New writers on a journey

Short stories penned by two East Renfrewshire residents have been chosen to be published for Book Week Scotland.

Margaret McVey, from Giffnock, and L.M. Sloan, from Barrhead, were selected from 600 other writers to win a place in Journeys.

On her story The final journey, Margaret said: “My husband died suddenly 13 years ago. As I reflected on the journey to the hospital, the tears seemed to be the ink for my pen, and it was therapeutic to write down the saddest experience which would have been difficult to verbalise to anyone.

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“When I found out that my piece had been picked, my initial reaction was surprise and gladness. It’s such a paradox that that which caused such pain should also give me joy. The nurse in me would say it’s like medicine for the soul.”

L.M.’s story, The Bedtime Express, is dedicated to her father — she commented: “My Dad believed in me when no one else did, and I’m so glad he inspired me to keep writing.”

The Scottish Book Trust competition marks Book Week Scotland, running November 23-29 across Scotland, with plenty of book lover events taking place in Glasgow — see www.bookweekscotland.com.

Marc Lambert, Scottish Book Trust CEO, said: “This project has given people of all ages living in Scotland the inspiration to write the story of a special journey - some for the very first time.

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“We received hundreds of submissions sharing beautifully unique stories of real or emotional journeys, and are delighted to be able to give away 150,000 free copies of this wonderful book for Book Week Scotland 2015.”

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