Aye Write!

I read A LOT but I have to admit to not being a very intellectual reader. I like relatively easy to digest fiction and that’s it so I was wary that I’d be out of my depth if I went to the Aye Write Book Festival. Fortunately I was wrong! Of course there is a lot of high brow stuff which would be great for some people but would have bored me to tears (or more likely, bored me to wine. Mmmm wine). Thankfully though there is also a good dose of fun at this festival too. I recommend searching the Aye Write website by your preferred type of book to see what events would suit you best. I’m a fan of historical fiction and crime novels so I will definitely be checking some of those events out.
The kid’s events are outstanding and they are a great option if you’re fed up of your kids hanging around indoors playing computer games. In fact the kids stuff is so good that if you don’t have any kids I recommend borrowing one from a friend just so you can go to some of the events! Fairies and Goblins tea party anyone?

It’s the most wonderful time of the year in Glasgow where the creative community get together and host evenings where they discuss their latest work.
Taking place just a week after the ever popular Glasgow Film Festival, Aye, Write begins (this year on March 5). It’s ongoing throughout the month and not exclusively for people who are interested in writing or becoming a writer, although it is infinitely helpful in that respect. Now on its fifth year, this year Aye, Write are hosting numerous talks with a more policital and financial slant. For instance, on March 6, a number of writers and social commentators are hosting a talk centred around the future of money and the world’s economy. If you are looking for something more author specific, there are a number of talks hosted by internationally acclaimed Scottish authors, including A L Kennedy, Christopher Brookmyre, Alan Riach, Louise Welsh, Janice Galloway and latest Scottish sensation Alan Bissett. Moreover, there are new writers’ showcases (most notably from Gutter magazine, which exhibits new writing blood), various debates on the future of Scottish writing and some more interactive events such as ‘what book changed my life’?
This year they’ve even thrown in a Scottish based graphic novel (you’d be surprised at how many Scottish born players in this field have gone on to write highly influential graphic novels and comics). Overall the event is freshly exciting, and not just if yer into books! Programmaes available on the website or in local bookshops and libraries.

The literary equivelant to the Comedy and Film Festivals in Glasgow that dominate my time and effort in the first quarter of the year.
Aye Write! is an annual event based in Mitchell Library with a timetable that has readings and competitions with free events and audio/​visual events that including some for kids and families.
You can only buy individual tickets which puts me off in a way. They can be quite dear as well.
It’s worth getting excited about if you’re into books, but I’m more of a movie geek so my alliance lies with the Glasgow Film Festival. Regardless, there’s always a few things on that get my attention. This year. it’s ‘an afternoon of clips, discussion, fun and laughter’ with the chappies who do Wallace and Gromit!