Language and learning are focus of FV College workshops
Book Week Scotland workshops proved popular among Forth Valley College students and staff recently.
Taking place from November 15-21, FVC celebrated the annual event by organising two interactive online workshops for staff and students with the help of funding from the Scottish Book Trust.
Award-winning poet Ryan Van Winkle delivered an interactive workshop giving the audience the chance to create their own ‘zine’ (mini magazine).
And another award winner, contemporary Scottish author and broadcaster Chris McQueer delivered an lively online session and gave readings from his books.
Growing up in the east End of Glasgow, Chris makes use of the Scots language within his work. Among his many job credits, he has worked as a crime scene cleaner prior to becoming a full-time author.
He said: “I really enjoyed speaking to the FVC students and staff and they asked some great questions about Scots language, my influences and themes and some stuff I had not previously thought about before.
“My advice to any budding writers would be to write and read as much as you can. It is important to absorb as many styles, genres and cultures as possible. Then set yourself targets with word counts and make sure you celebrate it when you reach them. Celebrate praise too, but don’t take criticism too personally. Don’t take no for an answer and keep knocking on doors and you will get there eventually.”
FVC learning services manager Lisa MacLaren said: “These two events have gone very well and everyone who took part seemed to take a lot away from the sessions.”