Steve Borley

This short episode brings the first series of Writing Perspectives to an end.

I talk a little bit about each of the ten episodes in the series and think about what I’ve learned from talking to each of my ten insightful and interesting guests.

Thinking particularly about the advice they would each give to aspiring writers: no surprise that ‘write’ is at the top of that list. But a close second, I think, is ‘read’; we have to keep exposing ourselves to writing of all types. Things we enjoy; things that are popular and, perhaps, things we wouldn’t always read.

It is also interesting to reflect on what different people think about publishing and self-publishing. Getting these different perspectives tells me there is probably no right or wrong; it is a personal call for each writer. But I do think we’ve moved on from self-publishing being simply vanity publishing and, somehow, an admission of defeat. In fact, self-publishing can be a powerful signal to publishers that your work can gain a readership.

I have found hearing writers talk about how they approach their work, what it means to them and how they gain readers or an audience inspiring. Hearing their enthusiasm and their satisfaction in creating work they are rightly proud of gives me encouragement to keep on writing.

So that’s what I’ll be doing between series. Refocusing on the stories I want to tell and spending time with the characters I want other people to care about too.

Writing Perspectives will be back in 2018 with a new series of ten episodes.

I hope you enjoy this recap and have enjoyed the first series.

Steve

Philip Wark: in a library, naturally.

In episode 10 I talk to Philip Wark. Philip spent his career managing, running and championing public libraries.

We discuss how writers and their local libraries can successfully work together; what Philip has seen work in his years of running and organising writers’ groups, author talks and much more.

Philip also tells us about what a modern library service is really all about. Spoiler: not just lending books.

He tells us about the roles of writer-in-residence and bibliotherapist. Philip also explains how libraries try and reach out and engage people of all ages across their local communities.

Philip is an enthusiast; hearing him talk about libraries makes it impossible not to want to head straight out to your nearest branch and hug a librarian. He told me about a great deal of activity I didn’t know was going on – and his key message to writers is to go and get to know your local library staff. They really can help introduce you to a local readers and help you develop your profile in your own community.

You can find Philip on Twitter and you can find out about his latest passion, the Midlothian Science Festival too.

You can also find out more about Midlothian Libraries and City of Edinburgh Libraries. If you are in the UK, have look at bookmarkyouribrary which can help you find the libraries nearest to you.

I was also intrigued by the role of the bibliotherapist and wanted to find out more. Good ol’ Wikipedia has an entry (of course) and I found this article from the New Yorker. See what you think.

I hope you enjoy this episode.

Steve