17 September 2010
Brian Cox reads from New Writing Dundee anthology
A first-time author has not only seen his work published in the New Writing Dundee anthology but has also been honoured by Hollywood star Brian Cox choosing to perform an exclusive reading of his work.
Footage of the performance of 'The Last Visit', one of the short stories contained within the fifth and latest edition of the anthology which champions poetry, prose and journalism, can now be seen online.
'The Last Visit', a simple yet sad story of a man’s haunting memory, was written by first-time author Brian Meechan, a political journalist with BBC Wales. Brian Cox’s reading can be seen on the website of Literary Dundee, an organisation which links the University of Dundee with the community to help promote arts and literature.
The author said he was honoured that Brian Cox chose his story to read. 'It really is a huge privilage to have Brian Cox reading the story,' he said. 'He's one of the finest actors Scotland has ever produced so hearing him perform something that I've written is incredible.
'I think it's great that he's shown his commitment to the book and his support for new writers and hopefully this will encourage other people to pick-up New Writing Dundee.'
New Writing Dundee features work by writers from the Dundee area alongside entries from award-winning authors from around the globe. Editor Rachel Marsh expressed her thanks to Brian for taking time out of his schedule to do the reading.
'NWD was honoured to have Brian Cox read one of the short stories from the latest edition,' she said. 'His reading of this piece is poignant and elegant, and we are eternally grateful to Brian for making the recording. Not only does it add a gravitas to the publication, but his celebrated acting style truly brings the story alive.
'Over the past five years New Writing Dundee has changed immensely. It began as a small booklet with a limited readership to the well-reviewed anthology it is today. This change and growth would have never happened without the hard work of so many students who acted as editors, designers and writers, as well as support from the University.'
New Writing Dundee began as a magazine exclusively written and edited by students but in 2007 took on a wider remit. With support of the University of Dundee Creative Writing programme, the publication moved from being a thin magazine to a book accepting work from around the world.
The fifth edition of the anthology features new work from Costa Book of the Year prize winner Christopher Reid as well as a contribution from the 2009 Saltire Society Literary Award winner Robert Crawford.
A short story by Adam Mars-Jones originally meant for inclusion in Pilcrow - his most recent novel which was short-listed for the Encore Award - is included alongside a short collection of poetry from the award winning New Zealand poet, Vincent O’Sullivan.
American writer Elisa Segrave has contributed excerpts from her memoirs while work from local authors Andrew Murray Scott and Kenneth Steven feature along with contributions by many more noted writers.
New Writing Dundee 5 also includes an interview with the Scotsman Literary Editor, David Robinson, regarding his views on fiction, journalism and prose that can cross boundaries between the two.
Additionally, included in the 2010 edition are pieces from new and previously unpublished authors. This year New Writing Dundee received around 600 submissions, and the editorial staff narrowed down the work to forty pieces of poetry and prose.
Copies, costing £5, are still available for at the University's Online Store, Amazon.co.uk,
Waterstones, John Smiths on the University campus, Dundee Contemporary Arts, and J&G Innes in St Andrews.
Brian Cox’s reading of ‘The Last Visit’ can be viewed at www.literarydundee.co.uk/newwriting.htm.
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
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