On Wednesday 24 October, an event was held at Spoon in Edinburgh, to celebrate the publication of the Rebel book. Writers from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Inverness, Oban and more had the opportunity to read their work.
At the beginning of the year, Irvine Welsh launched the public participation campaign around the theme of ‘rebel’. Scottish Book Trust, the national charity transforming lives through reading and writing, encouraged people of all backgrounds and experiences to submit their work.
Hundreds of stories from across the country were collected, and can be read online here. A panel selected 29 of the stories for inclusion in the Rebel book, which will be distributed free to libraries and community groups during Book Week Scotland – a week-long, national celebration of reading and writing.
Published authors such as Sara Sheridan, Jo Clifford and David Eyre also have stories included around the theme of ‘rebel’. Book Week Scotland ambassadors, drag queen Nancy Clench and forensic anthropologist, Professor Dame Sue Black, were commissioned to write about what ‘rebel’ means to them.
Rebel will also be downloadable from Scottish Book Trust’s website during Book Week Scotland, which runs from 19 to 25 November. Working in partnership with the Royal National Institute of Blind People, writers included in the book will also have the opportunity to record their story for an audiobook version.
Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said: “Scottish Book Trust is delighted to distribute 100,000 copies of Rebel across the country as part of Book Week Scotland celebrations.
“We hope everyone enjoys reading these rebellious tales, which sum up the spirit of our country in English, Scots and Gaelic.”
Novice Carmen Eileen from Newcraighall (above) said: “I’m delighted to be included in the Rebel book. LGBTQ+ visibility is now more important than ever, and I’m grateful that Scottish Book Trust are bringing my queer story to a wider audience.
“Recording the story at RNIB Connect was a great chance to meet other Rebel writers – I’m so glad that an audiobook will be available, making this year’s Book Week Scotland accessible to more readers.”
The Rebel book includes a variety of stories about opposition and change: from schoolboy revolt in the sixties, to fighting for the right to a library in 2016. From small, every day rebellions to running away from home, the book features stories from many different backgrounds and cultures.
Edinburgh authors included in Rebel are:
- Bad Widow by Julie Galante, from Stockbridge (above)
- Lamh re Gleidheadh/ Hand to Hold by Marcas Mac an Tuairneir, from Edinburgh
- Nun of Your Business by Novice Carmen Eileen, from Newcraighall
- Prisoner of Suits by Dina Kolka, from Leith (below)
- Rebel Boots by Amy Moreno, from Portobello
Initiated by the Scottish Government and supported by National Lottery funds through Creative Scotland Targeted Funding, Book Week Scotland is delivered by Scottish Book Trust and its partners from 19 November to 25 November 2018. There are hundreds of free events taking place across many different local authorities, funded by Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC).
For more information about Book Week Scotland 2018 and how you can get involved, visit www.bookweekscotland.com where you can find information about all the events taking place in your local area.
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