Dundee Writes uncovers University’s hidden creative talent

Published On Wed 24 May 2017 by Cara Longmuir

What do a Politics postgraduate from Nigeria, a Professor of chronic pain management in Dundee, a deep water salvage specialist from Fife and a graduate of International Water Law from New York have in common?

The answer is that they have their work published in the latest edition of ‘Dundee Writes’, the University of Dundee’s magazine of creative writing. This is the eighth edition and will be launched in the University’s Tower Building tomorrow. 

Staff, students and alumni from across all Schools and departments in the University are eligible to submit their poetry and prose to the magazine which is produced and edited by graduates of the MLitt in Writing Practice and Study, part of the University’s Creative Writing programme.

Since its first issue in 2010, the magazine has published more than 100 pieces of work by an extraordinary diverse range of writers.

The magazine is distributed to agents, publishing houses and libraries across Scotland, and many of its contributors have gone on to publish their work elsewhere. Claire MacLeary, whose piece ‘The Collector’ appeared in 2011, recently signed a two-book publishing deal with Saraband and her debut novel ‘Cross Purpose’ was launched to acclaim this year.

“The range and quality of the writing is testament to our vibrant creative community here in Dundee,” said Josie Jules Andrews, co-editor of the magazine.

“All submissions are judged anonymously by a team of volunteer readers, so we never know who will make it into each issue. Over the years Dundee Writes has uncovered writing talent from staff and students in Schools as diverse as Dentistry, Nursing and Engineering and from Continuing Education students in all walks of life. We are delighted to be celebrating our latest collection with the launch of Dundee Writes 8.”

Professor Kirsty Gunn, director of the University of Dundee’s Creative Writing Programme, said, “’Dundee Writes’ continues to be an important part of our writing scene – both at the University and beyond in the wider creative community that we nourish through our writing courses and activities. It is small and idiosyncratic and intelligent – a terrific example of the ‘little literary magazine’”

The new issueis dedicated to poet Dr Jim Stewart, a lecturer in the University’s English department, who died last year. It includes tributes from Kirsty Gunn, Professor of Creative Writing and Andy Jackson, a librarian at the University. Jim Stewart’s poem ‘Spider Problem’ is also featured.

For media enquiries contact:
Cara Longmuir
Media Relations Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
Tel: +44 (0)1382 385243
Email: c.z.longmuir@dundee.ac.uk