Tag Archives: scottish

My Writing Process Julie Shackman.

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I am a writer of feel-good romance and live to the North of Glasgow with my husband and two sons. I trained as a journalist and studied Communication & Media, but I always wanted to be an author. We  adopted a Romanian rescue puppy, who we named Cooper, just before Christmas and he is often my writing companion!

What you have written, past and present. 

A Secret Scottish Escape is my fifth published book. My first two novels, Rock My World and Hero or Zero, were published digitally by the London based publisher Not So Noble Books and my next novel after that, A Room at the Manor, was released by Allen & Unwin. Book number four, The McKerron Castle, was released in audio by Bolinda.

Years ago, I also had two children’s picture books published in Dublin, but I always wanted to write feel-good, escapist romance and that is the genre I love to read.

What you are promoting now. 

I am promoting my latest feel-good romance, A Secret Scottish Escape, which is being released by the wonderful HarperCollins imprint One More Chapter as an ebook on 21 May and in paperback on 19 August. I can’t wait to share the tale of Layla and Rafe!

A bit about your process of writing. 

I find it very difficult to write straight onto the PC, so I tend to write long-hand in one of my many notebooks (!) and then type it up. I usually go to my favourite tea shop to write, but since lockdown, that hasn’t been possible, so I have been learning to write on the sofa, in the kitchen and whilst staring out of the window in the office! I also have to have music playing. Listening to lyrics seems to work for me as well.

Do you plan or just write?

I used to be a real panster, but have got a little bit better since  my last couple of books. I haven’t been planning everything, but write more detailed notes now on character background, settings and where the story is headed.

What about word count?

I just tend to write the first draft, get it all down and then tweak polish and edit after that. if I can write about 1k-1,500 words a day, I’m pleased with that. The most I have ever written in a day was 4,500 words. I wouldn’t like to do that too often!

How do you do your structure?

I make lots of bullet points in my notebook, referring back to themes and characters. It can look rather chaotic, but it seems to turn out ok in the end!

What do you find hard about writing?

I procrastinate alot! I also have a habit of browsing through social media or reading the paper and then have to have a stiff word with myself.

What do you love about writing? 

I love creating worlds and characters that readers can hopefully lose themselves in. I think we all really need to be able to do that – especially now!

Advice for other writers. 

Don’t ever give up. Keep going, keep writing and keep reading. A published writer is an unpublished writer who never quit.

UK Amazon Link –

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Scottish-Escape-heartwarming-women-ebook/dp/B08T5WWNDR/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

US –

https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Scottish-Escape-Julie-Shackman-ebook/dp/B08T5WWNDR/

 

Free Poetry Book To Celebrate National Poetry Day

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poetry, poetry book, poems, women authors, Scottish writers, poetry book, female writers,Today is National Poetry Day and to celebrate you can get a copy of What Do You Think? A collection of poetry from Catherine Balavage, Frost Magazine’s owner and editor-in-chief. One of her poems is below.

 

Loved person

Broken promises I knew you could not keep
You only ever tried to love me and in gratitude I lay at your feet Because I was in love too, but my love was different

My love was the notion of life, a good one
All I wanted from ear to ear; a smile from my own mouth
It did not work
You loved me so selflessly I could not leave
Although I know now it was only through your love for me that I loved you You lost your own identity
You chose mine but I wanted mine to keep

Still. Here I am
This time only crying at your ever loving feet
I owe you too much to leave
So for the rest of my life. If I never find the courage I will be the living, loved dead
Even though I see
Your love in an otherwise cruel world binds me Forgive me. I doubt for all that I was ever worthy

 

Get your free copy of What Do You Think? now.

Adam Stafford, Taser Revelations | Music Profile

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Adam Stafford Taser Revelations Adam Stafford returns with his first album in nearly three years following the widely acclaimed Imaginary Walls Collapse in 2013. 

Format: 12″ vinyl (with download), CD and digital
Lead Tracks: Atheist Money, Phantom Billions
Label/cat number: Song, by Toad Records SbTR-A-049

Taser Revelations was recorded at The Happiness Hotel, Song by Toad’s newly aquired warehouse recording space. Utilising the warehouse’s natural room reverb to great effect, the album features producer and multi-instrumentalist Robbie Lesiuk performing a variety of instruments including steel drums, organ and piano. Greggor Douglas plays the Roland Juno/omnichord and ex-Maple Leaves Anna Miles provides harmony vocals.

Continuing Stafford’s trajectory into electrified alternative pop, Taser Revelations begins with some of the most melodically catchy songs he has ever written, before taking a swerve down a dark alley midway through the album, venturing into industrial syncopation, samurai-guitar attacks and some unsettling, vivid imagery.

Praise for ‘Imaginary Walls Collapse’
Nominated for a Scottish Album of the Year Award in May 2014
Albums of The Year in Goldflakepaint
Featured in Frightened Rabbit’s Albums of The Year in Drowned in Sound
#1 Album of The Year in Jockrock
#1 Album of The Year in Glasgow Podcart
#1 Album of The Year in Manic Pop Thrills and #1 in MPT’s Poll of Polls
#3 Album of The Year from Last Year’s Girl
#3 Album of The Year from Scottish Fiction
#4 Scottish Albums of The Year in The Herald on Sunday
#4 Albums of The Year in When You Motor Away
#5 Album of The Year in Is This Music?
#33 Albums of The Year in The Skinny
Vic Galloway’s Albums of The Year
Albums of The Year in Sonic Reverie
#20 Albums of The Year in The Tidal Wave of Indifference

Tracklisting:
All songs PRS registered, written by Adam Stafford.

Side A
1. Let a Little Love Inside
2. Phantom Billions
3. Atheist Money
4. Black Lung Applications

5. Unknown Swimmers
Side B
1. Railway Trespassers
2. Taser Revelations
3. Bracelet Dream of the Shadow
4. The Penumbr

Dram & Smoke: A Winter Highland Hideaway Serving Scottish Beer From Harviestoun Brewery

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Following a sold out run in 2014, Scottish pop-up Dram & Smoke is returning to its former home in a leather tannery warehouse in London Bridge for four weeks this winter.

2-3 Black Swan Yard London Bridge, London, SE1 3XW

DRAM & SMOKE A WINTER HIGHLAND HIDEAWAY SERVING SCOTTISH BEER FROM HARVIESTOUN BREWERY1

As usual with D&S, robust fare that’s all about celebrating the best of Scottish produce will be served from an open kitchen alongside whisky cocktails, great beer and banging tunes in a suitably unique venue in the shadows of The Shard. A private house party vibe is the order of the day from the moment guests enter the vast candlelit space through a clandestine doorway just off Bermondsey Street and are welcomed with a warming hot toddy.

DRAM & SMOKE A WINTER HIGHLAND HIDEAWAY SERVING SCOTTISH BEER FROM HARVIESTOUN BREWERY2

This time around, as well as a brand new five course menu, a slew of other fresh twists are in the mix as part of the £40 ticket. Ping pong, foosball and a host of other games will be available for those with fidgety feet and a competitive spirit. At the bar, guests will find a whisky cocktail menu courtesy of The Naked Grouse that ranges from punchy classics for the seasoned drinker through to lighter options for the uninitiated. A short but well-formed wine list is accompanied by craft beer from Scottish brewers Harviestoun Brewery who will be launching exclusive brews at the event, and serving limited edition beers soon to become extinct.

DRAM & SMOKE A WINTER HIGHLAND HIDEAWAY SERVING SCOTTISH BEER FROM HARVIESTOUN BREWERY8

The list includes new brew Raspy Engine (Harviestoun’s Old Engine Oil infused with Scottish raspberries and crafted with a twist) and the very limited edition Ola Dubh 30  (Old Engine Oil aged in 30 year old Highland Park whiskey casks; this is an exceptional rare run with the last bottle due to be served at Dram & Smoke).

DRAM & SMOKE A WINTER HIGHLAND HIDEAWAY SERVING SCOTTISH BEER FROM HARVIESTOUN BREWERY3

When it comes to the scran, things kick off in a typically tongue-in-cheek Highland style – Duck Donuts served with Irn Bru Chilli Jam. A turn of elegance brings proceedings to Potted Smoked Mushrooms, Dunsyre Blue Cheese & Homemade Pickles as well as shooters of intense Lobster Broth. Epic carve-at-the-table Roast Rack of Pork gets the Scottish treatment with a hit of Stornoway Black Pudding and is joined by chargrilled plums and buckets of crisp crackling (but veggies needn’t fear – an alternative menu will be on hand by request). Finally, sharing trays of Whisky Bread & Butter Pudding with jugs of Malted Milk Custard bring things to a comforting close.

DRAM & SMOKE A WINTER HIGHLAND HIDEAWAY SERVING SCOTTISH BEER FROM HARVIESTOUN BREWERY4

With food served up at large round 10-12 person tables (plus a banquet table for 20) D&S is all about getting stuck in and hanging out with your neighbours. However, for those searching for their very own slice of highland hospitality, Dram & Smoke is also available for private-hire throughout the festive season – that’ll be Christmas soirées minus the floppy hats, stale ambiance and boring food then.

DRAM & SMOKE A WINTER HIGHLAND HIDEAWAY SERVING SCOTTISH BEER FROM HARVIESTOUN BREWERY5

Either way, this is the highland hideaway for great scran, free-flowing bevvy and a healthy dose of general flumgummerie this winter.

 

Tickets are available online via DesignMyNight:
https://www.designmynight.com/london/whats-on/pop-up/dram-smoke-scottish-winter-pop-up

 

PRICE
£40 per ticket includes:
Welcome cocktail upon arrival
5 course tasting menu (vegetarian options available)

 

 

 

Scottish Indie Rock Band The Phantoms Release New Single ‘Wasting Time’

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Based in West Lothian, Scotland, The Phantoms formed in May 2012, quickly winning an army of fans with their huge sound and infectious on-stage energy.

Scottish Indie Rock Band The Phantoms

It didn’t take long for Scotland’s most influential DJs to pick up on the buzz around the band with debut EP ‘This Is How It Should Be’ earning widespread airplay.  A UK tour and support slots for Catfish and the Bottlemen and We Were Promised Jetpacks preceded the release of the anthemic ‘Revolution’ a single that was played by radio stations across the UK, earning praise for its sweeping guitars and driving beat.

Influenced by Kasabian, Royal Blood, Catfish and the Bottlemen and Arctic Monkeys, their new single ‘Wasting Time’ is a perfect example of the sound that has earned The Phantoms the reputation as one of Scotland’s most exciting prospects.

The Phantoms are:
Colin Simpson – Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
Colin McKillop – Lead Guitar
Peter Stewart – Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals
Blair Cullen – Drums

Gigs:
Saturday 14th March – Glasgow’s King Tuts supporting Cold Ocean Lies

The video for ‘Wasting Time will be released on Monday 16th February.

 

 

Scottish Music Awards Take Centre Stage In Glasgow

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Shirley MansonAfter an incredible year of major international events in Glasgow, including the MTV EMA, the Scottish Music Awards will round off 2014’s year long celebration of sport and culture in the city on Saturday November 29th at the Old Fruitmarket.

Held annually by the charity Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland, the exciting ceremony is their main source of funding, and promises its usual mix of inspirational and moving recognition for the vitally important work the charity delivers across the country, presented alongside performances and the coveted Tartan Clef awards for some of Scotland’s top musicians.

Previous years have seen Scottish favourites Twin Atlantic, Camera Obscura, Mogwai, Biffy Clyro, Deacon Blue, Barbara Dickson, songwriter John Reid, Emeli Sandé and Paolo Nutini honoured for their work among others; and stand out live performances from Edinburgh born pop star Nina Nesbitt, and a rare performance from Shirley Manson and Martin Metcalfe who were reunited on stage for the first time in 20 years at 2013’s event.

Since its debut in 2011, the PEOPLE MAKE GLASGOW Special Recognition Award has also shone a sparkling spotlight on the charity’s heroes from Howford school head teacher Karen Mathieson to violinist Nicola Benedetti.  Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council and Chair of Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, will present the award on the night.

Nordoff Robbins Scotland uses the power of music to improve the lives of over 400 children and adults isolated by disability, trauma or illness every week.

The charity needs £600,000 each year to operate, with every note raised in Scotland, staying in Scotland.  The charity is grounded in the belief that everyone can respond to music, no matter how ill or disabled. The unique qualities of music as therapy can enhance communication, support change, and enable people to live more resourcefully and creatively.

Music therapy represents a relatively new force in contemporary music which has established roots all over the globe over the past few decades. The Nordoff Robbins approach has played a pivotal role in this development.

It is named after its co-creators, Clive Robbins and Paul Nordoff who teamed up in 1959. Clive was a British special needs teacher Scottish Music Awards Take Centre Stage In Glasgowwand Paul was an American composer. Through musical improvisation, they pioneered an extraordinary new way of reaching and engaging children who had additional support needs.

In the 1960s and 70s they toured many parts of the world demonstrating their work, leaving groups of followers wherever they went. After Nordoff’s death in 1977, Robbins continued to champion the cause of music therapy, maintaining an active practice, teaching and lecturing until he was well into his 80s. He died in 2011, having inspired and captivated audiences worldwide with his life-transforming work in music.

Celebrating 18 years of Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy in Scotland, November 29th 2014 will see some of Scotland’s top musicians; media and music industry join forces to raise awareness of and money for the charity with raffle and auctions donated from businesses across the country – for a full list of donations please click here. 

Glasgow has a worldwide reputation for producing and launching some of the world’s greatest musicians from Oasis’ now legendary performance at King Tut’s to previous award winners Edwyn Collins of Orange Juice, Wet Wet Wet and Sharleen Spiteri of Texas to name but a few. The Award’s home city is regarded by Time Magazine as “Europe’s Secret Capital of Music”, with the city hosting on average 130 music events every week (more than any other Scottish city), which generate millions for the city’s economy each year.

The Scottish Music Awards is a celebration of the massive strength, and huge diversity, of Scotland’s internationally successful and renowned music industry.

For more information on Scotland’s only music therapy charity please visit

www.nordoffrobbinsscotland.org.uk or to make a donation please visit http://www.justgiving.com/nrmt or call 01506 239578.

Keep up to date at www.facebook.com/nordoffrobbinsscotland and on Twitter at @NRScot

Text MMCL14 to 70070 to donate anything up to £10

 

 

 

A Celebration of Craftsmanship, Style And Generosity: Introducing Chivas 12 ‘Made For Gentlemen’ By Bremont

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Craftsmanship, style and generosity are at the heart of the recent collaboration between Chivas Regal and award-winning British watch company Bremont. Known for crafting beautifully engineered chronometers, Bremont has partnered with Chivas to design the latest Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen by Bremont limited edition gift tin alongside 12 collector item ‘Chivalry’ watches to celebrate excellence and precision in luxury.


 

The Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen by Bremont limited edition gift tin houses a bottle of Chivas 12 blended Scotch whisky and boldly features deconstructed watch elements to showcase the elegant and complex engineering of Bremont chronometers. The classically stylish, polished steel Bremont ‘Chivalry’ watch, with alligator strap, features a piece of oak cask used in the maturation of whiskies for Chivas Regal, the signature of James and John Chivas etched on the rotor of the timepiece and the Chivas crest subtly embossed on the dial.  An engraved copper plate, taken from a retired Scotch whisky copper still, sits on the leather presentation pouch.

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In the spirit of generosity, the Bremont ‘Chivalry’ watches will be auctioned exclusively for charities around the world.  Admirers of luxury watches and whisky will have the opportunity to participate in an online auction for one of these watches from 22nd October to 9th November, 2014 via www.chivas.com/bremont.  Proceeds will go to The Prince’s Trust Enterprise Programme.

 

Explains Richard Black, Global Brand Director of Chivas Regal: “In seeking luxury experiences and products, modern gentlemen demand substance and style. We felt there were many synergies between Chivas and Bremont as award winning British brands that reflect the desires of the modern gentleman. What both Chivas and Bremont do is incredibly complex but the art is to present it simply and stylishly and give our customers distinctive luxury items and experiences.”

 

Nick English, Co-Founder of Bremont, adds: “For me, the collaboration with Chivas was a genuine meeting of minds.  We are all dedicated and passionate about keeping traditions of craftsmanship alive and we are also focused upon leaving a positive legacy.  Bremont watches are ‘Tested Beyond Endurance’ and Giles and I have been blown away by the level of skill that Chivas Master Blender, Colin Scott, deploys in channeling nature and time in blending their Scotch whiskies.”

 

The Chivas 12 Made for Gentlemen by Bremont will be available globally from September with RRP of £28.45.