An interview with Basil Brush, moon landings and a murder in Glasgow
Tell Us a Story – Bearsden Library 11 November 26
Another fabulous evening for our third Tell Us a Story open mic event at Bearsden Library. It was a bit of a hairy journey for us from Kirkintilloch in the thick fog that had appeared from nowhere, somewhere between me closing the curtains and then heading out of the door. But we arrived safe and well, albeit slightly frazzled. I was very relieved to see a good crowd of people who also braved the fog to attend, either as readers or listeners.
I need to stress something here, though. Some people arrived telling me they were just listeners. I told them that there is no ‘just a listener’. Support for those reading is vital for the success of these events. There is nothing worse than being a speaker, even if only for a five-minute slot, to an empty room.
This week our headline speaker was Ashlie McAnally, who shared lots of stories about her time as a journalist in the different courts, and about her famous interview with none other than Basil Brush. We were then treated to the first chapter of her second novel, the sequel to her first book, Murder Central. Just when we thought it couldn’t get any better, she then read a poem she’d written during one sleepless night, which just shows that many writers get their inspiration during the wee small hours.
During the evening we were entertained by our readers with their short stories, chapters from just published books, excerpts from soon-to-be-published books, and some non-fiction about the moon landings. As it was 11 November, I thought it only fitting I read out this week’s Florence Considers – Purple Poppies, remembering the animals lost in war.
A massive thank you to Ashlie for being our headliner, all the other readers, and everyone who came along to enjoy the evening. And an extra big thank you to the fabulous East Dunbartonshire library crew who, as always, made the evening go smoothly and supplied us with much-needed refreshments throughout the event.
Next month’s Tell Us a Story: 9 December, at William Patrick Library, Kirkintilloch, when our headline speaker will be none other than the truly inspiring Retired Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist, published author, and artist, Dr Rhona Morrison, who assures us that she ‘doesn’t talk to dead bodies’.
Do you have something you’d like to read out? Something you want to share with others for the first time? If you can read it in no more than five minutes, we’d love to hear it.
The events are free to attend, but if you want to read, make sure you arrive early enough to put your name down on the list. There are only 9 slots for readers. (Reserving your place at the event gets you your seat; you book your spot for speaking when you arrive).