Author Archives: johndean1

Publisher Ian Spring of Rymour Books, a friend of Kirkcudbright Book Week, is celebrating after one of the company’s titles was longlisted for a prestigious international prize. Gods of the Lost Crossroads by veteran Scottish novelist Robin Lloyd-Jones has been named on the longlist for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize Best Published Novel, 2024.Continue reading “International accolade for adventure novel”

Gary and Gillian Atkinson, the founders of Document Records, will be appearing in a special session at the Wigtown Spring Weekend, on Saturday May 4. The couple will be at The Print Room at 10.30am to deliver a talk entitled ‘Bladnoch Blues: The Story of Document Records’, which will tell how Bladnoch became the homeContinue reading “An insight into a business success story”

Crime fiction enthusiasts – and we know from our experience at Kirkcudbright Book Week that there are plenty of you in Dumfries and Galloway – will be interested in a  fascinating event to be staged in the area in May. The Mill on the Fleet at Gatehouse of Fleet, in conjunction with Bakehouse Community Arts,Continue reading “Couple to reveal city’s gory secrets in talk”

Calling all poets! Our friends at Wigton Book Festival have announced details of their much-heralded annual competition. The Wigtown Poetry Prizes celebrate Scotland’s three indigenous languages – English, Gaelic and Scots – with the winners and runners-up sharing more than £3,000 in prize money. The awards have grown to attract hundreds of entries from Europe, Asia, Australasia,Continue reading “Opportunity beckons for poets”

Dumfries and Galloway Council has announced £270,000 of funding for more than 35 festivals and events across its area, including Kirkcudbright Book Week. Event organiser Kirkcudbright Book Week Society has been awarded £1,995 towards the annual event, which is held in the first week of March. The Society has welcomed the award, which it saysContinue reading “Book Week Society named among events funding awards”

Ian Robinson, the crime writer who makes regular appearances at Kirkcudbright Book Week, is back in print with the follow up to Criminal Justice. Status Drift (The Book Folks) continues the story of undercover cop DS Sam Batford, who walks the thin line between corrupt officer and crime-busting hero, and can be purchased on Amazon.

Best-selling crime novelist and creative writing tutor John Dean has launched the latest version of his online Crime Fiction Course. The course, which runs in eight parts and can begin at a time and date to suit the writer, helps emerging authors to improve their writing and aims to increase their chances of being successful,Continue reading “Author re-launches online crime fiction course”

Our pals at the Big Lit literary festival, which is based at venues in the Mill on the Fleet area of Dumfries and Galloway, have announced the date for this year’s event. The festival will be held between July 19-21 2024 and more details will be posted on their website as they become available, atContinue reading “Big Lit dates”

Our friends at Wigtown are preparing for their Spring Weekend between May 3-5  2024 and it promises to be a vibrant event for folk of all ages. Printed programmes are available from Wigtown’s bookshops and cafes and you can also see the line-up at  https://tickets.wigtownbookfestival.com/sales

Author John Dean, one of the team behind the recent Kirkcudbright Book Week, has a new crime novel out. In To Catch A Lie (The Book Folks), John’s twenty fourth crime novel to be published, DCI Jack Harris finds himself plunged into a murder investigation that takes him to Scotland in search of a killer.Continue reading “Latest novel in series is published”

Author Ian Robinson, a regular performer at Kirkcudbright Book Week, has a new crime novel out – and it’s attracting plenty of glowing reviews. Criminal Justice (The Book Folks) introduces undercover detective Sam Batford, a man who walks the narrow line between successful police officer and corrupt cop, constantly testing the reader’s loyalty in aContinue reading “Glowing reviews for new book”

Author Carol Dean, who appeared at Kirkcudbright Book Week 2024 where she gave a talk based on her popular Native American series of books, has a new title out. The book, the latest in the series, is titled Navajo Culture and the Unbreakable Code and tells how Native Americans worked secretly during both World Wars,Continue reading “New book in series is published”

Midlands-based thriller writer and publisher Ryan Stark discussed some tricks of the trade when he gave a talk at the Selkirk Arms during Kirkcudbright Book Week, based on his Aidan Beckett and Daley & Whetstone series of crime novels which have sold worldwide. Picture: Sam Kelly

Carol Dean presented her book “Quanah Parker – One Man-Two Worlds” at Kirkcudbright Book Week, shedding light on the life of the last chief of the Comanche. Known for her non-fiction works on Native Americans, Dean’s global influence resonated at The Galleries, where she shared insights about Quanah Parker. The event attracted widespread attention, reaffirming Dean’s impact on promoting the heritage and stories of Native American culture.

The Kirkcudbright Book Week audience enjoyed the appearance at The Galleries of Dumfries-based artist and publisher Hugh Bryden, who talked about his twenty years of publishing poetry pamphlets and artists’ books through his imprint Roncadora Press, and a forthcoming Trans-Atlantic collaborative project linking poets, artists and musicians. Picture: Sam Kelly

Kirkcudbright Book Week featured a number of free events, partly made possible by a grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, one of which saw writer Morag Chisholm giving a talk entitled Writing for Wellbeing, Writing as Therapy at Kirkcudbright Library. It proved a popular event, with all the places booked and Morag gave herContinue reading “A thought-provoking event”

Kenneth Steven proved one of the most popular of the performers during Kirkcudbright Book Week when he appeared at the Dark Art Distillery. His beguiling blend of poetry and prose with its keen sense of observation and gentle rhythm delighted  the audience. Picture: Sam Kelly

Proving that a good story always sells out events, Miller Caldwell’s talk at the Selkirk Arms during Kirkcudbright Book Week sold all its tickets.Miller, pictured right with Gerry Hassan, who hosted the event, delighted the audience with a talk based on his new book, A Reluctant Spy, which tells the story of his great aunt,Continue reading “Talk is a hit”

Kirkcudbright Book Week 2024 has come to end and we would like to thank everyone who did so much to make it a success. From authors to venue managers, audiences to volunteers, arts professionals to journalists, business owners to societies, writing groups to funding organisations,  you all played your part in creating a buzz aroundContinue reading “Looking ahead to Book Week 2025”

Four crime writers enthralled their audience at the Selkirk Arms during Kirkcudbright Book Week. Publisher The Book Folks presented an evening with its crime writers Traude Ailinger, Ian Robinson and James Davidson, with the event chaired by fellow Book Folks crime writer John Dean. The publisher also sent a team of its staff to supportContinue reading “Talking crime”

If you attended any of the events during Kirkcudbright Book Week, you will have noticed that Sam Kelly was kindly recording a number of them for us. You can see the results, and catch up on what you missed or relive your favourite bits, by visiting visiting https://www.youtube.com/ and seeking out Sam’s name, which willContinue reading “Book Week on You Tube”

Children’s writer Susi Briggs and author and storyteller Heather Taylor entertained more than 100 children between them during World Book Day events at Kirkcudbright Library. The events were part of Kirkcudbright Book Week and pictured here is Susi in action. Pictures Sam Kelly

The winners have been announced for the ghost story competition run for young writers as part of Kirkcudbright Book Week and organised by event organisers the Kirkcudbright Book Week Society and Kirkcudbright Library. The judges, Lesley Garbutt, from the library, and John Dean, from the Society, said: “We thoroughly enjoyed reading all the stories andContinue reading “Success for young writers”

Are you at a loose end on Sunday night? Then why not join us to bring the curtain down on Kirkcudbright Book Week with this terrific event? Sunday March 10 Talk by Cynthia Rogerson Station House Cookery School St. Mary Street 7.30pm Tickets £5 Supported by Scottish Book Trust through its Live Literature programme CynthiaContinue reading “Bringing the curtain down in style”

There is still time to book your ticket for this exciting event as part of Kirkcudbright Book Week – but they are selling fast! Saturday March 9 An Evening with Karen Campbell Broughton House, 12 High St. Tickets £5 7pm Supported by Scottish Book Trust through its Live Literature programme Galloway-based Karen is the authorContinue reading “Tickets selling fast for novelist’s talk”

There is still time to book your ticket for this excellent event as part of Kirkcudbright Book Week: Friday March 8 Meet Kenneth Steven Dark Art Distillery, The Johnston, St Mary Street 2pm Tickets £5 Supported by Scottish Book Trust through its Live Literature programme Over the past 20 years, Kenneth Steven, from Argyll, hasContinue reading “Tickets still available for poet’s event”

There is still time to book your ticket for this excellent event tonight (Thursday March 7) as part of Kirkcudbright Book Week: an evening with Simpson Grears Selkirk Arms High Street 7pm £5 Supported by Scottish Book Trust through its Live Literature programme The crime writer talks about his latest book The Counterfeit Detective, publishedContinue reading “Still time to book to see crime writer”

Earning plenty of admiring glances during Kirkcudbright Book Week is this splendid character, crafted by one of the team who created the window displays staged by business owners in the town centre to promote the event. Created by Irene Henry, from Kirkcudbright, he is spending the week atop a postbox in the town centre. Picture:Continue reading “Just-a-watching the world go by”

Poet Hugh Macmillan entertained the audience at the Garret Hotel with his show about John Keats’ visit to Dumfries and Galloway, on the first night of Kirkcudbright Book WeekPicture: Sam Kelly

Nature author Stephen Rutt launched Kirkcudbright Book Week, appearing at the first event, which was held at Feast cafe. The event was chaired by Rosie Ilett. Picture: Sam Kelly

Tonight’s (Monday March 4) talk John Keats and Me by Hugh McMillan at The Garret Hotel & Restaurant has become the eighth Kirkcudbright Book Week event to be sold out. The poet will tell how Keats was inspired  by a visit to Dumfries and Galloway and how Hugh himself was also influenced.

There are still tickets left for this free event Tuesday March 5 Extraordinary People The Gallery Writers The Kirkcudbright Galleries, St Mary Street 11am Free event, booking recommended.Members of the Gallery Writers, whose base is The Galleries, will entertain with prose and poetry which examines the lives led by extraordinary people, real and imagined. HowContinue reading “An event out of the ordinary”

The Selkirk Arms in Kirkcudbright is to host a second-hand bookshop during Kirkcudbright Book Week. Three Wigtown bookshops – Foggie Toddle Books, New Chapter Books and Well-Read Books – are to collaborate on running the venture in The Meeting Room at the High Street hotel between 10am and 4pm from Monday March 4 – SundayContinue reading “How to buy books during book week”

The Knitty Professor, one of three characters created for Kirkcudbright Book Week, has a new home. All three characters were created either through crocheting and knitting to form part of window displays staged by business owners in the town centre to promote the event, which runs between March 4 and 10. Irene Henry, from Kirkcudbright,Continue reading “Professor finds a home”

There are still tickets involved for a rare opportunity to hear novelist Tracey Iceton talking about her remarkable Celtic Colours Trilogy – and we heartily recommend it. Tracey, who has not given many talks recently, will be in Kirkcudbright on Tuesday March 5, as part of Book Week, when she will be appearing at TheContinue reading “An opportunity not to be missed”

There’s an excellent Daily Record piece looking ahead to Book Week – thank you again to reporter Stephen Norris. You can read his piece at https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/kirkcudbright-book-week-2024-offers-32224668 Seven events are now sold out but there are tickets for plenty more. How to acquire tickets Tickets, including for free events which require them, can be acquired viaContinue reading “Book Week in the news again”

Another Kirkcudbright Book Week event for which all the tickets have now gone happens on Tuesday March 5 when the Dark Skies anthology is launched by local group the Stewartry Writers. The free event happens at the Dark Space Planetarium at The Johnston in St Mary Street at 2pm. The Planetarium, with its spectacular projectionsContinue reading “Anthology launch proves to be a hit”

Do you want to escape the dreary cold weather and drift off into the boating world in Spain? If so, you can join author Linda Wheatley to enjoy some Spanish music, free non-alcoholic sangria  and olives as she talks for an hour about her experiences writing Reaching Out Across the Waves (Troubadour Publishing), a romanticContinue reading “Cheers!”

What an excellent way to launch Kirkcudbright Book Week with our fourth sell-out event! The event in question happens on Monday March 4 when Stephen Rutt, author of Wintering: A Season with Geese, will talk about his work at Feast Cafe in St Cuthbert Street, at 11am, in an event chaired by Rosie Ilett. StephenContinue reading “Book Week begins with a sell-out event”

Poetry lovers still have plenty of opportunity to acquire tickets for the launch of a book celebrating the famed Galloway poet William Neill. The new collection of the poet’s work will be launched on Wednesday March 6 at the Selkirk Arms in High Street. The event, which is part of Kirkcudbright Book Week, will takeContinue reading “Book launch celebrates poet’s work”

Kirkcudbright Book Week celebrates the authors of today and remembers writers from the past (this year features events dedicated to Romantic literary figure John Keats and famed Galloway poet William Neill) – but there is also a strong emphasis on finding the writers of tomorrow. An important part of that work is a project featuringContinue reading “Step forward the young talent of tomorrow”

Fancy introducing a spot of romance into your life? If so, you might be interested to learn that there are still plenty of tickets left for this excellent event during Kirkcudbright Book Week Wednesday March 6 Linda Wheatley Feast Cafe 32 St Cuthbert Street 11am Tickets £5 – Linda is the author behind Reaching OutContinue reading “Time for a spot of romance!”

A third Kirkcudbright Book Week event has sold out. This one features adventurer Naomi Johnson, who at the age of 36 set off to cycle the world with a man she’d met only three times before. Having written a book telling the story of the trip, she will be giving a talk at 2pm onContinue reading “Third event sells out”

Local historian Dr David Hannay, of Carsluith, has published a 114-page history of his village and  community. In The Story of Carsluith, hetraces the history of the immediate area around the village from prehistoric times and also devotes plenty of attention to the more recent history of the village, as well as considering its future, in anContinue reading “Telling the story of Carsluith”

The first book in a historical fiction trilogy written by author Penny McPherson, which was inspired during her years living amid the rugged beauty of Skye, will be published on March 1. Titled The Colours of the Sky’, the book is the debut novel by the 59-year-old teacher and has been published by Shore PathContinue reading “First book in trilogy is published”

Ticket sales for Kirkcudbright Book Week have topped 250 with the first events just twelve days away. Only two events have sold-out but a number are closing in fast so if you have not sorted your tickets yet, it’s worth doing so. The third annual Kirkcudbright Book Week will be staged  between March 4 andContinue reading “Ticket sales top 250”

There are a number of reasons why Kirkcudbright Book Week is held in the first week of March each year, one of which is that we like to include events that mark World Book Day for young readers on the first Thursday of the month. Another important reason for holding it so early in theContinue reading “The welcome return of the light”

The staff at Kirkcudbright Library are looking forward to a busy Kirkcudbright Book Week. Michelle has again used her artistic skills to brighten the place and created works to spark the imagination and enthuse visitors to the library, which is in Daar Road. The library is staging several events during Book Week, which runs MarchContinue reading “Library prepares for Book Week”

The Very Hungry Caterpillar has found a home for Kirkcudbright Book Week. Crocheted by Yvette Hinchliff, from Kirkcudbright, the caterpillar is one of three creations produced by supporters of the forthcoming Book Week and is featuring in one of the window displays staged by business owners in the town centre to promote the event. TheContinue reading “Caterpillar finds a home”

A second Kirkcudbright Book Week event has sold out. Miller Caldwell’s talk, entitled A Reluctant Spy, takes place at the  Selkirk Arms in High Street at 2pm on Thursday March 7 and is based on his new book of the same name, which tells how his great aunt became a double agent during World WarContinue reading “Second Book Week event sells out”

The first of our podcasts featuring interviews with authors who are due to appear at  Kirkcudbright Book Week in early March have been posted. Chis Walker, the Chair of Kirkcudbright Book Week Society, and author and committee member Gerry Hassan have interviewed three authors, exploring their careers and looking ahead to their events. They includeContinue reading “Podcast interviews are posted”

Kirkcudbright Book Week has its first sell-out event of 2024 with the last tickets having gone for the talk by Donna Brewster on Wednesday March 6 at Kirkcudbright Library, one of our free events. Author Donna will tell how research into the history of her home in Wigtown led to her writing a novel entitledContinue reading “First Book Week event sells out”

Pictured from left, Frances Griss, Irene Henry and Yvette Hinchliff with their  creations Horace the bookworm, the Knitty Professor and The Hungry Caterpillar. Pictures Laura Dean Three creative supporters of the forthcoming Kirkcudbright Book Week have proved that they know a good yarn when they see it. The women have created characters that will formContinue reading “Book Week promises a good yarn”

Traditionally, events featuring crime writers are very popular at Kirkcudbright Book Week and tend to sell out. However, with just three weeks to go until the beginning of the event, there are still plenty of tickets available for the three crime fiction offerings. Crime writers due to appear include: Monday March 4   Ryan Stark SelkirkContinue reading “It’s a crime – tickets still available for events”

We recently received a request from someone who is keen to attend Kirkcudbright Book Week events and is particularly interested in poetry. Did we have any poetry events being staged during Book Week, came the question? Do we have poetry? Boy, do we have poetry! Events include: Monday March 4 John Keats and Me withContinue reading “Do we have poetry during Book Week? Sure do!”

The ghost story competition being run for young writers as part of  Kirkcudbright Book Week has now closed and the judges will set about picking their winners. With plenty of excellent stories to choose from, it will be a tough task for judges Lesley Garbutt, from Kirkcudbright Library, and John Dean, from Kirkcudbright Book WeekContinue reading “Judges begin their work”

Another event which is proving popular as Kirkcudbright Book Week approaches is the free talk by Morag Chisholm, who will examine the theraputic value of writing. Entitled Writing for Wellbeing, Writing as Therapy, the event will talk place at 10am on Friday March 8 at Kirkcudbright Library in Daar Road. Although it’s a free event,Continue reading “Writing as therapy proves a popular subject”

Another author confirming that the best way to sell out an appearance is having a terrific story to tell is adventurer Naomi Johnson, with very few tickets left for her performance at Kirkcudbright Book Week. Aged 36 and ready for a change in her life, Naomi set off to cycle the world with a manContinue reading “Tickets for adventurer’s Book Week appearance close to sell out”

Proving what every author knows, that a good story will always attract an audience, Miller Caldwell’s talk about his latest book, which takes place during Kirkcudbright Book Week, has almost sold-out. So, if you fancy finding out about his great aunt, the World War Two double-agent, be quick! The talk, entitled A Reluctant Spy, takesContinue reading “The power of a good story”

There are still tickets left for this event during Kirkcudbright Book Week – but not many as it’s proving very popular! Wednesday March 6 Talk by Donna Brewster Kirkcudbright Library  Daar Road 2pm Free event but  booking advised When writer Donna Brewster looked into the history of her home in Wigtown, she had no ideaContinue reading “Event tickets nearly all gone”

Although some events taking place in Kirkcudbright Book Week between March 4 and 10 are very close to selling out, many still have plenty of seats available. One event that promises to be memorable is: Thursday March 7 An evening with Simpson Grears Selkirk Arms High Street 7pm £5 Supported by Scottish Book Trust throughContinue reading “Sherlock Holmes with a twist”

A number of venues are supporting Kirkcudbright Book Week by hosting events and one of them is the Dark Art Distillery at The Johnston in St Mary Street. In addition to hosting two events, it is also offering money-off deals on its gin. Staff will be available to sell the gin to people attending bothContinue reading “Distillery’s special offer for Book Week”

A number of the events featuring in Kirkcudbright Book Week are close to selling out but there are plenty of tickets left for others and we hope that people take the opportunity to enjoy some terrific literary entertainment. For instance, this event tells the story of a project which gives Dumfries and Galloway a placeContinue reading “A venture which spans the ocean”

The sale of tickets for Kirkcudbright Book Week, which runs between March 4 and 10, is picking up momentum and some events are close to selling out. However, there are plenty of tickets left for many of the events and we hope that people take the opportunity to enjoy some terrific entertainment. For instance, thisContinue reading “Time to seek out the summer sun”

The sale of tickets for Kirkcudbright Book Week, which runs between March 4 and 10, is picking up momentum and some events are close to selling out. However, there are plenty of tickets left for many of the events and we hope that people take the opportunity to enjoy some terrific entertainment. For instance, thisContinue reading “Still chance to book place to learn about historic literary event”

The sale of tickets for Kirkcudbright Book Week, which runs between March 4 and 10, is picking up momentum and some events are close to selling out. However, there are plenty of tickets left for many of the events and we hope that people take the opportunity to enjoy some terrific entertainment. For instance, thisContinue reading “Tickets still available for talk by author behind tour de force”

Castle Douglas writer David L Haigh has had his first novel published, telling a  tale of murder in a rural community. Crime novel Land Kill, which has been published by Michael Terence Publishing, tells the story of a former stockbroker turned pheasant farmer, who was the last known person to speak to a murdered NorthumbrianContinue reading “Writer’s debut novel tells a dark tale of murder”

One of the aims of Kirkcudbright Book Week is to give readers and aspiring writers the opportunity to learn how authors taking part in events approach their craft. It’s why the Question and Answer sections of Book Week talks have proved to be so popular. With that in mind, and as a taster of theContinue reading “Focusing on the craft of writing”

We’re a romantic bunch at Kirkcudbright Book Week! Event details: Wednesday March 6 Linda Wheatley Feast Cafe 32 St Cuthbert Street 11am Tickets £5Linda is the author behind Reaching Out Across the Waves (Troubadour Publishing), a romantic fiction novel set in southern Spain. She brings to the book her experience gained over years within theContinue reading “A spot of Book Week romance”

This event promises to be one of the highlights of Kirkcudbright Book Week and there are plenty of tickets still available. Wednesday March 6 Selkirk Arms High Street 2pm Launch of a new collection of the work of William Neill, the famed Galloway poet (pictured here). Free event but booking recommended Collected Poems has beenContinue reading “Event to celebrate poet’s work”

February 4, 2024 – Exactly a month from today,author Stephen Rutt will open Kirkcudbright Book Week with a talk about his award-winning writing, which is inspired by his love of the natural world. Book Week runs between March 4 and 10 and on Monday March 4, Stephen, author of Wintering: A Season with Geese, willContinue reading “One month to go before Book Week opens!”

Audience members attending a specially-organised night of crime fiction during Kirkcudbright Book Week will be given a free copy of a 100-page deluxe brochure exploring crime fiction across the British Isles. The brochure has been put together by the expert team at publisher The Book Folks, which has four of its authors attending the event.Continue reading “Giveaway treat for audience at crime fiction event”

Kirkcudbright Book Week Society’s team of volunteers have been increasingly busy as the event approaches  – you may well have seen them delivering leaflets and posters to businesses around the area. Over recent days, we have been finalising our volunteers’ rota for the week itself. There will be more than 20 events between March 4-10,Continue reading “Volunteers gear up for Book Week”

One of the thing that really pleases us about Kirkcudbright Book Week is the way that publishers, authors and writing group see it as an opportunity to help launch new titles. That is certainly the case with this year’s week, which runs between Monday March 4 and Sunday March 10. Events which support the launchContinue reading “A showcase for new titles”

The judges of the ghost story competition being run for young writers as part of  Kirkcudbright Book Week have had a quick peek at the early entries but we do not know what they thought of them because they have not emerged from behind the sofa yet – we think that means the stories areContinue reading “Sofa so-good for young ghost story writers”

Dumfries author Miller Caldwell has revealed more information about what promises to be one of the most remarkable stories told during Kirkcudbright Book Week. Miller will give a talk entitled A Reluctant Spy at the Selkirk Arms in High Street on Thursday March 7, during which he will tell the story of his great aunt,Continue reading “The remarkable story of the reluctant spy”

Details have been released about an exciting collaboration for young readers which will take place on World Book Day and which will be part of Kirkcudbright Book Week. The free events on Thursday March 7 will be held at Kirkcudbright Library in Daar Road and bring together the work of Susi Briggs and Heather Taylor.Continue reading “Collaboration creates opportunity for more inclusion”

The third annual Kirkcudbright Book Week will be staged in early March and variety is the organisers’ watchword as they prepare to present more than twenty literary events. The week, which will take place between Monday March 4-Sunday March 10, will be staged at venues across the Dumfries and Galloway town and include a mixtureContinue reading “Variety the key word ahead of Book Week”

The number of tickets acquired for the forthcoming Kirkcudbright Book Week has topped 100 –  but there are plenty of places available for all events! The third annual Kirkcudbright Book Week will be staged between Monday March 4 and Sunday March 10 at venues across the town.’ Organised by the Kirkcudbright Book Week Society, whichContinue reading “Ticket sales going well”

Author Tracey Iceton, the creator of the critically-acclaimed Celtic Colours Trilogy, will give a talk during Kirkcudbright Book Week, in which she will provide a unique insight into the novels. The books were published between 2016 and 2019 and tell the story of one hundred years of conflict in Ireland through one family’s experiences fromContinue reading “Author’s insight into trilogy”

Author John Dean, who will be taking part in the crime fiction event run by crime publisher The Book Folks during Kirkcudbright Book Week, is celebrating after his his recently-released DCI John Blizzard Kindle box-set of crime novels (The Book Folks) hit Number One in three of Amazon’s crime anthology charts, earning the coveted OrangeContinue reading “Box-set tops the chart”

One of the most striking features of this year’s Kirkcudbright Book Week, which runs between Monday March 4 and Sunday March 10, is the number of talks by authors who specialise in historical fiction and non-fiction. Events include: Monday March 4 John Keats and Me with Hugh McMillan The Garret Hotel & Restaurant 116 HighContinue reading “Bringing the past to life at Book Week”

We are very grateful to the Daily Record for its coverage of our recent grant of £4,525 from the Robin Rigg Community Fund. We are particularly pleased that the newspaper’s report focused on the fact that the award will be used to support our plans for the event’s  growth. The annual week, which will thisContinue reading “Newspaper article acknowledges growth plans”

Ever thought about writing a bestseller? Well, if you have, the talk to be given by author Ryan Stark during Kirkcudbright Book Week is well worth attending. Ryan moved from IT Specialist to full-time novelist eight years ago. The learning curve was steep and, with no knowledge of the writing process, it was quite aContinue reading “Fancy writing a bestseller?”

The writers taking part in this year’s Kirkcudbright Book Week draw their inspiration from a wide variety of sources and, for a number of them, the source of their work is the natural world. If you want to find out how their  passion for the subject shapes their writing, it’s well worth checking out theContinue reading “Natural world inspires writers”

Our excellent podcast team is busy putting together this year’s programme of recordings which support Kirkcudbright Book Week. If you cannot wait for the recordings to be posted on our podcast site, you can give yourself a reminder of the interviews with authors conducted ahead of last year’s event by Kirkcudbright Book Week Society ChairContinue reading “A chance to enjoy Book Week podcasts”

Crime writer James Davidson has been added to the panel for an in-conversation evening staged by publisher The Book Folks during Kirkcudbright Book Week. He has agreed to appear following the recent death of author James Andrew, who was due to appear. Event details: Wednesday March 6 In Conversation with the Book Folks Crime WritersContinue reading “Author added to panel”

Written by Kirkcudbright Book Week Co-Ordinator John Dean There are a number of reasons why we stage Kirkcudbright Book Week, one of which is to boost the economy of the area by increasing awareness of the town among people who live outside Dumfries and Galloway. Increased awareness means that Kirkcudbright can attract more day-visitors andContinue reading “Book Week provides boost to town’s economy”

Kirkcudbright holds its annual Book Week for many reasons, not least of which is to sell as many books as possible. There are various ways in which people can make purchases, one of which is direct from the authors when they appear at events. An example is children’s and non-fiction author Carol Dean, who isContinue reading “Books a-plenty on sale during week-long event”

Supporters of Kirkcudbright Book Week are celebrating after being awarded a grant of £4,525 by the Robin Rigg Community Fund to support plans for the event’s  growth. The annual week, which will this year take place between Monday March 4 and  Sunday March 10, celebrates the developing literary scene in Kirkcudbright and the wider DumfriesContinue reading “Grant helps Kirkcudbright Book Week team realise their ambitions”

The third Kirkcudbright Book Week is rapidly approaching and our team of volunteers is gearing up to support the events – and there’s still time to offer your services if the idea appeals. The volunteers play a crucial role in the success of Book Week. For instance, we have had lots of posters and leafletsContinue reading “Still time to join our team of volunteers”

The closing date for the ghost story competition for young writers, being run by Kirkcudbright Book Week Society and Kirkcudbright Library, has been extended. The initial deadline has been put back from January 20 to February 14. More information can be found at https://kirkcudbrightbookweek.org/contact-us-2/

One of the driving forces behind Kirkcudbright Book Week is the desire to offer young readers an opportunity to meet professional authors and experience their work. The upcoming Book Week is no exception; two excellent children’s authors will be appearing at Kirkcudbright Library in Daar Road in free events designed to celebrate World Book Day,Continue reading “Free events for young readers during Book Week”

There’s still time for our talented young writers to enter the ghost story competition run by Kirkcudbright Book Week Society and Kirkcudbright Library – more information can be found at https://kirkcudbrightbookweek.org/contact-us-2/

We’re big fans of non-fiction works at Kirkcudbright Book Week and the forthcoming event running between Monday March 4 and Sunday March 10 will prove the point. Non-fiction authors appearing are: Monday March 4 Meet Stephen Rutt, author of Wintering: A Season with Geese. Feast Cafe 32 St Cuthbert Street 11am Tickets £6 In associationContinue reading “Keeping it real – non-fiction during Book Week”

Elizabeth Parson, co-owner of Kirkcudbright bookshop Gallovidia Books, is to chair the opening event of this year’s Kirkcudbright Book Week. The venue for the event on the morning of Monday March 4 will be Feast Café in St Cuthbert Street, one of the sponsors of Book Week, and the author appearing to talk about hisContinue reading “Bookshop owner to chair opening event”

We love our crime fiction at Kirkcudbright Book Week and there will be plenty to appeal to fans of the genre when the event runs between Monday March 4-Sunday March 10. Crime writers due to appear include: Monday March 4   Ryan Stark Selkirk Arms High Street 2pm Tickets £6 Ryan Stark is a Midlands-based thrillerContinue reading “A treat for crime fiction fans”

We love our novels at Kirkcudbright Book Week and there will be plenty of talks by novelists when the event runs between |Monday March 4-Sunday March 10. Novelists due to appear include: Monday March 4   Ryan Stark Selkirk Arms High Street 2pm Tickets £6 Ryan Stark is a Midlands-based thriller writer and publisher. His AidanContinue reading “Celebrating the novel”

It is with great sadness that Kirkcudbright Book Week Society has learned of the death of crime writer James Andrew at the age of 71. James’ novels were published by The Book Folks and he was one of the authors selected to appear at the publisher’s ‘in conversation’ event, featuring four of its best-selling writers,Continue reading “Tribute paid following death of author”

We love poetry at Kirkcudbright Book Week and there will be plenty on offer for fellow verse enthusiasts this time around. Poetry events include: Monday March 4 John Keats and Me with Hugh McMillan The Garret Hotel & Restaurant 116 High Street Kirkcudbright 7pm Tickets £7 Accompanied by his friend Charles Armitage Brown, and onContinue reading “A treat for poetry fans”

It’s worth keeping an eye out for hundreds of our posters which will be distributed around the area by our hard-working volunteers early in January. Designed by John Smith, himself a volunteer, the posters will be going up on noticeboards in everything from arts venues, hotels, B and Bs and cafes to shops and touristContinue reading “Watch out for our posters”

Three Kirkcudbright writing groups will appear at the town’s annual Book Week in March in events that will allow their members to showcase new work. The first to appear at Kirkcudbright Book Week, which will run from Monday March 4 to Sunday March 10 2024, will be The Gallery Writers. The group developed from creativeContinue reading “Writing groups to showcase new work”

We are very grateful to the excellent newspaper reporter Stephen Norris for his coverage in The Galloway News of the project that helps young people in Kirkcudbright to develop their creative writing skills. The project is a collaboration between Kirkcudbright Academy, lead tutor Hugh McMillan, supported by fellow poet Stuart Paterson, and Kirkcudbright Book WeekContinue reading “Young writers in the news again”

When the Christmas and New Year festivities have come to an end, many people’s thoughts will turn to the literary celebration that is Kirkcudbright Book Week between March 4 and 10, so keep an eye out for the printed programme which our volunteers will start distributing in the early days of January. Designed by volunteerContinue reading “Programmes to be distributed”

May we at Kirkcudbright Book Week Society take this opportunity to wish you all the very best of festive greetings. We hope that you have a happy and peaceful festive season. Can we also thank you for the support that so many of you have shown for Kirkcudbright Book Week over the past twelve months.Continue reading “Festive greetings”

One of the strongest selling points for Kirkcudbright Book Week is the organisers’ desire to bring to the town a strong programme underpinned by a commitment to quality. Every author who has been booked to appear by Kirkcudbright Book Week Society brings with them a strong reputation for quality writing and performance. In addition, quiteContinue reading “Authors set out to deliver quality during Book Week”

Community groups and charities across Dumfries and Galloway are celebrating after successful applications worth over £637,000 to the National Lottery and The Robertson Trust, including an award to the Kirkcudbright Book Week Society. The Kirkcudbright Book Week Society will use the £700 secured following an application to the National Lottery to bring four authors toContinue reading “Fund award will support free events for young people”

The Selkirk Arms in Kirkcudbright is to host a second-hand bookshop during Kirkcudbright Book Week in March. Three Wigtown bookshops – Foggie Toddle Books, New Chapter Books and Well-Read Books – are to collaborate on running the venture in The Meeting Room at the High Street hotel between 10am and 4pm from Monday March 4Continue reading “Hotel to host pop-up second-hand bookshop”

Ayrshire-based children’s writer Greta Yorke has a new book out. The Prickle Picker, which introduces young readers to the idea of creatures who hibernate, is delightfully illustrated by Maggie Bolton. Greta, who was one of the writers who entertained young readers at Kirkcudbright Library as part of World Book Day during  Kirkcudbright Book Week 2023Continue reading “New book takes young readers into a woodland world”

On e of the events at Kirkcudbright Book Week will be an appearance by author Carol Dean, who will travel to the town from her home in the North-East of England to give a talk on the Native American, as seen through the eyes of Quanah Parker, the last chief of the Comanche. Ahead ofContinue reading “A passion for the Native American story”

The first tickets have been booked for forthcoming Kirkcudbright Book Week events and even though we know that it is three months away, we thought that another reminder of how to acquire tickets would be handy. Book Week is an annual event and the dates for 2024 are Monday March 4 to Sunday March 10.Continue reading “Tickets start selling”

The latest annual Kirkcudbright Book Week takes place between March 4 and 10 and, in addition to celebrating the work of today’s authors, it will also help in the search for tomorrow’s emerging talent. One of the ways it does that is a collaboration between Kirkcudbright Academy, lead tutor Hugh McMillan, supported by fellow poetContinue reading “How Book Week supports young writers and readers”

At the heart of Kirkcudbright Book Week is a desire to showcase the fine writers currently working in Dumfries and Galloway and further afield. However, also important to the organisers is the opportunity to explain the area’s place in Scotland’s literary heritage – and it’s not just Robbie Burns! The forthcoming Book Week, which runsContinue reading “A place in history…”

With the third Kirkcudbright Book Week just over three months away the search is on to strengthen our volunteer team. Volunteers play a key role in making the week the success that it has become. For instance, we have had lots of posters and leaflets printed (having  been designed  by volunteers) and volunteers will helpContinue reading “Ten reasons to become a Book Week volunteer”

An extra event has been added to the Kirkcudbright Book Week programme Saturday March 9 2pm The World at 15mph-ish. Talk by Naomi Johnson Dark Art Distillery, The Johnston, St Mary Street Tickets £6 Aged 36 and ready for a change in her life, Naomi Johnson set off to cycle the world on the adventureContinue reading “The World at 15mph-ish”

Yet again, a thank you goes to the Daily Record newspaper, one of the media outlets that gives Kirkcudbright Book Week such terrific support. On this occasion, the thank you relates to the paper’s report on a project that helps young people in Kirkcudbright to develop their creative writing skills by working with award-winning authors.Continue reading “Creative writing project makes the headlines”

Many thanks to the Daily Record for giving some valuable publicity to the young writers’ ghost story competition being run by Kirkcudbright Library and Kirkcudbright Book Week Society in the run up to Book Week in March. You can read the story at https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local-news/young-dumfries-galloway-writers-challenged-31333429

So there you are, all enthused by the programme for Kirkcudbright Book Week,  which has just been announced and which will take place between March 4-Sunday March 10 2024, and you are asking yourself: ‘how can I get hold of tickets for the events I fancy?’ Well, it’s pretty straightforward. We have teamed up withContinue reading “How to acquire your tickets”

Author Linda Wheatley has helped to produce a song to support the novel that will feature in her appearance at Kirkcudbright Book Week in March. Linda is the author behind Reaching Out Across the Waves (Troubadour Publishing), a romantic fiction novel set in southern Spain. She brings to the book her experience gained over yearsContinue reading “Video supports romantic novel”

Sunday March 10 Talk by Cynthia Rogerson Station House Cookery School St. Mary Street 7.30pm Tickets £5 Supported by Scottish Book Trust through its Live Literature programme Cynthia Rogerson is a Californian/Scottish writer living in the Highlands. Winner of the V.S. Pritchett Prize, she’s published a memoir, five novels and a collection of short stories.Continue reading “Versatile author to bring curtain down on Book Week”