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Saturday 4 June 2011

Scottish Association of Writers Annual Conference 2011

Just spent an enjoyable weekend at the 42nd Scottish Association of Writers (SAW) conference.
Loads of support and advice from fellow writers of all genres.
A variety of writers judged the competitions and hosted interesting workshops.
Jane Wenham Jones is a lively and humorous speaker. Karen Maitland a professional, approachable and supportive novelist. George Gunn is a  drama guru with an earthy approach. Robin Cairns a skilled performance poet.
Too many to mention them all.
I was delighted to have my work placed in several categories-
Constable Award (adult novel):  Commended - Cathie Devitt
Poetry:  2nd - Cathie Devitt
Humorous Article: 2nd - Cathie Devitt
Under 7's:  Commended - Cathie Devitt
Short stories, drama, novels, poetry. Whatever your writing interests I urge you to join a writers group, ask the group to affiliate to SAW and sign up for next years conference.
You know it makes sense.

A Busman's Holiday

What is one to do when left with the post-festive blues? Having stuffed the family with traditional fayre, fallen victim to a mild, but irritating, dose of the flu, and coped with the unexpected bereavement of a close family member, I was feeling jaded and in need of some TLC far away from my hectic life.


Bearing in mind the freezing weather that Scotland experienced in 2010 (Global temperature warmed to near record levels say climate scientists from the Met Office), I was reluctant to travel far.

How surprised was I to discover the perfect sanctuary less than 25 miles from my home, on the map, but a whole world apart in terms of the tranquillity and scenic landscape.

Gartmore House sits within 75 acres of private gardens 2.5 miles from Aberfoyle, gateway to the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.

On checking in at the reception desk, I discovered that Gartmore House is the family home of a fellow writer: Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham.

Unfamiliar with the name I delved further into Robert’s history and was delighted to discover that he was a great author,with friends such as George Bernard Shaw and Oscar Wilde in his address book.

Born of Spanish descent on 24th May 1852, Robert was the eldest son of a family of three and as the eldest, he claimed his right to the Earldom of Strathearn, Mentieth and Airth on the side of his father, William Cunninghame Graham Bontine of Ardoch and Gartmore.

There is great sadness within the biography of Robert’s life. Overcome with grief on the death of his wife Gabriella in 1906, Robert dug her grave with his own hands in the old priory at Inchmahome Island on the lake of Menteith.

Gabriella was an artist, writer and poet. Robert’s death followed thirty years later in 1936 at the age of eighty four.

I felt privileged to sit by the coal fire in the main drawing room, glass in hand, book on my lap, in the company of a kindred spirit. I appreciated the magic of sharing time in this wonderful venue. Just “being”.

The snow fell heavily on the night of our arrival and dusted the grounds in sparkling virgin snow. A stroll to walk off the huge breakfast seemed reasonable. Walking through winding footpaths I stopped for a moment.

‘Listen,’ I said.

‘I can’t hear anything.’

‘My point exactly,’ I replied.
I often take short breaks away to concentrate on my own writing. This, however, was not my intention when I visited Gartmore House in January 2011. I sought only peace and rest.

Trust me to book in on the annual weekend of “Georgina’s Quilters” which only led to my curiosity being fired up even more. We were welcomed into the workroom that the ladies were using over their very productive weekend.

A wonderland of colours and fabrics enhanced by the backdrop of a bay window overlooking snow-capped hills.

As the ladies worked by hand and machine, I admired their creations which varied in size, colour, textures and design. ( A story for another time).

Typical writer, I ended up buying a crisp new notebook from the woollen mill shop in Aberfoyle, and here I am writing the first of many memories that I have from my weekend.

Links:
Find out more about Don Roberto on Wikipedia.

Find out more about Gartmore House here.

Find out more about the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park here.

Find out more about the Weather in Scotland from the Met Office here.

Find out more about Cathie Devitt - Writer

Moniack Mhor Writers Centre

I spent an amazing week at Arvon’s Moniack Mhor Writing Centre in the Scottish Highlands.

The week was “work in progress”. One of the tutors didn’t manage to break through the Canadian immigration system in time so the lovely Cynthia Rogerson took his place. Cynthia works with Arvon and is an established writer herself. Joining Cynthia was Karen Campbell who won the Best New Scottish Writer award in 2009 with her debut novel. The tutors were inspiring and motivating and really fitted in well with the group.

Guest speaker Peter Urpeth, Literary Development Officer for Highlands Arts Council, gave an informative talk on the Wednesday night.

The accommodation was typical Arvon, with coal fires, rustic furnishings and tons of food. The guests split into groups of four to become chefs for a night. My night was Moroccan themed and I felt obliged to taste my way through several courses during the cooking process. Hence, I now qualify as a belly dancer (or do I just have a dancing belly?).
Apart from the international cuisine each night, the guests themselves were from far and near and shared a variety of origins, culture and beliefs which made the week even more interesting. Australian, American, Polish, Indian, and Russian writers mingled with the English and Scots to establish a group that I am happy  to keep in touch by email. One member has already set up an idea to progress a chain of writing spurred on by various objects that we will anonymously post out to each other The stories and poems resulting from this will be compiled into an anthology later this year.

The scenery surrounding the centre is, as you would expect, nature at its best. Peppered with a few unexpected areas like the Moniack Winery, and a strange pagan ritual ground high on the hills.


If you ever need space to write and blow away those cobwebs, visit Moniack Mhor.

Links

Moniack Mhor
Cynthia Rogerson
Karen Campbell
Peter Urpeth’s Blog
Highland Arts Council
Moniack Winery

Thursday 2 June 2011

Blogs prior to June 2011

Apr 4, 2011

Mammy Premiere

Cathie performed at the premiere of her short play " Mammy" on Friday 1st April 2011. "Direct Devitt" was part of the Magners International Comedy Festival in Glasgow. The 2 hour show included a variety of acts from stand up comedy, to belly dancers to comedy drama. Read more on the news page.http://www.cathie-devitt-creative-writing.com/What-Cathie-Is-Currently-Working-On.html
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Blog catch up

Just home from Scottish Association of Writers conference. Put to shame by bloggers tweeters and facebookers. Never take time to do all of that. Well, not often. Got placed in 4 competitions! Happy me. Also went to see Trocadero a ballet with a difference. Dancers are all men but performed the classics. Not sure if hairy chests and tu-tus are a great look, but the dancing was terrific. Had a fabby weekend in London too with my writers bloke... Saw "Wicked" totally professional show. Also...went to see "Marlyn" at the Citz in Glasgow. that too did not dissapoint. Been busy busy busy.


Why do clocks have hands, yet time runs away?

It's been ages since I have written on my blog. Lazy lardy. Done lots since last post, not least written a radio play, sketch for Magners Comedy Festival and lots of other wee bits and bobs. Been to cinema several times: Black Swan,Brighton Rock to name but two. Booked up for ballet in March and theatre in Feb, will report back on both.Tried open mic at Scotia Bar last night. Read 2 semi romantic poems in honour of ST Valentines Day.


Lounging in Lanzarote

Just home to cold cold Glasgow after a week lounging in Lanzarote. Stunning scenery in Playa Blanca. I didn't venture too far from Hotel as I was there to edit that darned novel that has been hiding under the bed. Yes, Bernice was dusted down and brought onto the balcony every morning. Just about there now. It' amazing what you can do when you focus. Watch this space for more news about the novel soon. An excellent resource if you are thinking of visiting Lanzarote is www.lanzaroteinformation.com


Calendar Girls

Courtesy of my lovel daughter Cassandra, I was treated to Calendar girls in Edinburgh. She bid for tickets at Erkine Hospital charity event. We were privileged to be invited backstage to meet Elaine. What a trooper! Despite this being the last night and her her husband champing at the bit to het her home, Elaine made us bothe welsome. The champers and chocolate were a much appreciated gesture. Turns out Elaine had been feeling rotted with the cold which Cassandra could relate to as she had been well topped up with Benylyn en- route. The show was as expected... fantastic. A truly professional cast who made it their own.
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Black Watch

Went to see Black Watch at SECC. Mixed feelings about the play. The cast were energetic, and charismatic. Full marks for their enthusiasm and timing. Props were handled well and expertly moved on and off the performance area with skill. A couple of scenes are stuck in my head. One near the beginning when the first 2 soldiers make their entrance, and the death scene when 3 are car bombed. For different reasons, the scenes with dancing soldiers also stay in my head. I found that a bit bizarre. The changing of uniform scene was expertly timed and executed by the young actors involved.Different
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Sunshine on Leith

Yes. I went to see sunshine on Leith (again) at The Kings Theatre Glasgow. still a brilliant production by Dundee theatre Co. Even if you don't like The Proclaimers (but who doesn't?) Take the chance to go see this. It will have you laughing, crying, reminiscing and dancing in the aisles.It's brilliant!


Pie in the Sky

Spent a fabby day in Edinburgh having a Fawlty Towers breakfast up high in the sky. Dangling 100 feet over Edinburgh sipping champagne chatting with Basil Manuel and Cybill. Strooled around the festival watching sword swallowers, suicicyclists and went to the Camera Obsurity exhibition.Oh the life of Reilly!
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Cathie goes Ape!

Had a fantastic day out with the younger half of the family. Cheeky monkeys took me to " Go APE" which I thought was a chimps tea party, only to find myself being hoisted up trees and expected to whizz through forests and over waterfalls on a zip slide. Really ropey scary bridges to cross from great heights. Still... at least I did it!
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Just back from Writers Retreat

Just back from Arvon retreat at The Hurst. Really good week of relaxation, and of course writing! Met an interesting bunch of folk from all over the place. I recommend a retreat to anyone looking for time and space to concentrate on their work.
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Race for Life

We did it! Completed the 5k in Glasgow and raised over 500 pounds for Cancer Research. It was a great fun day with loads of characters. All good stuff for writing inspiration.

May 17, 2010

Interview- with -Cheri-Working-writers-bloggers

Interview with Cathie Devitt
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Sunshine on Leith in Glasgow

Bought tickets for my daughter Megan's Birthday (and it lets me get to see this again) Fantastic! Not until October though so I need to remember where I put the tickets.
This must-see musical is packed with hits from the The Proclaimers and performed by Dundee Rep’s award-winning ensemble. A superb, fun and deeply moving night’s entertainment, Sunshine On Leith follows the highs and lows of Ally and Dave as they return home from the army.
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