Author: alan

Live at the GUU, Friday 22 Nov 2024

Our final live event of the year will take place on Friday 22 November. It’ll be our last event before we take a break to begin work on our new literary projects. We’ll be talking about those projects on the night. BUY TICKETS Yesterday, I told a friend I was due to write this blogpost. […]

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Summer ‘Writing Fiction’ classes 2024

Our programme of online ‘Writing Fiction’ classes for summer begins soon. Here are some quick thoughts about the forthcoming term … CLICK HERE FOR BOOKING INFORMATION FOR TUES, WED & SUN CLASSES It’s always an exciting moment right before a new set of classes begins, because I know that over the next couple of months […]

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10 Techniques for Fiction Writers (Online Version)

1.30-5.30pm (with breaks) Sunday 30th June 2024 ONLINE Join us for this discussion of 10 literary techniques that can be employed in multiple ways to create better short stories and novels. Using examples from a range of published fiction and through in-class writing tasks, we’ll develop new thoughts and approaches to writing fiction. Beginners and […]

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New publication: Earthly Rewards

It’s exciting to announce our greatest and most thrilling publication to date… Earthly Rewards is published by thi wurd on 13th May 2024. Copies will be available ahead of this date at our live literary event ‘thi wurd presents Earthly Rewards’ on Friday 10th May 2024 at Glasgow University Union. Doors open 7pm, event starts […]

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10 Techniques for Fiction Writers

10 TECHNIQUES FOR FICTION WRITERS (Day School) 1.30-5.30pm (with breaks) Sat 29th June 2024 Glasgow Join us for this discussion of 10 literary techniques that can be employed in multiple ways to create better short stories and novels. Using examples from a range of published fiction and through in-class writing tasks, we’ll develop new thoughts […]

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SPRING 2024 ‘Writing Fiction’ Online Classes

BOOK TUESDAYS BOOK WEDNESDAYS BOOK SUNDAYS Our online April ‘Writing Fiction’ classes are now open for booking. All dates, times, fees and information are here. The classes are built upon writers supporting and inspiring each other. We learn about narrative techniques and a question implicitly addressed each week is: How best can we tell the […]

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Perspective & Narration in Fiction – ONLINE CLASS

Date: Saturday 30th March 2024 Time: 1.30pm–5.30pm (GMT) ONLINE Format: Online seminar discussion with writing tasks attempted in class Number of participants: Limited to 20 places maximum Tutor: Alan McMunnigall Book Here This online day school is open to writers anywhere in the world and aimed at those who want to create better narrative structures […]

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Perspective & Narration in Fiction, In-Person Class

Date: Saturday 23rd March 2024 Time: 1.30pm–5.30pm (GMT) Venue: west end of Glasgow (TBC) Format: in-person, seminar discussion with writing tasks attempted in class Number of participants: Limited to 22 places maximum Tutor: Alan McMunnigall SOLD OUT (If you missed out on a place because this day school sold out quickly, feel free to drop […]

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January 2024 ‘Writing Fiction’ Online Classes

It’s 2024, and once again our online ‘Writing Fiction’ classes are about to begin. To see what the classes entail and all the dates and times please click HERE. We have three different nights: Tues (begins 16 Jan), Wed (begins 17th Jan) & Sun (begins 21 Jan). New and continuing writers are very welcome. The [...]
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Online Version: Reading Short Stories, Writing Short Stories

  Reading Short Stories/Writing Short Stories, Day School (ONLINE VERSION) Date: Saturday 9th December 2023. Time: 1.30pm–5.30pm. Online (Zoom) Format: seminar discussion with writing tasks attempted in class. Number of participants: Limited to 18 places maximum. Tutor: Alan McMunnigall. Sold Out NOTE: THIS IS ONLINE & OPEN TO WRITERS & READERS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD […]

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Reading Short Stories, Writing Short Stories

Reading Short Stories/Writing Short Stories, Day School Date: Saturday 2nd December 2023. Time: 1.30pm–5.30pm. Venue: west end of Glasgow (TBC). Format: in-person, seminar discussion with writing tasks attempted in class. Number of participants: Limited to 22 places maximum. Tutor: Alan McMunnigall. SOLD OUT (Please email editior@thi-wurd.com about our waiting lists for classes.) The primary aim […]

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Live Literary Event, Glasgow, Sat 14 Oct 2023

Click for tickets here On Saturday 14th October, 7pm till late, thi wurd presents its second major literary event of 2023. This takes place at 'The Dining Hall' in Glasgow University Union. The night will feature readings of fiction, non-fiction and poetry. There will be live music, screenings, curated playlists, film reels, stalls, visual art [...]
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New Summer ‘Writing Fiction’ Classes from thi wurd (2023)

thi wurd’s new term of classes begin in the next few days and spaces are available. To sign up, or for further details, please contact editor@thi-wurd.com. IN-PERSON CLASS (5 AUG)  – Our first in-person class since 2020 begins Saturday 5 August, 2-5pm in Glasgow’s west end and runs for 7 weeks. This class costs £160. ONLINE […]

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Dialogue in Fiction (Day School)

Date: Saturday 17th June, 2023 Time: 2pm – 5.30pm Venue: Glasgow University Union, Glasgow Format: In-person class Places: Limited to 20 Tutor: Alan McMunnigall Click to book a place HERE On Saturday 17th June 2023, 2pm – 5.30pm, thi wurd will present its first in-person class for more than three years. The price is just £40 [...]
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Literary Event at Glasgow University Union, 21 April 2023

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE thi wurd’s first major literary event of 2023 takes place on Fri 21 April at the iconic venue of Glasgow University Union, Debates Chamber. All money raised will go towards our next publications. (Glasgow University Union) Since 2012, thi wurd has gained a reputation for putting on immersive nights of literature and [...]
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Publication Opportunity: Poetry

We are currently working on the follow-up to our latest anthology ‘Alternating Current’ (2022) in the shape of a second anthology of fiction, poetry & experimental writing. For this companion project, we’ll once again be working with artists Andrew Cranston and Lorna Robertson. The book will be published in autumn 2023 and launched at a live […]

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Publication Opportunity: Short Fiction

We are currently working on the follow-up to our latest anthology ‘Alternating Current’ (2022) in the shape of a second anthology of fiction, poetry & experimental writing. For this companion project, we’ll once again be working with artists Andrew Cranston and Lorna Robertson. The book will be published in 2023 and launched at a live event [...]
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What’s Happening at thi wurd (autumn/winter 22)

    For a number of reasons autumn/winter 2022 is an extremely exciting time for us. This November we celebrate 10 years of indie publishing. In the same month we also publish our new anthology of fiction, poetry and experimental writing, entitled ‘Alternating Current’, a book that is the culmination of 15 months of work. […]

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An Interview with Stephin Merritt

  “I sit around for hours every day creating an opportunity for writing, whether it happens or not. Routine is essential for me.” Stephin Merritt   thi wurd spoke to legendary songwriter/singer/musician Stephin Merritt from the Magnetic Fields to ask a few questions about music, writing and artistic processes. Time was limited due to the [...]
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Coney Island Baby (online event)

Online Event ‘Coney Island Baby’ Thursday 18th August, 2022, 7-9pm This Thursday we make a return to online literary events with a night entitled ‘Coney Island Baby’. It’s a chance for our three writing groups to come together, but also an opportunity for a couple of other writers to join us. The task is to [...]
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107 Word Short Stories (PART 3 of 3)

Our event ‘107 word short story’ took place on Thursday 24th March 2022. It brought together 36 writers who read stories of exactly 107 words in length. It was an intriguing task with no set theme or guidelines other than the length. What could be done in such a short form? What narrative structures might […]

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107 Word Short Stories (PART 2 OF 3)

Our event ‘107 word short story’ took place on Thursday 24th March 2022. It brought together 36 writers who read stories of exactly 107 words in length. It was an intriguing task with no set theme or guidelines other than the length. What could be done in such a short form? What narrative structures might […]

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107 Word Short Stories (PART 1 OF 3)

INTRODUCTION Our event ‘107 word short story’ took place on Thursday 24th March 2022. It brought together 36 writers who read stories of exactly 107 words in length. It was an intriguing task with no set theme or guidelines other than the length. What could be done in such a short form? What narrative structures […]

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107 Word Short Story (Event)

Our online event ‘107 Word Short Story’ takes place on Thursday 24th March 7-9pm (UK time). It will feature around 30 writers, each reading stories of 107 words in length. Selections of the best of these may feature in a forthcoming publication from thi wurd. If you’re a writer and would like to take part, [...]
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Winterlude // Winterlong

WINTERLUDE // WINTERLONG – An Online Event from thi wurd, December 8th 2021   thi wurd’s final online event of 2021 will take place on Wednesday 8th December, 7-9pm (UK time). We’re looking for writers to compose two very short stories, each to be read aloud in under a minute. In the first part of the [...]
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Square 10: Sonic Youth Hidden Gems – Jack McKeever

Square 10: Sonic Youth Hidden Gems – Jack McKeever How does one write anything fresh and new about one of the most lauded rock bands of all time? I struggled to answer that question before writing this piece, but decided that the answer was to ignore the classics. So here are 10 ‘hidden gems’ from […]

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Lines That Linger – Katie Paterson

Lines that Linger by Katie Paterson   The opening story of Ali Smith's collection The First Person and Other Stories ends with other writers’ reflections on what a short story is:  “ … Walter Benjamin says that short stories are stronger than the real, lived moment, because they can go on releasing the real, lived moment [...]
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Beginners Fiction Writing Class

INTRODUCTION TO FICTION WRITING Begins: Wednesday 13th Oct 2021 Time: 10am-12pm (GMT) Location: Online (using Zoom) Duration: 10 consecutive weeks until 15th December Price: £110 An important aspect of thi wurd is our engagement with writers who are new to writing fiction. Over the years many completely new writers have read at our events alongside [...]
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Hotels in Literature – Rachel Carmichael

We present a guest blog by writer Rachel Carmichael, who discusses some novels and stories that feature hotels, surely one of the greatest settings in literary fiction. Hotels in Literature – Rachel Carmichael Interesting things can happen when characters are thrown together in unfamiliar locations, in intimately close accommodation, with different cultures to negotiate. How they [...]
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Summer Days Are Gone

SUMMER DAYS ARE GONE (EVENT) – Thursday 9th September, 2021, 7-9pm “No-one could be as blue as I was in the fall” On Thursday 9th Sept, 2021, 7-9pm (BST) thi wurd will present a small event to mark the end of our summer writing classes. The event will involve composing a short piece that responds [...]
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Eight Artists – Maggie Reeve

We continue our occasional series of guest blog posts with artist Maggie Reeve’s thoughts on eight artists who have influenced her. Eight Artists – Maggie Reeve   1. Pierre Bonnard Someone mentioned Bonnard the other day and the name brought on a rush of excitement. I first saw his work at the Royal Academy as an […]

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CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS OF FICTION – A HANDY GUIDE FOR WRITERS

At thi wurd, we are currently working on an anthology. It’s a continuation of a journey that has taken us from Issue 1 of our magazine (2012), through the publication of other magazines, anthologies, books, events, classes right up to our recent Issue 4 (2021). Readers who’ve followed us on this journey will have noticed […]

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Classic 45rpm Fiction Nights

Over the years thi wurd has put on many music/fiction nights. Since 2020 these have been taking place on Zoom. In the past they’ve been open to writers from thi wurd’s writing groups & classes, but in 2021 we’re opening these up to other people who might want to come along. On Thursday 13th May 7.30pm-9.30pm, […]

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Hit Parade Singles, 1992 – The Wedding Present

In 1992, The Wedding Present famously released twelve singles – one a month from January till December. The A-sides are original compositions and amongst their strongest work. The B-sides consist of inspired covers of artfully chosen songs. All twelve singles made the UK Top 30, spawning videos, reviews, appearances on Top of the Pops (TOTP) […]

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Good Exits – Mark Jackson

Today we continue our occasional series of guest posts by thi wurd team and beyond. Mark Jackson chooses ten songs from bands who said goodbye at just the right time. Good Exits – Mark Jackson My record box contains loads of bands who departed before their time, gracefully fading away, leaving behind only untainted, bombproof […]

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Square 10: A Frightened Rabbit Song List – Duncan Hotchkiss

Today we continue our occasional series of guest posts by thi wurd team and beyond. Duncan Hotchkiss chooses ten Frightened Rabbit songs. Square 10: A Frightened Rabbit Song List – Duncan Hotchkiss This isn’t a top ten list. I don’t think that’s fitting with the body of work we’re talking about here. Everyone will have […]

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Launch Event for Issue 4

On Friday, April 2nd 7-9pm (UK time) the official launch of thi wurd Magazine, Issue 4 will take place. The event is limited to 100 people and is sold out. (We do have a waiting list, so please sign up as spaces may become available.) But don’t worry if you’ve missed out this time as […]

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Ten Book Covers – Kate McAllan

Today we start an occasional series of guest posts by thi wurd team and beyond. Artist Kate McAllan chooses ten book covers that speak to her. Ten Book Covers by Kate McAllan Some of these books sit front-facing on my shelf so I can look at them all the time.   1. White – Kenya [...]
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Short Story Tribute Night: Free Love by Ali Smith

Over the years thi wurd has put on many ‘Short Story Tribute Nights’ and after a long break the nights return on Friday 5th March, 2021, 7-9pm. Our chosen short story will be Free Love by Ali Smith from the 1995 collection Free Love and Other Stories.  How to Take Part Read the short story Free Love by […]

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Classic Album Fiction Nights

Over the years thi wurd has put on many ‘Classic Album Fiction Nights’. Since 2020 these have been taking place on Zoom. In the past they’ve been open to writers from thi wurd’s writing groups & classes, but in 2021 we’re opening these up to anyone who wants to come along. On Friday 5th February […]

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WRITING FICTION: THE SHORT STORY

thi wurd’s creative writing class, Writing Fiction: The Short Story, returns on Tuesday 19th January 2021. This sold out before being advertised, and therefore a second night has been added, beginning on Wednesday 20th January, 7-9pm. Both groups will run for 10 consecutive weeks. The price is £100. During the term there will be additional […]

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An introduction

This blog will focus on writing and different kinds of narrative art. We’ll discuss fiction: novels, short stories, film, drama, memoir and other forms. We’ll probably also write about music from time to time. No doubt I’ll mention Bob Dylan too much. I’ll talk about thi wurd, our forthcoming publications and events. (Our events are […]

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