Mr Hudson will be joined by a coterie of the local writers who have been involved in the string of workshops, who will give readings of their own works – both poetry and prose. The evening will of course feature a reading by the writer in residence of his own poetry, including some of the work he has produced during his tenure at the Booth in Scalloway.

The residency has comprised a series of workshops which have covered not only the processes involved in creative writing, editing and publishing but has also featured workshops developing writers ability to perform their work effectively to an audience. Friday’s reading will feature some of the fruits of these workshops.
Mr Hudson said “It has been a huge pleasure to be writer in residence in Shetland. The people have been fantastic, generous and welcoming. I want to share my work with them and will read some of the pieces that Shetland has inspired in me. It would also be great if as many folk as possible could get along to my reading to hear the talent that resides in their own communities. Shetland is a talented place, rich in tradition and innovation, it has blown me away (and I don’t mean the weather). It promises to be a fun and fascinating evening.”

Speaking about the reading, Literature Development Officer, Donald Anderson said, “ this is a great chance to hear some very good new work being read by local writers. John himself is an engaging performer and a fine poet, producing work which is serious and thought provoking, moving and humorous.”

Tickets for the event, which is free, are available from Shetland Box Office and can be ordered by telephone on 01595 745 555 and collected at the event.

John Hudson has been working as a freelance writer since 1980; he is extra mural lecturer in English for the University of Glasgow and has wide ranging experience of delivering workshops, creative writing courses and creative residencies in Britain and Europe. He is Director of Literature for the Bakehouse, in Dumfrieshire where he lives and the editor of Markings, a high quality literary magazine. He is also the author of several volumes of poetry, including Garden of Love (2009) WiderEye; and The Pumpkin Lantern (2008) Markings.

John will run two sets of workshops. The first, a series of four sessions, will focus on different aspects of creative writing: from developing ideas to creative detachment and editing. The second will run on Saturday 7th and Saturday 14th of November and will look at publishing – in particular internet publishing. The sessions will allow participants to develop the skills and the knowledge needed to make the most of modern publishing opportunities, particularly relevant to Shetlanders given their distance from markets and publishing companies. John will also be offer one-to-one sessions with local writers.

The residency is run by Shetland Arts and supported by funding from the Scottish Arts Council.  Literature Development Officer, Donald Anderson said, “ John Hudson is an immensely enthusiastic and highly motivational writing tutor, with a wealth of knowledge and experience. We are delighted that he has agreed to take up this residency and we hope that writers in Shetland of every level of experience will benefit from his input.”

In order to book a one-to-one session with John, phone Donald Anderson or Emily Sharp on 01595 743 843. For further information and to book a place on the workshops phone Shetland Box Office on 01595 745 555.