Poet and Scottish Writers’ Centre Board member Lesley Traynor introduces the film of our recent and hugely successful SWC Roulette Speakeasy.
We were fortunate to welcome over 30 writers from a broad geographical spread, including featured writers: Chrys Salt; Saima Afreen; Ali Whitelock; & Marcas Mac an Tuairneir.
Lesley says…
During these challenging Covid times it’s been tough getting your writing heard. Even tougher on the social aspect of book launches, open mikes and writing groups when we cannot meet to hear and support other writers.
Here at the Scottish Writers’ Centre, our mantra is ‘writers supporting writers’, so deciding to run a Roulette Speakeasy was an easy one.
Moving the Speakeasy online tested writers since we were asking them to film themselves reading their work.
However, writers from throughout Scotland and beyond responded using innovative approaches to film. Highly respected writers didn’t miss a heartbeat in agreeing to take part.
We had 31 writers for the final event on YouTube Premier. This included 4 invited Headline writers, Saima Afreen from India, Chrys Salt joining us from London, the Gaelic poet, Marcas Mac an Tuairneir and joining us from Australia, Ali Whitelock. A truly international event.
The contributions from all writers was astounding. A range of dialects delivered prose, poetry and poetry film. We had Scotland represented from Shetland to the Borders. Scottish writing shone. We were hearing well loved writers next to new voices. The chat room and social media were full of praise for what was being heard. Saima and Ali joined in the chat from India and Australia, even though it was the early hours of the morning local time. Chrys joined us from London.
A wonderful evening of writing, with even some new writing friendships having been made too.
