Yesterday I had a fun morning at Paisley Central library where the Oak Tree Arts Writing Clubs were launching a collection of their short stories, titled ‘The Oak Tree Chronicles’, which also features the winning stories of the ‘My Paisley Adventure’ competition that I helped to judge.

It was lovely to meet three of the prizewinners, Amy, Mollie and Basia (pictured above with myself). 1st prize winner, Isla, was unfortunately unable to attend.

All of the young people  read out extracts of their stories in front a large audience of family and friends which was a really brave thing to do! I still get nervous reading out my own work. Before the launch kicked off the kids got to decorate biscuits and came up with very festive designs. Susan, the creative writing tutor of Oak Tree Arts, put a lot of work into the launch of this book and I think it’s great that she gives up her Saturday mornings to run the clubs, which meet at Abbey Books in Paisley. You can find out more about the Oak Tree Arts writing groups here and there is also a link to buy the publication on the site.

A couple of weeks ago (how time flies!) my Mum and I were featured on the talented writer, Kristen Bailey’s, Christmas blog, sharing my Mum’a amazing recipe for trifle, along with our memories associated with this. You can read the post here

I love the fact myself and Kristen first connected through social media and that Kristen got her first book deal when she entered a competition I shared on Facebook. Say what you want about social media, it has all sorts of powers for bringing people together in positive ways!

Hope you all have a lovely festive break. I’m looking forward to kicking off some book events in the New Year at a couple of local high schools, Paisley Grammar and Park Mains.

Merry Christmas!