Writer in Residence 2023 to 2025 launch event In brief Date - 10 October 2023 Venue - Lecture Theatre G.03, 50 George Square Speakers - Michael Pedersen (Writer in Residence), Irvine Welsh and Gemma Cairney Register your interest on Eventbrite About the event Newly appointed Writer in Residence, Michael Pedersen, will be in-conversation with, and putting the spotlight on, iconic Edinburgh author Irvine Welsh and author and broadcaster Gemma Cairney. The year is 2023 and the book 'Trainspotting' is now 30 years old. Since its publication, Irvine Welsh has sold millions of books the world over and had his work adapted into major motion pictures, TV series, plays, radio and even musical theatre. For many he helped define the working class experience, empower the use of contemporary Scots and vernacular, and has become an integral part of the nation’s cultural identity. In the second half of the event, Michael and Irvine will be joined by author, broadcaster, DJ and arts guru, Gemma Cairney. Gemma is a recent-ish denizen of Edinburgh, having flocked to Auld Reekie post-lockdown to seek a new life in the capital. Since then, she has signed a book deal with Edinburgh’s Canongate publishing house, became Chair of the Board of Edinburgh Art Festival, and performed at, hosted or enlivened some of the city’s most vibrant cultural happenings. About the Writer in Residence Michael Pedersen is the Writer in Residence at the University of Edinburgh from September 2023 until June 2025. His prose debut 'Boy Friends' was published by Faber & Faber in 2022 to rave reviews and was a Sunday Times Critics Choice. A recipient of the Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship, his third poetry collection 'The Cat Prince' was published by Little Brown in 2023—the title poem of which is currently shortlisted for the Forward Prizes for Poetry. For over ten years he co-ran, curated and hosted the prize-winning literary production house Neu! Reekie!. This is Michael’s inaugural event as Writer in Residence with a robust programme to follow. Watch this space. How to attend This event is free and open to all. The event is currently sold out - however, you can add your name to the waitlist to be alerted if tickets become available in the future. Register your interest on Eventbrite Michael has also since announced two more of his Writer in Residence Events - one in November with poet and former Makar, Jackie Kay, and the other in December with former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon. Both these events are also free and open to all, and you can book tickets for them now on Eventbrite and The Queen's Hall website respectively. Book your free ticket for Jackie Kay Book your free ticket for Nicola Sturgeon Are you interested in English Literature at Edinburgh? We offer a wide range of undergraduate programmes, taught masters, and research degrees, including a Masters by Research and a PhD. As an undergraduate, you will read works of literature written in English from around the world, and encounter a range of ideas about the nature and purpose of literary study. Our courses explore the relationship between literary texts and the construction of national, international and imperial cultures. Working with colleagues in LLC and across the wider University, we are able to support postgraduate research which crosses boundaries between languages and disciplines. Find out more about studying English Literature Oct 10 2023 18.30 - 19.30 Writer in Residence 2023 to 2025 launch event Newly appointed Writer in Residence for The School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures, Michael Pedersen, presents Irvine Welsh and Gemma Cairney in conversation. Lecture Theatre G.03 50 George Square University of Edinburgh EH8 9LH Find the venue: 50 George Square Register your interest on Eventbrite
Writer in Residence 2023 to 2025 launch event In brief Date - 10 October 2023 Venue - Lecture Theatre G.03, 50 George Square Speakers - Michael Pedersen (Writer in Residence), Irvine Welsh and Gemma Cairney Register your interest on Eventbrite About the event Newly appointed Writer in Residence, Michael Pedersen, will be in-conversation with, and putting the spotlight on, iconic Edinburgh author Irvine Welsh and author and broadcaster Gemma Cairney. The year is 2023 and the book 'Trainspotting' is now 30 years old. Since its publication, Irvine Welsh has sold millions of books the world over and had his work adapted into major motion pictures, TV series, plays, radio and even musical theatre. For many he helped define the working class experience, empower the use of contemporary Scots and vernacular, and has become an integral part of the nation’s cultural identity. In the second half of the event, Michael and Irvine will be joined by author, broadcaster, DJ and arts guru, Gemma Cairney. Gemma is a recent-ish denizen of Edinburgh, having flocked to Auld Reekie post-lockdown to seek a new life in the capital. Since then, she has signed a book deal with Edinburgh’s Canongate publishing house, became Chair of the Board of Edinburgh Art Festival, and performed at, hosted or enlivened some of the city’s most vibrant cultural happenings. About the Writer in Residence Michael Pedersen is the Writer in Residence at the University of Edinburgh from September 2023 until June 2025. His prose debut 'Boy Friends' was published by Faber & Faber in 2022 to rave reviews and was a Sunday Times Critics Choice. A recipient of the Robert Louis Stevenson Fellowship, his third poetry collection 'The Cat Prince' was published by Little Brown in 2023—the title poem of which is currently shortlisted for the Forward Prizes for Poetry. For over ten years he co-ran, curated and hosted the prize-winning literary production house Neu! Reekie!. This is Michael’s inaugural event as Writer in Residence with a robust programme to follow. Watch this space. How to attend This event is free and open to all. The event is currently sold out - however, you can add your name to the waitlist to be alerted if tickets become available in the future. Register your interest on Eventbrite Michael has also since announced two more of his Writer in Residence Events - one in November with poet and former Makar, Jackie Kay, and the other in December with former First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon. Both these events are also free and open to all, and you can book tickets for them now on Eventbrite and The Queen's Hall website respectively. Book your free ticket for Jackie Kay Book your free ticket for Nicola Sturgeon Are you interested in English Literature at Edinburgh? We offer a wide range of undergraduate programmes, taught masters, and research degrees, including a Masters by Research and a PhD. As an undergraduate, you will read works of literature written in English from around the world, and encounter a range of ideas about the nature and purpose of literary study. Our courses explore the relationship between literary texts and the construction of national, international and imperial cultures. Working with colleagues in LLC and across the wider University, we are able to support postgraduate research which crosses boundaries between languages and disciplines. Find out more about studying English Literature Oct 10 2023 18.30 - 19.30 Writer in Residence 2023 to 2025 launch event Newly appointed Writer in Residence for The School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures, Michael Pedersen, presents Irvine Welsh and Gemma Cairney in conversation. Lecture Theatre G.03 50 George Square University of Edinburgh EH8 9LH Find the venue: 50 George Square Register your interest on Eventbrite
Oct 10 2023 18.30 - 19.30 Writer in Residence 2023 to 2025 launch event Newly appointed Writer in Residence for The School of Literatures, Languages & Cultures, Michael Pedersen, presents Irvine Welsh and Gemma Cairney in conversation.
