Angus Writers’ Circle have been invited by the Arbroath 2020+ Committee, along with partners Hospitalfield and Historic Environment Scotland, to undertake a second residency at the purpose-built New Scriptorium designed by artist Bobby Niven in Arbroath Abbey.
The group launched a specially-designed information leaflet, documenting members’ thoughts and feelings about the experience of writing in such an historic setting, and including fragments of their work. A QR code on the leaflet will allow access to a series of recorded readings of poems and stories completed in the New Scriptorium in 2022.
The resident writers hoped, once again, to be inspired by the peaceful setting of the Abbey and are looking forward to some dedicated creative time. Poet Ann Craig is planning to work of a chapbook of poems inspired by local landscapes, while novelist Sandra Ireland will be immersing herself in writing her current book, a thriller set in 1980s Ireland. Another AWC member, Elizabeth Frattaroli will be starting a new YA novel, The Ash of Everything. Journalist and writer Dawn Geddes says, “The scriptorium is a brilliant place to hide away and get some words down on the page. I’m really looking forward to spending time working on my gothic novel The House of Broken Things. The beautiful space and it’s atmospheric surroundings at Arbroath Abbey create the perfect writer’s sanctuary.”
Visit The New Scriptorium and Participate in Creative Writing:
Every Tuesday afternoon from 2-4pm, in September, the Scriptorium was open for visitors to drop in and see the writers at work, ask questions or chat about writing in general.
On Saturday, September 23rd and Sunday, September 24th, Sandra Ireland ran two creative writing workshops inspired by the Abbey, its rich history and setting. Sessions will run 2pm-3pm both days. It’s free to attend, but please book as space is limited.
