A NEW writing project has been launched by the Scottish Book Trust to encourage people to share their true stories of life and food, with the top tales being published in an e-book.
The Nourish writing campaign runs from March 27 until June 7, and the Scottish Book Trust wants Scots of all ages to tell them what fuels their body and mind, whether it’s growing your own food, howking tatties, creative cooking, sharing a poke of chips or a celebratory feast.
Celebrities and authors such as Mary Contini and Catherine Simpson are getting in on the action to help launch the project, and free workshops will take place throughout Scotland. There is also an interview with Gary Maclean, winner of 2016 MasterChef: The Professionals, on the trust’s blog.
Philippa Cochrane, of the Scottish Book Trust, said: “Food can evoke memories, connect us with others, present difficult choices or simply set us up for the day – it can challenge and inspire us and offer nourishment beyond what’s on the plate.
“From Arbroath smokies to Stornoway black pudding, Scottish food is quite distinctive in the culinary world. Through this campaign we hope to nurture and encourage anyone to get involved even if they’ve never written before. If stories be the food of life, write on. We can’t wait to feast our eyes on all the submissions.”
Meanwhile, seven books have been shortlisted for the Walter Scott Prize for historical fiction and the winner will be announced at the Borders Book Festival in Melrose later this year.
Jo Baker, Sebastian Barry, Charlotte Hobson, Hannah Kent, Francis Spufford, Graham Swift and Rose Tremain are in the running for the £25,000 prize. Judges said they had extended the list to seven titles due to the “variety of the longlist”.
The judges said: “Our shortlist was achieved by the judges’ instinctive reaction to each book. These wonderful books encapsulate moments in history in truly unforgettable ways, making the 2017 shortlist one to savour. The second and final judges’ meeting looks set to be as lively as the first.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here