An award-winning author is set to inspire people across Renfrewshire as part of the Paisley Book Festival.
Kerry Hudson, whose debut novel Tony Hogan Bought Me an Ice Cream Float Before He Stole My Mother won the Scottish First Book Award in 2012, will use the power of the written and the spoken word to make literature and love of writing more accessible to communities.
The Paisley Book Festival, organized by OneRen, will take place over four days from Thursday February 16 to Sunday February 19 and will bring together some of the city’s best writers for talks and events.
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Paisley Book Festival (Image: Renfrewshire Council)
Kerry, who lives in Glasgow but is originally from Aberdeen, will provide community outreach sessions in Renfrewshire as part of her role as artist-in-residence at the festival.
She said: “I think Writer in Service would be a more appropriate title because I really believe that when you take on a role like this, you then work for the people in that community.
“I want to create a safe and enjoyable environment, especially for those who might be completely new to live writing and literature, empowering people along the way.
“It can be incredibly daunting to step into a space where you’re expected to simply create, learn or experiment if you haven’t already – and I know this from personal experience.
“Through our informal introductory sessions, often held in unexpected places, we can help people experience writing, explore their imaginations, and hopefully boost their confidence and creativity.”
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OneRen’s Louise Oliver, Producer at the Paisley Book Festival, said: “We are 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 main goals of the festival is to bring the joy of literature and writing to our communities and we know the only way to do that is to reach out to people.
“Kerry is not only a widely acclaimed and accomplished author, but she is also a teacher with a strong the story to work with communities both at home and abroad.
“Kerry knows the obstacles that sometimes come with emerging creativity and she knows how to help people find their own love for the written and spoken word.
“I urge everyone to attend Kerry’s workshops and initiation sessions in the months to come.”
Full details of Kerry’s sessions at venues in Renfrewshire will be announced from late November to January.
You can find out more HERE.
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