Do you have a real life adventure story to share?

The Scottish Book Trust is looking for a series of stories which they will publish in a free book to be distributed during Book Week Scotland

The charity wants as many people across Scotland to take part and enjoy the benefits of writing a story for fun.

The opportunity is open to everyone in Scotland, whether they write regularly or haven’t penned anything since school. Stories can be about little everyday happenings to new challenges or once in a lifetime adventure.

Submissions of up to 1,000 words can be made in English, Scots or Gaelic in any form, such as a written story, poem, comic strip, play or letter. Audio and video formats are also welcomed.

A selection of stories will be chosen to be published in a free book, distributed across Scotland through libraries and community groups during Book Week Scotland (13–19 November 2023), Scotland’s national celebration of books and reading. All entries will also appear on the Scottish Book Trust website.

Marc Lambert, CEO of Scottish Book Trust, said:

‘Scotland’s Stories is one of the highlights of Scottish Book Trust’s work, giving a platform to people all over Scotland. This opportunity is open to anyone, whether you see yourself as a writer or not. It’s a privilege to collect and share these stories. We’d love to see as many people as possible pick up a pen and enjoy the positive benefits of writing for pleasure and share a story of adventure and what that means to them.’

Alongside the stories from the public, Scottish Book Trust has commissioned pieces from several writers: poet, columnist and performer Len Pennie; current Scots Scriever Shane Strachan; poet and spoken word performer Mae Diansangu; author and food writer Sumayya Usmani; as well as Gaelic writers Seonaidh Charity and Alistair Paul.

Stories should be submitted by Friday 2 June 2023 via scottishbooktrust.com/about-scotlands-stories or by post to: Scotland’s Stories, Scottish Book Trust, Sandeman House, Trunk’s Close, 55 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1SR.

Alison Lang, Director of the Gaelic Books Council, said:

‘Tha sinn an dòchas gum bi cuspair na bliadhna, ‘dànachd’, a’ brosnachadh dhaoine gu bhith a’ cur peann ri pàipear. Tha Seonaidh Charity, Alistair Paul agus ùghdaran stèidhichte eile air pìosan a sgrìobhadh mar-thà, agus tha sinn airson guthan a’ mhòr-shluaigh a chluinntinn cuideachd mar phàirt den iomairt inntinneach seo. Siuthadaibh, ma-tà… agus bithibh dàna.’