Writer Mentoring Project Launched

29th September 2008

HI~Arts is very pleased to announce the launch of a new mentoring project for writers of fiction living in the Highlands and Islands area of Scotland. Up to four places are available for writers with some track record of publication writing in English, and the mentoring partnerships will run for six months from its start date, before the end of October 2008.

The mentor in the project is Angus Dunn, and each of the selected writers will work with Angus on an individual basis. This is a new development, and an opportunity for the selected writers to really develop their skills as writers in conjunction with one of the region's finest authors.

Angus Dunn will be well known to writers and avid readers from across Scotland. He has recently had two books published - Writing in the Sand (a novel, published by Luath Press), and The Perfect Loaf (a short story collection published by Two Raven Press). Angus is also a highly experienced tutor and leader of writing projects, writing groups and workshops. 

HI~Arts Writing Development Coordinator, Peter Urpeth said:

"Mentoring is one of the most effective ways in which a writer can develop their work. This project is for writers with some track record of publication looking to really engage with their own writing and their current work in progress. Mentoring can also be demanding and requires real commitment from the mentee to get the maximum benefit for their work from the project. That said, mentoring is engaging, inspiring and above all else tailored to your specific needs as a writer and your writing projects."

Writers wishing to apply for a place on this mentoring project should read the guidelines available at the Mentoring page available in the left-hand margin of this page.

Deadline for applications - 17th October 2008.

Industry Focus - Current Trends in Sci-Fi, Horror and Fantasy Fiction
A seminar for authors with John Jarrold of the John Jarrold Literay Agency

Saturday 21st March 2009 - Inverness - venue TBC
29th September 2008

HI~Arts is very pleased to announce advance information of a book industry seminar with John Jarrold of the John Jarrold Literary Agency, the leading specialist literary agency in the UK representing authors of sci-fi, fantasy and horror fiction for the adult market.

In the seminar, John will give insight for writers into current trends in the sci-fi, fantasy and horror world, with a focus on key information for authors looking to write and publish in these markets.

John Jarrold is a leading agent and book editor specialising in science fiction and fantasy, and since 1988 has run three well-known imprints, and in 2004 created the John Jarrold Literary Agency.

John also acts as a 'script doctor' for agents and new authors - making structural, editorial and presentational suggestions to scripts before submission to publishers. Advising literary agents and publishers on SF and Fantasy authors. John's work as a freelance editor includes editing for publishers Hodder & Stoughton, Random House, HarperCollins, Pan Macmillan, Transworld, Simon & Schuster, Orion/Gollancz, Constable & Robinson and Time Warner.