What does it take to be a writer?

Entering the world as a writer can feel like a daunting and sometimes inaccessible path when considering it as a career option. But fear not, those who bravely put pen to paper! We at conFAB have put together a panel of experts to talk about the good, the bad and the publishing of creative writing and poetry for those aged 16-26.

(No ticket needed, just show up!)

How do you earn money as a writer?

How can you get your writing published?

Is there support for young writers?

How do you know if you’re any good?

Come and find out the answers to these questions and more on the 24th of November at the Scottish Youth Theatre as our panel of poets and publishing professionals discuss all things writing. You'll also get a chance to speak to our publishing professionals one-on-one! Got a burning question for an agent, a publisher, self-publishing expert or an award-winning writer? You've come to the right place.

SPEAKERS

Swara Shukla

A Creative Writing graduate from the University of Glasgow, Swara works as Publishing Developer with MageQuill, the online creative writing tool of the Scotland-based publishing company Dreamharvest. She hails from Delhi, India and currently resides in Kyle of Lochalsh in the Scottish Highlands. Her short stories have been published in various online and print magazines, including Gutter and From Glasgow to Saturn; and she has an upcoming publication in the Transformation anthology by Edinburgh-based magazine, The Selkie.

Ian Macartney

Ian is a recipient of the Pushkin Prizes, and a three-time Foyle Young Poet; his work has been featured in [Untitled] Falkirk, Suma Lima, Gaudie, The University Times, The Scotsman and The Guardian (with work forthcoming in Meanwhile). As a co-founder of the Aberdeen-based creative collective Re-Analogue, he has collaborated with the likes of Kirsty Logan, the May Festival, Tom Byam Shaw and Jennifer Walton. He has performed as part of Neu! Reekie, and alongside writers such as Michael Pedersen, Liz Lochhead, William Letford, Jenni Fagan, Claire Askew, Theresa Muñoz and Ash Dickinson.

Julie Fergusson

Julie has a degree in mathematics and a master’s in creative writing, both from the University of Edinburgh. She worked for several years as both a publisher and a freelance editor before becoming an agent in 2017. Julie is looking to build a list of commercial and literary novels, particularly reading group fiction, psychological thrillers, YA fantasy, stories by and about women, and anything with a speculative or dystopian twist. Find Julie on Twitter at @Julie_Fergusson

Sam Small

Sam is head of poetry at Speculative Books, a Glasgow based indepdendent publisher of poetry and novellas. Sam is also a performance poet and host of Inn Deep’s monthly poetry show.