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

‘Communal Luxury: The Political Imaginary of the Paris Commune’ (2015) by Kristin Ross CCA 17 August, 2016

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Cities & Bookmark: Reading Platform | ‘Communal Luxury: The Political Imaginary of the Paris Commune’ (2015) by Kristin Ross Wed 17 August 2016 7pm, Free and unticketed, Clubroom Ages: 15+ 0141 352 4900 Related CCA Events Cities Until Fri 30 September 2016 Please note this event will now start at 7pm. Kristin Ross’s new work […]

Read the full article: ‘Communal Luxury: The Political Imaginary of the Paris Commune’ (2015) by Kristin Ross CCA 17 August, 2016

The Haystack featuring a Q&A with Joanna Cherry CCA 17 August, 2015

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Scottish PEN presents The Haystack A FREE screening of the documentary, The Haystack Featuring a Q&A with Joanna Cherry QC MP, Olivia Cappuccini and David Irvine  The CCA, 17th August, 6.15pm Did Orwell get it right, or is Big Brother bigger and more invasive now than ever envisaged? The Snowden revelations in 2013 demonstrated the […]

Read the full article: The Haystack featuring a Q&A with Joanna Cherry CCA 17 August, 2015

Gutter Magazine Issue 15 Glasgow Launch, Gesso, 19 August, 2016

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Gutter – the Magazine of New Scottish Writing – presents a launch reading event for its Autumn 2016 issue. Post-Brexit, the theme of this issue is the ‘North Alantic Drift’ and it features work from Icelandic, Canadian, Scottish and Irish writers, including James Kelman, Malachy Tallack, Christie Williamson, Cynthia Rogerson, Au∂ur Jónsdóttir and many others, […]

Read the full article: Gutter Magazine Issue 15 Glasgow Launch, Gesso, 19 August, 2016

Poetry Apothecary with Rebecca Sharp CCA Sunday 18 September, 2016

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  CCA, 350 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3JD   11 a.m. – 4 p.m.   In this unique workshop, you will create a poem with a matching essential oil scent blend to take home. We will be exploring how the ingredients and techniques for composing and blending a scent can be compared to writing a poem, […]

Read the full article: Poetry Apothecary with Rebecca Sharp CCA Sunday 18 September, 2016

Liam McCormick’s debut pamphlet, ‘Why Do People Never Snap and Think They’re Buddha? review by Stephen Watt

Liam McCormick

Exhibiting a veritable flare for developing candid, memorable characters, young Glaswegian poet Liam McCormick’s debut collection of prose and poetry ‘Why do people never snap and think they’re Buddha’ is a blunt, impartial observation of adolescents in the west of Scotland finding their way through onerous school days and the daily evils which they bring. […]

Read the full article: Liam McCormick’s debut pamphlet, ‘Why Do People Never Snap and Think They’re Buddha? review by Stephen Watt

National Poetry Competition 2016 – closing date for submissions 31 October

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National Poetry Competition The Poetry Society’s annual National Poetry Competition is for previously unpublished single poems and has a first prize of £5,000.  2016 The competition is now open for entries! Ten prizes First prize: £5000 Second prize: £2000 Third prize: £1000 Seven commendations: £200 each Winning poems are published on The Poetry Society website, and […]

Read the full article: National Poetry Competition 2016 – closing date for submissions 31 October

Doune, Doune, Doune The Rabbit Hole at McChuills, 11 August, 2016

doune the rabbit hole festival 2016

  McChuills, 40 High Street, G1 1NB Thursday, 11 August, 2016 – 8 p.m. A night of highlights from the SPOKEN WURD tent at DOUNE THE RABBITHOLE 2016 descends on McChuills on 11 August.  If you canny make the festival, it’s a chance to see what’s goin on. And if you’re sorted for Doune, come […]

Read the full article: Doune, Doune, Doune The Rabbit Hole at McChuills, 11 August, 2016

The Muse at St Louis, Brian Whittingham Wednesday 10 August, 2016

the muse brian whittingham 10 aug

West End Launch – ‘Sometimes I Radiate’ Everyone’s invited to another great night of literature at St Louis with host Linda Jaxson, who will also provide the musical entertainment with Tony Stallone. Glasgow Writer Brian Whittingham is the main guest of the evening and you can look forward to performances by the poet Finola Scott […]

Read the full article: The Muse at St Louis, Brian Whittingham Wednesday 10 August, 2016

Mary Irvine’s blog: literary goings on Dumbarton and Glasgow West End, July 2016

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Hiya! Feeling a wee bit guilty that I haven’t been writing of late, not just for this site but generally. I have been subject to a period of lethargy. The ideas are all there. It’s the physical effort that seems to be lacking. However, I have decided not to justify this state as ‘part of […]

Read the full article: Mary Irvine’s blog: literary goings on Dumbarton and Glasgow West End, July 2016

Kimberley Chambers and Anna Smith – crime writers in conversation Waterstones

kemberley chambers

  Waterstones 153 – 157 Sauchiehall Street G2 3EW Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 6:30 PM We are very pleased to welcome back two masters of Crime fiction Kimberley Chambers and Anna Smith as they discuss their latest novels and take questions from the audience. Speak to a bookseller or call 0141 332 9105 Anna […]

Read the full article: Kimberley Chambers and Anna Smith – crime writers in conversation Waterstones

Long Way From Glasgow a memoir by John Donaldson

long way from glasgow

John Donaldson’s memoir ‘Long Way From Glasgow’ is a fascinating read. It encompasses his life growing up in Glasgow during the Second World War and the years he spent in Canada building the trade union movement. John’s experiences are well worth chronicling including difficulties encountered in Africa and time spent in such far flung places […]

Read the full article: Long Way From Glasgow a memoir by John Donaldson

Book launch: I See You Clare Mackintosh Tuesday 26 July, 2016

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Waterstones, Argyle Street  Tuesday 26 Jun, 2016  7 p.m. Clare Mackintosh, author of the explosive and spine-tingling debut thriller I LET YOU GO, launches her second novel I SEE YOU exclusively at Waterstones Argyle Street! Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to hear Clare talk about her powerful psychological thriller with BBC Scotland presenter and local […]

Read the full article: Book launch: I See You Clare Mackintosh Tuesday 26 July, 2016

Soundwaves Anthology Launch 26 July, 2016 Tron Theatre

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Soundwaves Anthology Launch 26 July, 2016 7 p.m. Tron Theatre, Victoria Bar, 63 Trongate G1 5HB Book Launch: New writing from the Federation of Writers (Scotland). Hugely entertaining – poems and prose, fiction and non-fiction. Don’t miss it! Event on Facebook Federation of Writers (Scotland)

Read the full article: Soundwaves Anthology Launch 26 July, 2016 Tron Theatre

Buy Buy Baby by Helen MacKinven, Waterstones Argyle Street, 19 July 2016

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Waterstones, 174 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8AH   19 July, 2016 – 7 p.m.   Helen MacKinven will be in store to talk about and sign copies of her new novel, Buy Buy Baby; don’t miss the chance to meet this Glasgow author or her discussion of her latest project! ~~~~~ What price tag would you […]

Read the full article: Buy Buy Baby by Helen MacKinven, Waterstones Argyle Street, 19 July 2016

Jim Monaghan’s Safe Space 26 – 29 July, 2016 Govanhill Baths

jim monaghan

Jim Monaghan’s Safe Space   26 – 29 July, 2016   Jim Monaghan is totally fed up with people and their opinions so he has created a safe space for him and his friends to talk about the important issues that they want to talk about, such as “why moustaches?” or “why are young people […]

Read the full article: Jim Monaghan’s Safe Space 26 – 29 July, 2016 Govanhill Baths

Pauline Lynch – Armadillos: Meet the Author review by Calum Maclean

Pauline Lynch – Armadillos: Meet The Author Waterstones Sauchiehall Street 14/07/16 6.30pm Armadillos is Pauline Lynch’s debut novel, and it’s a fantastic read.  It tells the story of Aggie, a fifteen year old runaway, escaping from her abusive family and encountering a variety of characters, some trustworthy, some not, and attempting to survive alone in […]

Read the full article: Pauline Lynch – Armadillos: Meet the Author review by Calum Maclean

Scottish Writers’ Centre Ryan Van Winkle 2 August, 2016, CCA

ryan van winkle

Ryan Van Winkle on Intimacy: Reading, Hearing, Writing, and Feeling Poems Tuesday 2nd August 2016 7 pm Club Room, CCA 350 Sauchiehall Street, G2 3JD Ryan Van Winkle is an Edinburgh-based poet, live artist, podcaster and critic. Through collaboration, small bespoke performances, immersive sets and analogue technology, Van Winkle creates performances which surprise, delight and […]

Read the full article: Scottish Writers’ Centre Ryan Van Winkle 2 August, 2016, CCA

Meet the author: PK Lynch, Armadillos, Waterstones Sauchiehall Street, 14 July, 2016

Pauline Lynch

Pauline Lynch, talking about her book Armadillos. 14 July, 2016 – 6.30 p.m. Waterstones, 153 – 157 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow G2 3EW Free event call 0141 332 9105 to reserve your place. Meet local author Pauline as she discusses and takes questions about her latest novel. Armadillos is a book about journeys that have to […]

Read the full article: Meet the author: PK Lynch, Armadillos, Waterstones Sauchiehall Street, 14 July, 2016

An Evening With James Kelman Thursday 21 July, 2016, Waterstones Sauchiehall St

dirt road james kelman

An Evening With James Kelman Thursday 21 July, 7 p.m. 153 – 157 Sauchiuehall Street, G2 3EW Join us in our basement cafe for an evening with author James Kelman. Tickets are £2 (£1 for Reward Card holders) and can reserved by calling 0141 332 9105 or speaking to a bookseller. From the Booker Prize-winning […]

Read the full article: An Evening With James Kelman Thursday 21 July, 2016, Waterstones Sauchiehall St

Summer Discussion Cities | Chantal Akerman – News from Home (16mm print) CCA 12 July, 2016

chantal akerman

Cities | Chantal Akerman – News from Home (16mm print) Tue 12 July 2016 6.30pm, Free but ticketed, Cinema All ages Book online / 0141 352 4900 Related CCA Events Summer Discussion: Cities Fri 1 July — Wed 31 August 2016 News from Home – 16mm print Dir. Chantal Akerman; introduction by Ainslie Roddick (CCA […]

Read the full article: Summer Discussion Cities | Chantal Akerman – News from Home (16mm print) CCA 12 July, 2016

Poetry Pamphlets Launch: ‘Aye’ and ‘Owersettin’ at The Dram, Wed 13 July, 2016

aye pamplet launch 13 july

The Dram, 232 Woodlands Road, Glasgow G3 6ND The free Glasgow launch of Tapsalteerie poetry pamphlets “Aye” by Stuart A Paterson and “Owersettin” by AC Clarke, Maggie Rabatski & Sheila Templeton, in Dram on Woodlands Road, 7pm Wednesday 13th July. Please come along for readings from the poets, a wee drink and a blether. It’d […]

Read the full article: Poetry Pamphlets Launch: ‘Aye’ and ‘Owersettin’ at The Dram, Wed 13 July, 2016

Summer Discussion: Cities Fri 1 July – Wed 31 August 2016 CCA

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0141 352 4900 Related CCA Events Cities | Test Unit – Prototyping Public Space Tue 5 July 2016 Cities & Bookmark: Reading Platform | ‘Rebel Cities: From the Right to the City to the Urban Revolution’ (2013) by David Harvey Wed 6 July 2016 Cities | Chantal Akerman – News from Home (16mm print) Tue […]

Read the full article: Summer Discussion: Cities Fri 1 July – Wed 31 August 2016 CCA

Mary Irvine’s Blog: Booked! Festival Jimmie Macgregor, 18th May, 2016.

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Jimmie Macgregor Millennium Hall, Gartocharn, Wed. 18th May 7.30pm Eighty six! Surely not. No. Mid 70s , even early 70s maybe. That’s all rhetorical and I digress… Not digression actually. I’m just ahead of myself. As usual the ideas come out faster than I can type. I arrived early for this event so had time […]

Read the full article: Mary Irvine’s Blog: Booked! Festival Jimmie Macgregor, 18th May, 2016.

Summer Reality – two poems by Brian Whittingham

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Hi Ho Hi Ho Trident’s Got To Go and The Boys of The Somme HI HO HI HO, TRIDENT’S GOT TO GO by Brian Whittingham On YouTube a 60’s newsreel. A black and white Dunoon. A smartly dressed Ban the Bomber waves a To Hell with Polaris  placard reminding us that H stands for Hiroshima […]

Read the full article: Summer Reality – two poems by Brian Whittingham

Summer Poem: Eurus/Zephyrus/Notus and Rainbows by K.A.McCafferty

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Fallen apples, vine leaves tumble Strawberries bow Like grief stricken women As autumn sends her kiss Eurus carries a child in the white foam Of his sea Zephyrus does not hear the cries Of this tiny refugee Round by the hut a willow- tree weeps,  its trunk sodden ‘n’ soft Pear tree has birthed Black […]

Read the full article: Summer Poem: Eurus/Zephyrus/Notus and Rainbows by K.A.McCafferty

Christine De Luca, Tuesday 5 July, 2016 CCA Scottish Writers Centre

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Trying to Make the Poem ‘Work’ with Edinburgh Makar, Christine De Luca  Tuesday 5th July 2016 7 pm Club Room, CCA                       “Being a Makar means I am asked to write poems to order. The creative process (such as it is) has to start from scratch […]

Read the full article: Christine De Luca, Tuesday 5 July, 2016 CCA Scottish Writers Centre

Mary Irvine’s blog: Alastair Pearson Lecture, Booked! Festival, 2016

  Conflicted! There are two reviews of the Booked! festival I’m only now writing up. Better late than never springs to mind – although one could argue that is not always the case. The second review is one I thoroughly enjoyed and, in my humble opinion, would have made a great finale, no disrespect to […]

Read the full article: Mary Irvine’s blog: Alastair Pearson Lecture, Booked! Festival, 2016

Bloody Scotland. Long list for McIlvanney Prize 2016

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Longlist announced for McIlvanney Prize 2016 The winner of the Scottish Crime Book of the Year will now be awarded The McIlvanney Prize at an awards ceremony on the opening evening of Bloody Scotland, Friday 9 September, 2016 in Stirling.   Buy tickets The long list, which has been chosen by an independent panel of readers and features 6 male […]

Read the full article: Bloody Scotland. Long list for McIlvanney Prize 2016

The Crime Factor, Waterstones East Kilbride, Thursday 30 June, 2016

waterstones east kilbride

  THE CRIME FACTOR: 2016 LIVE TOUR FEATURING NEIL BROADFOOT, MARK LEGGATT, G.J. BROWN AND DOUGLAS SKELTON Crime fan? Thriller fiend? Head along to Waterstones EK on Thursday 30th June at 7pm for an evening of intrigue. Four Scottish crime writers will be discussing and answering questions about all aspects of crime novels including plotting, […]

Read the full article: The Crime Factor, Waterstones East Kilbride, Thursday 30 June, 2016

Glasgow Comic Festival & Scottish Writers’ Centre Putting words in balloons Tue 28 June 2016, CCA

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Glasgow Comic Festival & Scottish Writers’ Centre Putting words in balloons Tue 28 June 2016 7pm, £6 (£3/Free for SWC Members) on the door, Clubroom All ages 0141 352 4900 Related CCA Events Glasgow Comic Festival Tue 28 June — Sun 3 July 2016 CCA Respect for comics as an artform is now higher than […]

Read the full article: Glasgow Comic Festival & Scottish Writers’ Centre Putting words in balloons Tue 28 June 2016, CCA

words on balloons

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