An award-winning author is set to bring the joy of literature and writing to communities as part of Paisley Book Festival.
Kerry Hudson – who won the Scottish First Book Award in 2012 – aims to inspire the next generation of writers as part of her role as artist-in-residence at the festival next year.
She will use her passion for literature to make writing more accessible to people of all ages at a host of taster sessions to run for the duration of the event, between Thursday, February 16 and Sunday, February 19, 2023.
“I want to create an environment that is safe and enjoyable,” she said.
“It can be incredibly intimidating to step into a space where you’re expected to simply create, learn or experiment if you haven’t done so before – and I know that from my own personal experience.
“Through our informal taster sessions, often held in unexpected places, we can help people to experiment with writing, exploring their imagination, and hopefully building their confidence and creativity.”
Glasgow-based Kerry’s first novel, Tony Hogan Bought Me an Ice Cream Float Before He Stole My Ma, received critical acclaim and won several awards, as did her follow-up novel Thirst.
Her latest book and memoir, Lowborn, investigates what it means to be poor in Britain today.
It was a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week and a Guardian and Independent Book of the Year.
OneRen’s Louise Oliver, producer at Paisley Book Festival, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Kerry to the team and I have no doubt that she will be a huge hit with the people of Renfrewshire.
“One of the core aims of the festival is to bring the joy of literature and writing to our communities and we know that the only way we can do that is by reaching out to people.
“Kerry is not only a widely acclaimed and accomplished author, but she is a teacher with a strong history of working with communities both at home and abroad.”
She added: “Kerry knows about the barriers that sometimes come with emerging creativity and she knows how to help people to find their own love for the written and spoken word.
“I would urge everyone to look out for Kerry’s workshops and taster sessions in the months ahead.”
Full details of Kerry’s sessions at locations across Renfrewshire will be announced from late November into January next year.
More information and updates will also be shared on the festival’s social media pages.
The Paisley Book Festival is delivered by OneRen and funded by Renfrewshire Council.
More can be found at www.paisleybookfest.com
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