The Association of Scottish Literature’s New Writing Scotland, published annually, is one of the most highly respected literary publications around. Since its inception in 1983 it has been a reliable barometer of what is happening here and now. Quite simply, when it comes to new writing from Scotland, this is often the first place to find it.
The latest volume is number 42 and is titled Don’t. Even. Ask. Too. Hot. Edited by writer Kirstin Innes and poet Chris Powici, with Niall O’Gallagher, Glasgow’s Gaelic Poet Laureate/Bàrd Baile Ghlaschu as Gaelic editor, it manages to maintain a fine balance between emerging writers and more weel-kent names.
I’m sure you’ve noted the acronym of the title is D.E.A.T.H. (as they say in the introduction, the title ‘is not subtle, but then these are not really subtle times’) and it’s a theme which runs through the collection in the most unexpected, interesting, and creative ways. From the introspective and intensely personal to more global concerns, all life – and death – is here.
Loss is keenly felt in E.E. Chandler’s ‘Things You Left Me’, which will be recognisable to many as objects left behind are dissected, with memories to match. Similarly, Benjamin K. Herrington’s ‘Yo’ Momma’ laments the passing of time and those we share it with, and Iain MacRath/MacRae’s ‘Dheigheadh sinn a dh’ iasgach’/ ‘We’d Go Fishing’ connects a personal loss to present day tragedy.
As well as poetry there is unforgettable prose. Niamh Gordon’s ‘Food’ is a visceral and exhausting evocation of new motherhood, and Luke Mackle’s ‘Carluke’ is simply devastating as the everyday and familiar take on severe significance. I doubt I’ll be able to hear the scraping of toast again without thinking of it. This is a serious collection which not only showcases the diversity of writing talent in Scotland right now, it also creates a level of empathy which is perhaps unexpected considering the number of writers involved.
With submissions open already for New Writing Scotland 43, this is a part of our cultural conversation which isn’t stopping anytime soon.
New Writing Scotland 42: Don’t. Even. Ask. Too. Hot. is published by Association for Scottish Literature. Available to buy here.