Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writers David Manderson and Ricky Monahan Brown to talk about the late, great, Carl MacDougall and his wonderful memoir Already, Too Late: A Boyhood Memoir. Both men talk about their relationship, and friendship, with Carl, and how he inspired, supported, and encouraged not just them but many other writers, and many others, before setting out just a few of his achievements as a writer, educator, journalist, critic, television presenter, president of Scottish PEN, and much more. The discussion then turns to the memoir itself, Already, Too Late: A Boyhood Memoir, (which is an exemplary example of the form) and how it explains and gives clues to the man Carl MacDougall would become. It was a joyous conversation to be a part of, one which celebrated and remembered a man who was central to Scottish literature and culture more widely. If you knew Carl and his incredible work then we hope you can enjoy these stories and memories, and ponder your own. If you aren't yet familiar then we hope this will inspire you to investigate for yourselves. Full details, including all relevant links, can be found over at https://www.scotswhayhae.com

The latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast is an interview with two choreographers and theatre makers, Elisabeth Schilling & Louise Ahl, about their respective new shows 'Hear Eyes Move: Dances with Ligeti' and 'Skunk without k is Sun'. First of all Elisabeth talks about why she chose to celebrate the music of György Ligeti in 'Hear Eyes Move', what she sees as his legacy, performing the show across Europe, theatrical inspirations, why returning to perform in Scotland is so important, and more. Then Louise explains 'Skunk without k is Sun' - a new experimental solo opera work which will be performed as part of the Take Me Somewhere Festival 2023. She also talks about how she came to opera, wanting to make it more accessible (and subvert people's ideas about it), the technical and physical demands of the piece, and how previous work will feed into this new performance. Individually you'll learn about two exciting new shows coming soon, but taken together these interviews give just a glimpse of what's going on in terms of experimental dance/theatre in Scotland today. For full details, including all the ways to listen and how to get tickets (and all other relevant links) head to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with previous guest, novelist and poet Ron Butlin, to talk about his latest book 'So Many Lives and All of Them Are Yours' the surprise sequel (& prequel) to 1987's 'The Sound of My Voice' - a surprise not least to Ron himself. The latter is one of Ali's favourite novels so it was genuinely exciting to be able to discuss the new book and learn more about the central character of Morris Magellan. Ron talks about how the book came to be, his wife's (the writer Regi Claire) important role, reacquainting himself with Morris, the joy in creating new characters in familiar places, the themes he wanted to explore, writing about the unreal - or even surreal - time of Lockdown, the unintended parallels between the two books, using different narrative voices, and so much more. The two also discuss the way Ron approaches writing, the differences, and similarities, between his poetry and prose, the importance of music in his life, and his desire to write more comedy - especially in these dark times. Ron is such wonderful company, and it's always a pleasure to have him on the SWH! podcast. We think you'll enjoy listening as much as we did recording it. Thanks must go to Birlinn for allowing us to record the podcast at their headquarters. For further details, and all the ways to listen, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to writer Paul Dalgarno - live from his home in Melbourne - to hear all about his novel 'A Country of Eternal Light' (published with Polygon Books). Paul sets out how he describes the book to others, the unusual nature of the storytelling, the importance of place and the way distance can lend perspective on home, how his journalism feeds into his fiction, the interlinked themes and memory and grief, and a whole lot more. The two also discuss the role of central character Margaret Bryce and how the layers of her narration keep the reader guessing as she reassesses her family life. Paul also offers advice to those looking to get published, which will be of interest to writers and readers alike. 'A Country of Eternal Light' is one of the most interesting and inventive novels of the year in terms of style and content, and it was fascinating to be able to get such an insight from Paul about it. For full details, and all the relevant links, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the latest podcast Ali spoke to Nancy Baughen about this year's CrimeCon UK which is on Saturday 16th in Glasgow. Nancy talks about the beginnings of this international true crime event, what people can expect - and what it definitely isn't. She also tells us about the wide variety of speakers, her initial involvement, and her experiences of CrimeCons past. The two also discuss the increasing popularity of and interest in true crime across a number of mediums, and why CrimeCon has an importance which reaches beyond the event itself. For further details, including how the way to listen AND how to get tickets and get involved, go to https://www.scotswhayahe.com

For our third and final Bloody Scotland podcast Ali spoke to the shorlisted writers for this year's McIlvanney Prize which is for the Scottish Crime Book of the Year. First of all he caught up with Calum McSorley (Squeaky Clean), Craig Russell (The Devil's Playground), and Robbie Morrison (Cast A Cold Eye) to hear about their nominated novels and what it means to be on the shortlist. They also discuss the pervading influence of William McIlvanney's writing, the welcoming and supportive nature of the crime writing community, why Glasgow is such a natural setting for crime fiction, their experiences of Bloody Scotlands of the past, and what they are looking forward to this year. Later Ali spoke to the fourth shortlisted writer, previous podcast guest Denise Mina, to talk about her nominated novel 'The Second Murderer' and its inclusion on the McIlvanney Prize Shortlist, but they discuss so much more - including Denise's thoughts on literary prizes, her experiences of Bloody Scotland, and the challenges of setting a novel in an LA which no longer exists. When brought together the conversations makes for essential listening for anyone with an interest in books - crime related or otherwise - as it was such a treat to talk in depth with four fascinating and very different writers. For further details including all the ways to listen, and for all relevant links, go to https://www.scotswhayhae.com

For the second of our Bloody Scotland podcasts Ali spoke to writer Alison Belsham to learn about the Pitch Perfect strand of the festival. A previous winner herself who is now involved in the selection process, Alison is perfectly placed to talk about the importance of pitching a novel or idea and just what it can offer, her experience of being a writer, and offers up plenty of practical advice to those hoping to follow in her path. Alison also talks about her own writing, including the current Detective Lexi Bennett series, as well as the Edinburgh Women's Fiction Festival which is a new literary festival celebrating writing for, by, and about women, which will be on 6th - 7th October, and which Alison is heavily involved with. It's another podcast which will be of interest to readers, and writers, of all genres, but particularly crime. You can find out further details, including all the ways to listen and any relevant links, over at https://www.scotswhayhae.com And Bloody Scotland is on between 15th - 17th September. Tickets on sale now.

For the first of our Bloody Scotland podcasts - Scotland's International Crime Writing Festival - Ali spoke to four of the five shortlisted authors for this year's Scottish Crime Debut of the Year. They include Heather Critchlow (Unsolved), Kate Foster (The Maiden), Callum McSorley (Squeaky Clean) and Fulton Ross (The Unforgiven Dead) with the fifth, Heather Darwent (The Things We Do To Our Friends) unfortunately unable to join us. They each give a brief summary of their shortlisted novels before the chat turns to the diversity in the list, approaching a debut, why they chose the genre of crime, (or, in some cases, why crime chose them), the crime fiction community, and the importance of festivals such as Bloody Scotland. There is also a fascinating conversation about getting published, learning from rejections, the increasing importance of agents, conversations about covers, and many more tips on, and tales about, becoming a published author. It's a podcast which will be of interest to readers, writers, and book lovers of all kinds, but especially if crime is your thing. You can find out further details, including all the ways to listen and any relevant links, over at ⁠https://www.scotswhayhae.com⁠ And Bloody Scotland is on between 15th - 17th September. Tickets on sale now.

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali spoke to previous guest Anne Pia, this time to talk about her new book 'Magnaccioni: My Food... My Italy' which is part cookbook, part memoir. Anne talks about the reasons for writing it, the importance of food and family throughout her life, embracing her Italian heritage, the importance of pasta, marrying food with wine and music, and a lot more. Sharing a love of food and cooking, the two also discuss their food philosophies, the importance of seasonal produce, the adaptability of national cuisines, and why simplicity is often the key to good cooking. 'Magnaccioni: My Food... My Italy' is a cookbook which demands to be used, and often, and it was such a pleasure to talk to Anne about it and the culinary delights. A conversation to whet the appetite, perhaps best not listen on an empty stomach. For further information, and all the relevant links, go to ⁠https://www.scotswhayhae.com⁠

For the second of our two Edinburgh Fringe Festival Specials, Ali spoke to another selection of artists who will be performing this year. They include actor / comedian Charlie Vero Martin, performer / devisers David Banks & Sadiq Ali, Fringe legend Mervyn Stutter, & members of the Voloz Collective Sam Rayner & Olivia Zerphy, each of whom tell us about their Edinburgh shows for 2023. They are further fascinating conversations about four more of the finest shows in town this August. While it's only a snapshot of what's going on, it confirms the breadth and variety of what's on offer at the Fringe, with something for everyone. The size of the festival can be overwhelming, so if you are looking for some guidance as to what to see this is the perfect place to start. For full details, and all the relevant links, go to ⁠https://www.scotswhayhae.com⁠ where you can still find our Edinburgh Fringe Special - Part One.