capildeo and Mark Waldron

Weird Pleasure by Jim Ferguson review of the launch by Pat Byrne

I think it’s fair to say that most book launches, particularly on zoom, no matter how engrossing,  can be fairly staid affairs. Not so the launch of Jim Ferguson’s ‘Weird Pleasure’ – this was a raucous, irreverent and highly entertaining event.  There was much praise for Jim’s impressive new poems and Louise Malone’s art work […]

Read the full article: Weird Pleasure by Jim Ferguson review of the launch by Pat Byrne

New Poetries VIII – Online Launches

new poetries anthology

Launches will run from 18 February until 18 March, 2021 Online Facebook Events – £2 each event. Please join Carcanet Press to celebrate the launch of New Poetries VIII, edited by Michael Schmidt and John McAuliffe. From the first New Poetries anthology, published in 1994, through to this eighth volume, the series has showcased some of the […]

Read the full article: New Poetries VIII – Online Launches

What It Means To Overcome – Paisley Film Festival

charlie gracie pailey book festival

(What it Means) to Overcome: Poems and short stories with Charlie Gracie, Donal McLaughlin & Mairi Murphy 23 February, 2021 5 p.m. Authors From Home Tickets: Free Charlie Gracie, Donal McLaughlin & Mairi Murphy are three local writers with strong Irish roots. One emigrated to Paisley as a child, whilst two are second generation. The […]

Read the full article: What It Means To Overcome – Paisley Film Festival

Book Launch: The Stone in My Pocket by Matthew Keeley

Launch on YouTube Sunday 28th February 4pm  Join the book launch on You Tube The Stone in My Pocket ‘Powerfully evokes all of the emotions you want when you read a good novel.’ – The Independent  A poignant coming-of-age story following a teenage journey into mediumship, independence, 90s pop culture, and a new millennium. The […]

Read the full article: Book Launch: The Stone in My Pocket by Matthew Keeley

Creative Conversations: Scarlett Thomas

scarlett thomas

Monday 22 February, 2021 at 1 p.m. Creative Conversations Lunchtime Series hosted by Creative Writing College of Arts, University of Glasgow  On Zoom – Free Register at EventBrite You will be sent the link to attend the meeting Scarlett Thomas was born in London. She is the author of the Worldquake series and nine novels […]

Read the full article: Creative Conversations: Scarlett Thomas

The World I Fell Out Of – Melanie Reid

the world Ifell out of

Paisley Book Festival 20 February, 2021 – 4 p.m. Authors From Home Tickets: Free In 2010, award-winning writer and The Times columnist Melanie Reid fell from her horse, breaking her neck and fracturing her lower back. Paralysed from the top of her chest down, she was to spend almost a full year in hospital, determinedly […]

Read the full article: The World I Fell Out Of – Melanie Reid

Crossways Literary Festival 2021 – Online

home-logo-rabbit3-800x533

12 – 14 February, 2021 Crossways: The Irish Scottish Cultural & Literary Festival The first two Crossways Festivals took place in the Merchant City, Glasgow, in the spring of 2018 and 2019. Due to the ongoing Pandemic, this year’s Festival must be a virtual one. Although online, Virtual Crossways 2021 will nonetheless be a substantial series of […]

Read the full article: Crossways Literary Festival 2021 – Online

Vivian French and The Giant’s Tea Party

giants tea party

Paisley Book Festival – 20 February, 202 10 a.m. Family Event Age 5 – 10 years Tickets are Free – Book Online Beloved children’s author and picture book expert Vivian French brings us a rollicking new fairytale adventure, The Giant’s Tea Party, which tells the story of Prince Max as he ventures into the valley […]

Read the full article: Vivian French and The Giant’s Tea Party

Online Book Launch: Ruth Thomas: The Snow and the Works on the Northern Line

the snow and works on the northern line

Thursday, February 18, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Online event by  Wee Three Indies, The Edinburgh Bookshop Atkinson-Pryce  Far From The Madding Crowd, Linlithgow Free Event on Facebook To sign up for the event email weethreeindies@gmail.com and we to be sent link. Ruth Thomas on Zoom to talk about her latest novel, Snow and the Works on […]

Read the full article: Online Book Launch: Ruth Thomas: The Snow and the Works on the Northern Line

Multi-talented and Versatile – Laura Turnbull Fyfe

laura balloch open mic

Laura jokes that she has a low boredom threshold. Ten years ago, she went part-time as a teacher and since then has honed plate-spinning to a fine art. A mother to five-year old Riley, she also fits in part-time teaching, facilitation of writing communities and leads writing workshops – all around writing her own novels and poetry.  […]

Read the full article: Multi-talented and Versatile – Laura Turnbull Fyfe

Balloch Open Mic – One From The Archives

alan-riach

Alan Riach – One from the archives . . . The June 2019 Open Mic drew a large crowd. George Gibson’s review says it all. Sometimes when you invite a guest headliner along to the open mic, no matter their reputation, you’re not sure what you’re going to get, except it’s probably going to be […]

Read the full article: Balloch Open Mic – One From The Archives

Newtopia: Women With Fierce Words, Paisley Book Festival

paisley book festiva women with fierce words

18 February, 2021 9.30 p.m. Authors From Home Tickets: Free Newtopia is a multimedia performance of writing emerging from women’s disrupted lives as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. It is presented by Women With Fierce Words – an inclusive collective of established women writers. They will be joined from India by the award-winning poet, […]

Read the full article: Newtopia: Women With Fierce Words, Paisley Book Festival

Paisley Book Festival 2021 – Online

18 – 27 February, 2021 During Lockdown books and reading have been a great source of comfort for so many people. The Paisley Book Festival has a fabulous programme lined up with something for everyone on their digital stage. Radical New Futures: Launch Event 18 February, 7 p.m. Hannah Lavery, Laura Waddell and Alan Bissett […]

Read the full article: Paisley Book Festival 2021 – Online

Tidelines Festival Winter Warmer Poetry Events

tidelines-logo

Winter Warmer Poetry Friday January 29th and February 5th, 2021  at 7.30pm for Winter Warmer Poetry season. Welcoming a range of talented poets,  many of them from Ayrshire, who will feature at Tidelines Winter Warmer Events – some on 29 January and some on February 5th. Sign up on Tidelines YouTube Channel and set alerts […]

Read the full article: Tidelines Festival Winter Warmer Poetry Events

The Scribbler’s Union – Vol.1 Book Launch (2 Nights!)

the scribblers union

8 & 9 February, 2021 at 7 p.m. Celebrate the launch of The Scribbler’s Union Vol.1 – an anthology of new work from the emerging artists of the Scribbler’s Union. Hosted by Kevin P. Gilday, the festivities will stretch over two nights of performances – 8th & 9th February – with both shows kicking off […]

Read the full article: The Scribbler’s Union – Vol.1 Book Launch (2 Nights!)

Wednesday, January 27, 2021 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, Zoom and online events

Paisley Book Festival – A Kist of Thistles

a kist of thistles

25th February, 2021 a 5 p.m. Authors From Home Tickets: Free A Kist of Thistles is a new anthology of radical poetry from contemporary Scotland published by Culture Matters, which includes new and previously published work from a diverse range of poets from Scotland and beyond. This collection includes Renfrewshire based poets, new working class poets, […]

Read the full article: Paisley Book Festival – A Kist of Thistles

The Burns Supper Addressed Burns Centre University of Glasgow

centre for robert burns

Friday 29 January 2021 on Zoom A virtual celebration of Scotland’s National Bard, Robert Burns: “The Burns Supper Addressed.” 2021 marks the 220th anniversary of the first Burns Supper held and experts from University of Glasgow’s world-leading Centre for Robert Burns Studies will explore this long history of celebration. They will also consider the poet’s […]

Read the full article: The Burns Supper Addressed Burns Centre University of Glasgow

Hannah Lavery Creative Conversations

hannah lavery

Monday 25 January, 2021 at 1 p.m Poet, playwright and performer Hannah Lavery reading and in conversation On Zoom Free – Register Online (This is a Zoom event and you will be sent the link to attend the meeting.) Hannah Lavery is an award winning poet, playwright, performer and experienced workshop facilitator. Her poetry has […]

Read the full article: Hannah Lavery Creative Conversations

Believe in Scotland Virtual Burns Supper

burns_supper2-FB-1024x536

Saturday, 23 January, 2021 6.30 p..m. – 7 p.m. Start £15 – Buy tickets The Believe in Scotland Virtual Burns Supper will take place on Saturday, January 23. All proceeds will be spent on campaigning for Scottish independence – a stellar line up to entertain and enlighten you, ranging from the best Burns and folk […]

Read the full article: Believe in Scotland Virtual Burns Supper

A Virtual Burns Night Edinburgh Castle

burns night edinburgh castle

MONDAY, 25 JANUARY 2021 AT 17:00 UTC A Virtual Burns Night On the bard’s birthday this January y Edinburgh Castle and Historic Scotland will be celebrating in the glorious halls at Edinburgh Castle. Join them as they  explore the life and lines of Robert Burns through song and poetry. Raise a glass with costumed performers Lady Clara and […]

Read the full article: A Virtual Burns Night Edinburgh Castle

Creative Conversations: Oyinkan Braithwaite

Monday 18 January 2021, 1 – 2 p.m. Zoom Event (This is a Zoom event and you will be sent the link to attend the meeting after booking on eventbrite.) Oyinkan Braithwaite is a graduate of Creative Writing and Law from Kingston University. Following her degree, she worked as an assistant editor at a Nigerian […]

Read the full article: Creative Conversations: Oyinkan Braithwaite

Balloch Open Mic – Vale Lad ‘Done Good’ – again

paul outdoors

Paul Murdoch, a multi-talented but very modest man I’ll mention a few of his talents on his behalf – writer of children’s/Y.A./Adult books. Singer, songwriter, musician (guitar, keyboard) wild-life photographer and writer, Pictures Screen Writer at SMA Talent. The ‘Stop Press’ news is that Paul has been asked to play in a concert in Holland […]

Read the full article: Balloch Open Mic – Vale Lad ‘Done Good’ – again

  Balloch House Hotel Open Mic   (in abeyance)

mike taylor frozen loch

December, 2020 December is a month of diverse festivities, celebrations and devotional acts. Ann, George and I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone well, whatever their faith, belief or creed. Below is a selection from some of the regulars at the Open Mic. Thanks to everyone who contributed. Ice on Loch Lomond […]

Read the full article:   Balloch House Hotel Open Mic   (in abeyance)

Thursday, December 24, 2020 | Filed under: Blog: Balloch Open Mic, Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events

Mary Irvine’s Blog: A Year to Remember – or forget..

daftness and doggerel

As 2020 is rapidly coming to a close I decided to take stock of what I’ve actually done during the year. It Started Well The year started well. An earlier blog described my visit to friends down south, with trips to two London exhibitions and meeting up with Greek ex-students. My diary was filling up […]

Read the full article: Mary Irvine’s Blog: A Year to Remember – or forget..

Book Launch: Weird Pleasure by Jim Ferguson

On Zoom Friday 11 December, 2020 at 6 p.m. Dr Ferguson will read a selection of poems from his new collection and possibly answer a question or two about his work. (Leamington Book Publishers) Join Zoom Meeting See Event on Facebook for Meeting ID and Password  Podbean: Jim and Pat’s West End Chat: Jim Ferguson […]

Read the full article: Book Launch: Weird Pleasure by Jim Ferguson

Damian Barr, Creative Conversations

damian barr image

Monday 7 December, 2020, 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. Creative Conversations College of Arts – On Zoom Free Tickets at Eventbrite  You will be sent the link to attend the meeting once you book. Damian Barr is a writer, broadcaster playwright, and host of the Literary Salon. His books include Maggie & Me (2013) and You Will Be […]

Read the full article: Damian Barr, Creative Conversations

damian barr image

Copyright Glasgow Westend 2009 thru 2017

Contact Pat's Guide to Glasgow West End | About Pat Byrne | Privacy Policy | Design by Jim Byrne Website Design