Scots Whay Hae!

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer and poet Charlie Roy about her debut novel 'THE BROKEN PANE', which we consider one of the books of the year so far. The two discuss why this was the story Charlie wanted to tell, how the structure of the novel developed, her close relationship with, and the duty of care she felt for, her central character 'Tam', the importance of redrafting, creating believable and memorable secondary characters, and the complex nature of family secrets. Charlie also talks about the themes of mental health, women's lives, and family, and why they are important to all her work, as well as explaining the central role her dog played in the writing of 'THE BROKEN PANE'. It's an interview which offers real insight into the life of a writer and what writing a novel entails.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer C. F. Peterson about his new novel 'The Purified', available now - published by Scotland Street Press. It's the second in the Duncul series following on from 2017's 'Errant Blood'. The two talk about the challenges of writing a sequel, setting the books in the Scottish Highlands, Calum's approach to writing, the writers who influence him, and working with Scotland Street Press. They also go into detail about some of the themes Calum covers in 'The Purified', including rewilding Scotland, climate change, anarchism, land ownership, nationalism, and a whole lot more.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer George Paterson about his debut novel 'The Girl, The Crow, The Writer And The Fighter', available on 21st October 2021 - published by Into Books. The two discuss what inspired George to write this novel, the influence of all things American, specific influences, American literature, the importance of film with regard to the way the book was written, and much more. The conversation also touches upon research, working with the Into Creative team, and the way that books can change lives. 'The Girl, The Crow, The Writer And The Fighter' is a great debut, one which we consider "Possibly the finest American novel not to come out of America", and it was a pleasure to discuss the themes and ideas behind it. If you're looking for your next read, this not only could, but should, be it.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with writer Iain Maloney (live from Japan!), and Angela and Paul Docherty from his publishers Liminal Ink. The main reason is to talk about Iain's new novella 'Life is Elsewhere/Burn Your Flags', a terrific, timeless, treatise on what happens when love dies, set against the specific backdrop of COVID. However, the conversation also covers the relationship between writer and publisher, the steep learning curve for new publishers, why the three wanted to work together, and so much more. We consider it a must-listen for readers, writers, and others interested in the world of books and publishing.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer, and returning guest, Graeme Macrae Burnet about his latest novel 'Case Study' (published by Saraband). As with all of Graeme's books there's a lot to discuss, and the conversation turns to the life and work of R.D. Laing, the importance of research, the structure of the novel, how Graeme approaches writing, the excitement of writing a controversial character, the common threads which run though his fiction, the appeal of the cultural movements of the 1960s, and a whole lot more. They also discuss the cult of the author and the affect that has on the way books are marketed and received, and perhaps on the reader as well. It's always great to have Graeme on the podcast, and it was such a pleasure to be able to catch up with him in real life. The result is an insightful and entertaining interview which will give you a taste of what is undoubtedly one of the best books of the year.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to writer Charles E McGarry about his new novel 'The Mystery of the Strange Piper', the latest in the 'Leo Moran Mysteries'. We consider Leo Moran to be one of the most memorable literary characters of recent times, and the two discuss how Leo came to be, the inspirations behind him and the series, the supernatural aspect, Leo Moran's moral and aesthetic sensibilities, and a whole lot more. You can also find out about Charlie's podcast series 'Debut' and where to find it. It's one of the most interesting and insightful interviews with a writer we have put out, and we think you'll agree.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali spoke to music historian and writer Stewart Smith about Jazz at the Third Eye, the multi-media project exploring Glasgow’s visionary arts centre which launches on October 22nd, 2021. Stewart talks about how the project came about and his involvement, the central role of the Centre's director Tom McGrath, some of the musicians and other artists who appeared there, as well as sharing just a few of the stories he uncovered during his research. He also talks about the live music aspect to the project, where some of Scotland’s most innovative musicians will perform new work inspired by the history of the Third Eye. Jazz at the Third Eye is a Creative Scotland funded residency at the Centre for Contemporary Arts Glasgow, dedicated to establishing a digital archive of jazz and improvised music at its previous incarnation, the Third Eye Centre, from 1975 to 1991, and you can find out more at - https://www.cca-glasgow.com/

For the latest podcast Ali speaks to sculptor Oliver Cook and painter Calum McClure about their exhibitions at The Scottish Gallery in Edinburgh (2nd-25th September). 'Exploring the relationship between light and movement and the translucent properties of alabaster through sculptural forms and everyday objects, Oliver Cook’s work challenges the viewer to reconsider their preconceptions of sculpture’s fixed nature.' 'Calum McClure has had five successful exhibitions with The Scottish Gallery and was an invited artist at the Annual Exhibition of the Royal Academy in London in 2012. McClure is a painter who immerses himself in the landscape, evoking different atmospheres, through the representation of light, shadow and reflections.' Two for the price of one, when taken together the podcast offers real insight into the work and inspirations of two artists who ask us to look at the world with fresh perspectives, and reconsider our relationships with it.

For the latest SWH! podcast Ali caught up with writer John Gerard Fagan to talk about his memoir 'Fish Town' (published by Guts Publishing) which is all about his time living and working in Japan. The two discuss why John decided to write it, the reasons for the format of free-verse poetry, and some of the influences he drew on. They also talk about why John decided to head east in the first place, how his expectations were overturned early on, his life in the 'Fish Town' of the title, his experiences of teaching English in a variety of institutions, Japanese football etiquette, uncovering an obsession with 'We Are The World', and so much more.

The latest SWH! podcast is a rather special one. It's a collaboration with the Edinburgh International Book Festival and Publishing Scotland as part of the Scottish Publisher Showcase at this year's book festival. There are interviews with eight representatives from a variety of publishers who tell us all about who they are, what they do, the challenges they face, and the books they are excited about. As well as those core conversations we talk to Nick Barley, the Director of the Edinburgh Book Festival, and Vikki Reilly from Publishing Scotland. Put together it makes for a fascinating insight into, and overview of, publishing in Scotland today, and we hope you'll be encouraged to investigate further, which you can do by visiting edbookfest.co.uk & publishingscotland.org.