Summer has fallen and a ghostly swirl of orange, red and yellow leaves serve as a reminder that we are on the crest of another changing season. Winter will come, but there are still things to look forward to in autumn. October, as well as being the month my two beautiful children celebrate their birthday, is also the month I will celebrate two book launches. Both events see the publication of books I have played a small part in, writing a short story in one and a creative non-fiction essay in another. In a lovely twist, both launch on the 30th of October.
Skeins, an anthology of short stories published by Linen Press is released on the 30th of this month and there will be a launch event in Sheffield, with two more to follow in Bristol and London. You can pre-order from now, and as you know, this really helps with book sales. It’s a beautiful book, with amazing stories from a fabulous collection of writers.
On the same day, at Hampen Park in Glasgow, A Most Unsuitable Game will launch. The book celebrates 50 years since the ban on women’s football was lifted in Scotland. You can book tickets to attend the launch here. There is also a launch event in Perth on the 28th of November, with tickets available here. The book includes my creative non-fiction essay, reflecting on the day I fell in love with women’s football.
I have two further publications still to come this year, and I’ll post news of these as soon as I am able to.
Oh, and that reminds me. Earlier this year, I had a short story published in the Federation of Writers 2024 anthology, A Playground in Beijing, available here, and I had some photography published in Memory Mining and Heritage, voices from Ayrshire communities, available here.
I’ll hopefully have news to share on my novel Keel soon, and I will of course update on my PhD journey, which so far so good, has been a really enjoyable experience.
Here’s to winter, and more words.
Margot McCuaig 