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

The Raft Glasgow Film Theatre

the raft

15 – 20 February, 2019 Arguably the forerunner to reality TV experiments such as Big Brother, Mexican anthropologist Santisgo Genovés tested the limits of force human interaction in 1973’s Acali Experiment: 11 strangers – selected for maximum friction – were dumped on a raft for three months to cross the Atlantic. Genovés told the reluctant […]

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Friday, February 15, 2019 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events

Aye Write: Frank Quitely The Comics That Made Me

frank quitely

15th Mar 2019  •  6:00PM – 7:00PM  •  Glasgow Royal Concert Hall The Comics That Made Me Frank Quitely, legend in the world of comics, talks about the comics that have most inspired and entertained him throughout the years. Quietly grew up in Rutherglen and studied at the Glasgow School of Art before launching the […]

Read the full article: Aye Write: Frank Quitely The Comics That Made Me

Tracey Thorn at Aye Write

tracey thorn aye write

14 March, 2019 – 6 p.m. Mitchell Library, Another Planet: A Teenager in Suburbia In a 1970s commuter town, Tracey Thorn’s teenage life was forged from what failed to happen. Her diaries were packed with entries about not buying things and not going to the disco. Long before she would conquer the charts in Everything but […]

Read the full article: Tracey Thorn at Aye Write

Open Mic Tuesdays at Queen Margaret Union

open mic queen margaret union

Every Tuesday 8p.m. Champions Barr, QMU, 22 University Gardens, University of Glasgow, G12 8QN Open Mic is back at the QMU // takes place every Tuesday at 8PM in Champions Bar // max 10 mins per act // free drinks for performers // anything goes (music, spoken word, stand up, etc) // bringing your own […]

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David Keenan and Chris McQueer in Conversation

david keenan

Monday, 25 February, 2019, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m. To celebrate the launch of ‘For The Good Times’, David Keenan and Chris McQueer will be in conversation on February 25th, 2019 at Mono.  Q&A, chaired by Alistair Braidwood (Scots Whay Hae!). David Keenan is the author of ‘For The Good Times’ (Faber & Faber) and […]

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Saturday, February 9, 2019 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events

Lorna Goodison, Poet Laureate of Jamaica in Conversation with Louise Welsh

lorna goodison

University of Glasgow Thursday, 14 March, 2019, 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. This is a rare opportunity to share an evening with Lorna Goodison, Poet Laureate of Jamaica, and one of the most distinguished writers of her generation. Lorna Goodison is the Poet Laureate of Jamaica. She is the recipient of numerous prizes for her […]

Read the full article: Lorna Goodison, Poet Laureate of Jamaica in Conversation with Louise Welsh

Friday, February 8, 2019 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events

Aye Write Raynor Winn & Charlotte Runcie

aye write 2019

Thursday 14th March 2019    6:00PM – 7:00PM   Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow G3 7DN   The Salt and the Sea Just days after Raynor Winn learned that her husband of 32 years, was terminally ill, their home was taken away. With nothing left and little time, they made the brave and impulsive decision to […]

Read the full article: Aye Write Raynor Winn & Charlotte Runcie

Clochoderick Press Presents an Evening of Poetry and Spoken Word

oxfam book shop byres road. jpg

Friday 1 March 2019  – 7 – 9pm Oxfam Bookshop, 231 Byres Road, Glasgow G12 8UD Free entry Local writers Jim Ferguson, Graham Fulton, Mairi Murphy, Tracy Patrick and Fiona Lindsay will be reading with books available to purchase. Drinks and nibbles will be provided and the shop itself will remain open for sales of its […]

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Wednesday, February 6, 2019 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, Shopping

Angus Peter Campbell at Aye Write

aye write angus peter campbell

Thursday, 14 March, 2019 6 – 7 p.m. The award-winning poet, novelist, journalist and broadcaster discusses his new Gaelic novel, the first event of several which explores Gaelic literature as part of Aye Write! Glasgow’s Book Festival. ‘Constabal Murdo’ is set on Barra and follows the mystery of a valuable historic brooch stolen from Kismuil […]

Read the full article: Angus Peter Campbell at Aye Write

Women in Islam Exhibition

women in islam hillhad lib

11 – 23 February, 2019 Hillhead Library, 348 Byres Rd, Glasgow G12 8AP Want to find out more about Women in Islam. Her status, role and rights, why she wears the veil and much more? Don’t miss the exhibition held by Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Community at Hillhead Library.  

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Monday, February 4, 2019 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events

Book Launch: Handle with Care and other stories by Ann MacLaren

handle with care and other stories

Thursday 14th February, 2019 at 7.30 pm. Waterstones Byres Road, 351-355 Byres Rd, Glasgow G12 8AU Thursday 21st February, 2019 at 6pm. Hillhead Library, Byres Road, 348 Byres Rd, Glasgow G12 8AP Rose wants a baby, but she’s too old. Adam’s musical career is on the line. Newly widowed Evie wonders if it’s time to move on. […]

Read the full article: Book Launch: Handle with Care and other stories by Ann MacLaren

Tandem at The Tron

tandem writing collective

Tuesday 5 and Wednesday 6 February, 2019 After selling out their first night on Tuesday 5th February, Tandem Writing Collective  are now bringing the show back. Buy tickets After three years of putting on pub theatre events, their nights of short new theatre and live music are now part of the Tron Theatre 2019 programme! […]

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OK Fest – Kilmacolm’s Festival of Sound

poetry ok fest

2nd March, 2019, 2 – 4.15 p.m. Free Poetry and Literature Readings Kilmacolm Old Kirk This year’s festival’s theme will be the importance of joy in its broadest sense. Performers at the event: Renfrewshire’s Makar – Brian Whittingham Jack Hastie – author of ‘Scattered Dreams, Forgotten Nightmares’ Dr Anne Pettigrew – author of ‘Not the […]

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Sisters and Seamonsters – Chiara Berardelli

glad cafe drawing

8 March, 2019 The Glad Cafe  (Glad Cafe drawing by Art by Arjo) A night of story, song, tears and laughter celebrating, honouring and discovering the wonderful people who identify as women. In recognition of International Women’s day musicians, comedians and poets join singer-songwriter Chiara Berardelli who launches her one woman show Seamonster, the Story […]

Read the full article: Sisters and Seamonsters – Chiara Berardelli

Creative Conversations: Mark Cousins

the story of film

FILMMAKER MARK COUSINS 4 February 2019 – 1 p.m. Free & Open to the Public University Chapel, West Quadrangle, Main Building Gilmorehill Campus, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ Mark Cousins programmed the Edinburgh Film Festival (1996-97), hosted BBC2’s Moviedrome (1997-2000) and Scene by Scene (1999-2000), and is the author of The Story of Film […]

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St Mungo’s Mirrorball Mirrorball Poetry Showcase February, 2019

Vahni Capildeo, Gerrie Fellows and Ross Wilson Thursday 7 February 2019 7pm, £7 on the door, Cinema All ages 0141 352 4900 Another wonderful evening in store St Mungo’s Mirrorball Poetry showcasing the work of three leading poets: Vahni Capildeo Vahni Capildeo’s sixth full-length book of poems and tenth publication is Venus as a Bear […]

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Launch of Calum Rodger’s new poetry pamphlet PORTS

launch of calum rodgers ports

Sunday 3 February, 2019 Super Bario, 7 King Street, G1 5QZ Aarcade Paradise at Super Bario for the launch of Calum Rodger’s PORTS –  a selection of classic twentieth century poems reimagined as video game texts. Things will kick off with a reading from SPAM’s own Max Parnell, followed by a reading the man himself Calum […]

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Word Jazzology 16 February, 2019

word jazzology spring

Partickhill Bowling and Community Club, 46 Partickhill Road, Partick G11 5BY Saturday, 16 February, 2019 8 p.m. Cabaret collision of French-style jazz, comedy, poetry and literature. Stand up Ian Macpherson, winner of the first Time Out Award for Comedy, is joined by Alan Bissett, five star Fringe performer, celebrated playwright and novelist. Gypsy jazz music […]

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Book Launch Glasgow: ‘Where The Bridge Lies’ Frank Woods

where the bridge lies frank wood

Thursday 31 January, 2019 The Iron Horse, 115 West Nile Street, Glasgow G1 2SB Official launch of Frank Woods’ debut novel ‘Where the Bridge Lies’. Celebrate with Frank at the Iron Horse on the 31st January. Admission is free and all are welcome! Frank Woods will read from his novel and a Q&A session will follow. […]

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In Conversation with Rupert Thomson and Graeme Macrae Burnet

rupert thomson and graeme macrae burnet

Waterstones Sauchiehall Street Glasgow Thursday , 28 February, 2019 Rupert Thomson is one of the UK’s most critically lauded writers. Author of eleven novels, his latest ‘Never Anyone But You’ tells the story of the gender-defying French artists Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore from their adolescence in Nantes, through their years among the surrealists of […]

Read the full article: In Conversation with Rupert Thomson and Graeme Macrae Burnet

Modern Poetry for Modern People at St Louis Partick

moern poetry for modern people

With Sam Small St Louis Cafe/Bar 734 Dumbarton Road, Glasgow G11 6RD “NEW ME NEW YEAR NEW POETRY NEW NIGHT “ First Thursday every month 9 – 11 p.m.  FREE “Come on down to St. Louis on the first Thursday of the month to hear some poetry, a mix of traditional and modern, from experienced […]

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Creative Conversations: DUB POET D’BI YOUNG ANITAFRIKA

anita afrika.org.

Monday 28 January 2019, 1 – 2 p.m. Free & Open to the Public University Chapel, West Quadrangle, Main Building Gilmorehill Campus, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ D’bi Young Anitafrika is a queer Black feminist artist. Canadian Poet of Honor and YWCA Woman of Distinction in the Arts, she is an internationally celebrated African Jamaican […]

Read the full article: Creative Conversations: DUB POET D’BI YOUNG ANITAFRIKA

Sunday, January 27, 2019 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events

Sonnet Youth Showcase

sonnet youth showcase

17 February, 2019 The Tron Theatre,  63 Trongate, Glasgow, G1 5HB Sonnet Youth is a spoken word house party, a literary rave, a poetic piss up – bringing together poets, comedians and musicians for an afternoon of no holds barred performances. ‘As part of the Sonnet Youth Weekender we’ve curated a special showcase of some of the […]

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Wednesday, January 23, 2019 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events

6th This Is Not A Burns Night, Govanhill Baths review Pat Byrne

jim monaghan stage

I went along with my friend Gillian to The Rum Shack (657– 659 Pollokshaws Road, G41 2AB) for our first experience of this annual event.  This year the celebration combined fundraising for Govanhill Baths  with a tribute to the poet Tom Leonard who died recently.  The venue was downstairs in the pub and it was stowed – by […]

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Glasgow Literary Lounge – Alternative Burns

glasgow literary lounge

22 January, 2019 East End Showcase of Literature, Music and Art Speakeasy and Open Mic Night with Jim Ferguson by Cheeky Besom Productions Calton Bar, 415 London Road, G40 1AG To secure a 5 – 7 minute slot contact Ruby McCann Seeking submissions inspired by the theme ‘Alternative Burns’ – open to your own interpretation. […]

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Women and Rent Strikes Red Clydeside at the Mitchell Library

rent strikes

31 January, 2019, 6 p.m. Talk by Dr Valerie Wright, Glasgow University, will consider role that women played in the grassroots and party political activism in Glasgow and West of Scotland, collectively termed ‘Red Clydeside’ Free but places are limited. Book in person at the Granville Street reception or phone 0141 287 2999. The Mitchell […]

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Sunday, January 20, 2019 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events

World Without Walls with musician and songwriter Brian McFall

cheeky besom feb

Tuesday 26 February, 2019, 7 p.m. Glasgow Literary Lounge The Calton Bar, 415 London Road, Glasgow G40 1AG A WORLD WITHOUT WALLS: Featuring ‘The Life of Brian’ with Musician and Songwriter Brian McFall Calling all poets, warriors, misfits, dancers, writers, film makers, mystics, artists, troubadours, flaneurs, sole adventurers, and musicians. Cheeky Besom Productions in partnership with […]

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Novelist Sarah Moss Creative Conversations

ghost wall

Monday 21 January 2019, 1 p.m. Free & Open to the Public University Chapel, West Quadrangle, Main Building Gilmorehill Campus, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ Sarah Moss writes on the history and literature of food and travel. She co-edits, with Nicola Humble, the Food series at Manchester University Press, and has a BA, M.St. […]

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Wednesday, January 16, 2019 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events

Tell It Slant Express Yourself on Burns Night

tell it slant

25 January, 2019 – 7 p.m. What’s this, Tell it slant are hosting a Burns Night, complete with haggis, neeps and tatties. Aye. Veggie Haggis cos The Project Cafe is veggie. Fantastic array of poets wanting to share poetry with everyone. It’s BYOB (wine & beer only) and as always a raffle with poetry prizes. […]

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Friday, January 11, 2019 | Filed under: Books, Talks, Poetry and Creative Writing Events, Burns Events

Rachael Allen, Creative Conversations

rachael allen

Monday 14 January, 2019 1 p.m. Poet Rachael Allen Free & Open to the Public University Chapel, West Quadrangle, Main Building Gilmorehill Campus, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ Rachael Allen was born in Cornwall and studied English Literature at Goldsmiths College. She is the poetry editor at Granta, co-editor at the poetry press Clinic […]

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rachael allen

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