It was the middle of a heatwave, but the unusually hot weather (for Scotland!) wasn’t enough to put off the large audience who gathered last night to celebrate National Writing Day and meet local author Sara Maitland.
In an evening hosted by Lockerbie Writers, Sara was introduced by Events Manager, Kerrie McKinnel and by Chair, Stephanie Newham. Steph was delighted to be able to share her love of Sara’s work, having enjoyed her books for many years, and having had Sara as a tutor during her creative writing degree studies.
The audience of around 25 people, including members of Lockerbie Writers group and other local writing groups, listened and laughed as Sara read one of her unconventional short stories about a dragon and a princess. Sara then shared some of her tips for writing, including her thoughts on daily routine and the life of a writer. Fairy tales, and their use as a base structure for a story, were mentioned several times throughout the night.
The evening finished with a range of questions from the audience, and a chance to mingle while browsing the books for sale. This included the few remaining copies of Lockerbie Writers’ Anthology (also for sale on Amazon).
Before the night ended, there was time for one last photo opportunity. Here is Sara Maitland (centre) with Stephanie Newham (right) and another Lockerbie Writers’ member, Kath J. Rennie (left).
Thank you to everyone who came along and shared in such a great evening. It was a joy for Lockerbie Writers to host such a well-published, funny and interesting writer. Thank you to everyone who contributed, in whatever way, for an enjoyable end to National Writing Day, and thank you of course to Sara Maitland for joining us. We hope to work with you again soon!
Lockerbie Writers 
A really lovely evening despite the heat! Great to meet up with members from other groups again, and see faces who are becoming writerly friends. Also refreshing to hear Sara say, get to know your own strengths and weaknesses and exploit those strengths. I think the sub text was, don’t beat yourself up – enjoy your writing.
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Yes, I certainly got the same impression, Steph. Also interesting to hear her relatively flexible attitude towards schedule, and dislike of the sort of schedule which prescribes a set amount of time spent writing or words produced every day. I knew it wasn’t just me who didn’t get a lot out of working that way! 😉
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