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Thievery is a series of blog posts about story inspirations. On Thursdays, I invite my favourite writers to share the inspirations behind their stories. Here’s one from the charming and humble poet Richie McCaffery. The Poem: 7 Pudden Wynd When they built the house back in 1892, someone put a dated stone escutcheon upside down above the door. I pass it every day and wonder what it’s like to live in a house where time stands on its head. Behind…

Thievery is a series of blog posts about story inspirations. One Thursday per month, I invite my favourite writers to share the inspirations behind their stories. Here’s one from the intimidatingly talented Elizabeth Reeder. The Story: Fremont was published by Kohl. An extract: As Utah tosses and flips deciding how she’ll be in the world, Rachel can’t find the hall for days on end and sits in another unfamiliar room and weeps. Sounds of her children playing somewhere in this…

Thievery is a series of blog posts about story inspirations. One Thursday per month, I invite my favourite writers to share the inspirations behind their stories. Here’s one from the dreamy, pixie-esqie Helen McClory. The Story: ‘Tennessee Stop’ was published online at 3AM Magazine. An extract: Astral had missed the name of the city, or the town. One run-down area of the country had bled into another. Was she in the South yet? Plants here wanted to grow through concrete,…

Thievery is a series of blog posts about story inspirations. One Thursday per month, I invite my favourite writers to share the inspirations behind their stories. Here’s one from the multitalented Holly Corfield Carr. The Story: ‘Fog’ was published in Ambit #309. An extract: A soft seam opened out. It shone painfully in the wet air. It seemed to come from the ground itself; red pools of it welled up from the long-forgotten soil. It spread slowly outwards from the brutal…

Thievery is a series of blog posts about story inspirations. On Thursdays, I invite my favourite writers to share the inspirations behind their stories. Here’s one from smart, sensual writer Nikki Magennis. The Story: ‘Kiss of Shame’ was published in the anthology Quick & Dirty. An Extract: ‘I kissed his arse, yes, I did, you pea brained cat faced bastards. I tore my clothes from off my back and beat myself about the body. With the dirt ingrained under my…

On Saturday 21 September, 50 emerging novelists were treated to talks and one-on-one sessions with agents and editors at Pitch Live!, organised by NAWE and Creative Scotland. The publishing experts offered valuable advice on writing cover letters, elevator pitches, and how to properly begin and build your writing career. I live-tweeted with #pitchlive – but don’t worry if you missed it, because here are the highlights. Francis Bickmore, Publishing Director at Canongate Books: (Follow Francis @kinhead) Follow your curiosity. If you’re…