~ Stories for Strangers ~

Writing for perfect strangers, Edinburgh International Book Festival 2025.

sound: shane mckenna

I have a story, Flux, in Dark Mountain 18, Fabula. A collection of fictions about the near future. Honored to be included alongside writers like Paul Kingsnorth and Kirsty Logan.

You can listen to an audio version of the story here for free.

Our streets need magic. They need alternatives to consumerism, distraction and isolation. The Story Wagon will provide writing space, reading activities and storytelling to the public for free in the outdoors.  

It’s a pop-up writing den that can set up outside shops or community centres. It’ll provide desk space, cups of tea, typewriters and books. It will host a programme of writing, reading-out-loud and and storytelling activities. Its large veranda can be unfurled to provide sheltered outdoor arts activities, in line with social-distancing.

This wee wagon is my next big project, it brings together all I’ve learnt from busking, travelling, and facilitating creative writing. It will offer space, it will offer sanctuary.

www.storywagon.co.uk

Write Here is a community creative writing playground. It is suitable for absolute beginners as well as wizened imagineers.

Write Here is a space to loose your imagination, to find new words and worlds.

You’ll be encouraged to explore your unique flow of words and to play with words in a non-judgmental and supportive space.

There are online sessions each Tuesday at 7pm BST. They take place using the Zoom software. The cost is free, donations are welcomed but not necessary. 20% of all monies raised will be donated to organisations platforming underrepresented voices in literature.

To get the zoom link please email [email protected]

My novella Expectations Are The Thieves of Joy was launched on a full moon in Edinburgh, the city its story takes place in. Thank you to the mad coven of barmy characters that inspired this tale to come to life, some of whom made it to the launch. Seeing people from across all the years of my life in one room was like sticking my heart in a microwave. I thought that I might burst. Thank you to Typewronger Books for hosting, and all those who came out to play.

✨The book launch for Expectations Are the Thieves of Joy is happening at the lovely Typewronger Books in Edinburgh on the 8th of February at 7:30pm. I’d be delighted if you could join.