Markings - Calling New Writers!

Markings Magazine and Bibliographic Data Service are running a project to promote new writing talent through writing groups and libraries. Writers are invited to submit original poetry, short stories (up to 2000 words) and topical literary articles (up to 1500 words) for the magazine. Entries should have name, address and contact details of writer stating writing group or library. E-mail submissions to submissions@markings.org.uk or post to Markings Magazine, The Bakehouse, Gatehouse of Fleet, Dumfries & Galloway. DG7 2HP. Entrants may be invited to read their work at the magazine launch.

Further details from Sunny Rathore Tel : 01557 814196
e-mail : enquiries@thebakehouse.info
Deadline for Issue 25 is 17th August 2007, Issue 26 is 14th March 2008.

Sedburgh Story

Powfoot writer Vivien Jones is making more radio waves with a winning short story on BBC Radio Cumbria. 'Clarks Sandals' is one of three stories to be broadcast in August as part of the Sedburgh Book Festival. Vivien is a graduate of the Creative Writing Course at Glasgow University's Crichton Campus and winner of this year's Muriel Carmichael Prize.

Words & Music from the Renaissance

Saturday September 22nd, 7.30 pm
Broughton House. Kirkcudbright

The Galloway Consort presents...
Bellis for Danseris...

...a programme of 16th century music and song on viols, recorders, renaissance guitar, lute and soprano voice from four great Renaissance nations (Scotland, France, England and Italy ) in this charming venue.

Tickets £8 (£5 con), which includes a welcoming glass of wine. Info: 01461 700396 vivien@freeola.com.

Making Waves - New Writing & Music

Saturday 18th August, 7.30pm
Broughton House. Kirkcudbright
(part of Gaelforce Festival 2007)

Wednesday 3rd October, 7.30pm
Bladnoch Distillery
(part of the Wigtown Book Festival)

'Making Waves' - new writing and music on a watery theme with up and coming local poets, Jackie Galley and Vivien Jones and musicians, Richard Jones, Michael Hendry and Becky Hendry. An eclectic mix of folk, blues, jazz, contemporary and classical music motifs weave through the spoken word. A printed chapbook of the texts will be available at the performances.

Tickets (Kirkcudbright) £8 (£5 concessions), including a welcoming glass of wine. Info: 01461 700396 vivien@freeola.com.

Crichton Campus University Writing Awards

Announcing the winners of this year's creative writing awards at Glasgow University Crichton Campus:

Kirkpatrick Dobie Prize 2007:
1st Prize
Three Poems by Laura Helyer
2nd Prize
Ullswater Requiem by Mike Smith
3rd Prize
Three Poems by Vivien Jones

Muriel Carmichael Prize 2007:
1st Prize
On Ticking Boxes by Vivien Jones
2nd Prize
Laura Helyer
3rd Prize
Pam Gulland

Poetry Doubles 2007

Announcing the return of one of the best series of poetry readings in Scotland... Poetry Doubles! We're proud to feature some the finest poets in Dumfries & Galloway reading alongside visiting writers with international reputations.

Monday 13th August 7.00pm
Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre, Dumfries
Daljit Nagra and Fiona Russell

Monday 20th August 7.00pm
Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre, Dumfries
Tom Leonard and Angus Macmillan

Monday 3rd September 7.00pm
Gracefield Arts Centre, Dumfries
Carola Luther & Jean Atkin

Plus, prior to the reading
Poetry Workshop with Carola Luther
2.30 –4.30 Georgetown Library

Monday 10th September 7.00pm
Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre, Dumfries
Jen Hadfield & Vivien Jones

Monday 17th September 7.00pm
Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre, Dumfries
George Szirtes & Laura Helyer

Plus Tuesday 18th September 10.00am – 12.00
Masterclass with George Szirtes
Submit your poem to be considered for inclusion as an e-mail attachment only by Friday 31st August. andrew@dgaa.net

Monday 24th September
Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre, Dumfries
Matthew Sweeney & Mike Smith

Monday 8th October
Flambard Press Special Event
Launch of debut collections from Gerry Stewart & Andrew Forster

Monday 15th October
Liz Lochhead & Hugh Bryden

Tickets £7.00 per reading (£5.00 concession – students and those in receipt of benefit). Special offer all eight readings for £49.00. Masterclass and workshops £3.00 each. Free if booked with ticket for appropriate reading. Full details and tickets from Andrew Forster 01387 253383 or andrew@dgaa.net.

Bernard Kops at the Bakehouse

Friday August 24th, 10.00 - 1.00
Monday August 27th, 10.00 - 1.00
The Bakehouse, Gatehouse of Fleet

The Bakehouse presents...
Playwriting workshops with Bernard Kops

Bernard Kops is one of the best known and most admired playwrights of his time. He achieved recognition with his first play The Hamlet of Stepney Green. Since then he has written more than forty plays for stage and radio, nine novels, seven volumes of poetry and two volumes of autobiography.

'Bernard Kops has a unique place in British Theatre. His work is zany and lyrical, his imagination and dialogue spark wildly and unpredictably like firecrackers, and the values that permeate his writing are Jewishly irreverent. His autobiography 'The World is a Wedding' (is) one of the most moving, honest and beautifully written I've ever read.' Sir Arnold Wesker

Bring a play you are working on, or ideas for a play you have yet to write. If you need help with dramatic dialogue, structure or are just looking for inspiration Bernard will help in the relaxed and supportive atmosphere of The Bakehouse. Bring a pen, paper and an open mind. Bernard is an inspiration. Two excellent new plays were written as a result of his last visit.

Book early to avoid disappointment! Ring 01557 814196 or email bookings@thebakehouse.info or chryssalt2@aol.com. Cost £30. Cheques in advance to be made payable to The Bakehouse.

Poetry Workshop with Kenneth C Steven

Monday 30th July 10.00 -12.00 & post-reading discussion
County Buildings, Wigtown

Presented by Wigtown Scribblers with the support of DGAA

Kenneth Steven's seventh collection *Salt and Light* will appear from Saint Andrew Press, later this year, along with a volume of his selected poems, *Wildscape*, from Peterloo in Cornwall. Kenneth has much experience of leading talks and workshops concerned with the writing and sculpting of poetry. In this workshop he will talk about the process of meditative writing and work through a poem to illustrate how it's taken from first draft to final.

£3.00 per place. contact anne.dunford@holmespun.co.uk

Open Stage - Music and Poetry Open Mic

Friday 27 July and 31st Aug 7pm
Pullman Room, Station Hotel, Dumfries

A first for DGAA, Open Stage welcomes local musicians and poets to get up on stage and perform. The night will be held on the last Friday of every month. As well as an Open Mic there will be some fantastic guest spots to spur things on – the 27th will feature folk singer/songwriter and poet Emma Forman and Mary Barclay of The Sensational Mary Barclay Band. Even if performing’s not your thing, don’t miss the chance to see and hear some great original material!
Whatever your tastes in music or poetry come along, showcase your skills and meet like-minded people in a chilled out atmosphere.

Entry £3. For more information or to make sure you get a slot in advance contact Jill Smith on 01387 253383 or e-mail: jillsmith@dgaa.net

Poetry in the Wilds - Threave Gardens

Saturday 4th August 2007 10am till 3pm
Writing workshop with Jackie Galley

With the support of Scottish Natural Heritage, another opportunity to hone your writing skills while exploring the beautiful environment of Dumfries and Galloway. Each day will be led by ecologist poet Jackie Galley, with support from a range of local experts, and will consist of a guided walk through some beautiful terrain, with a writing workshop to help you turn your observations and experience into poetry.

Wet and wonderful

Threave Countryside Centre, Threave Gardens
Explore the wildlife and wet landscape around Threave Gardens with a National Trust for Scotland Ranger, followed by a workshop which uses the morning visit as inspiration for poetry. Examples of how other poets have used the landscape as inspiration will be used as a starting point. No previous experience necessary.

Bring wellies, wet weather gear and a packed lunch.Numbers are limited so do book early.£3.00 per event. Contact Andrew Forster on 01387 253383 or andrew@dgaa.net

Poetry in the Wilds - Rockcliffe

Tuesday 24th July 2007 10am - 3pm

Writing Workshop with Jackie Galley

With the support of Scottish Natural Heritage, another opportunity to hone your writing skills while exploring the beautiful environment of Dumfries and Galloway. Each day will be led by ecologist poet Jackie Galley, with support from a range of local experts, and will consist of a guided walk through some beautiful terrain, with a writing workshop to help you turn your observations and experience into poetry.

Island Inspiration -Baron's Craig Hotel, Rockcliffe
A chance to visit Rough Island, off Rockcliffe, with a National Trust for Scotland Ranger and learn how island life has influenced and inspired poetry. In the afternoon there will be a workshop which will allow you to use your experience to write your own poetry. No previous experience necessary.

Wellies and wet weather gear required. Lunch available at Baron's Craig (not included).
Numbers are limited so do book early.£3.00 per event. Andrew Forster on 01387 253383 or andrew@dgaa.net