29 September 2009

Dundee Literary Salons return for a new term

Leading figures from the world of literature have been lined up for a new season of the highly popular Literary Salons, which begin later this week.

Publishers and editors will get together later this week to kick off the new series of events organised for lovers of literature and budding writers looking to take the next step in their careers and get their work published. 'The Publishers Panel' will meet at Dundee Contemporary Arts from 5pm on Thursday, October 1st.

These free events are open to all and are hosted by Kirsty Gunn, Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Dundee. Each salon will see speakers from the literary world discuss their work and answer questions from the audience. An informal drink and discussion follows each event.

Anna Day, director of event organisers Literary Dundee, said the salons were a fantastic way for people to engage with Dundee’s burgeoning literary community.

'The latest round of salons is sure to be at least as popular as their predecessors,' she said. 'There is a wonderful array of creative writing talent to be found at the University, across Dundee, and in the surrounding area. Events like this provide tips for budding writers looking to make their mark on the world of literature.'

'The Publishers Panel will be revealing the opportunities that exist for writers, and examining how they can get their work published. The Dundee Book Prize, short story writing, blogging and self-publishing will also be discussed.'

'Literary Salons have become an important part of our work to develop creative life here at Dundee. They allow you to meet leading writers, publishers and agents from all over the UK, ask them questions about their work and writing practice and get top tips and advice about how to develop your own literary career.'

Other salons lined up for this term include:

• October 15th - Dundonian Jason Donald will read from his debut novel, Choke Chain and explain how he got his book deal.
• October 29th - Writer and journalist David Robinson will examine where fact and fiction merge, and how journalism and creative writing can often mean the same thing.
• November 19th - Creative writing students from the University will present their work, and showcase the range of classes available at Dundee.

More information about all these events is available at www.literarydundee.co.uk/salons.htm. Tickets are available from www.buyat.dundee.ac.uk/ ( https://www.buyat.dundee.ac.uk/catalogue/products.asp?compid=1&deptid=7&catID=85&hasClicked=1 ) and by calling 01382 384768.

The University is heavily involved in initiatives and events to promote interest and excellence in the study of literature. These include the Dundee Literary Festival, a Literacy Programme, Dundee University Press and the University’s various publications.

A trio of students from the University of Dundee last month appeared at the Edinburgh International Book Festival to showcase the exceptional creative talent that the University is producing.

They read extracts of their work to an audience of literary agents, industry professionals and members of the public at one of the world’s most prestigious book festivals.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277