Graduates of Glasgow University's celebrated Creative Writing course, Rodge Glass and Laura Marney, will be offering sessions on writing skills at this year's Aye Write! Book festival.

As part of the festival's Writing School, the classes will allow published authors Glass and Marney to share their experience and offer tips on creative writing.

Laura Marney, also a tutor of the Creative Writing Course and author of No Wonder I Take a Drink, Nobody Loves a Ginger Baby and Only Strange People go to Church, will focus on how to build characters during her session.

Laura Marney said: 'As a writer I know the value of taster sessions. A few years ago I went along to a public event on how to write and I'm now on my fourth novel. As a tutor it's interesting to see how people approach writing and it's very exciting to be there when someone realises they have talent. There is always a great buzz of creative energy and I'm very much looking forward to seeing what talent emerges this time.

'We on the MLitt Creative Writing course are very proud to be associated with Aye Write. Many of our former students, myself included, have gone on to have successful writing careers and Glasgow libraries have always been very supportive in nurturing new talent.'

Rodge Glass, author of No Fireworks, which was shortlisted for a number of literary awards, will offer advice on writing about age and experience.

Rodge Glass said: 'The question I have been asked the most about my book is how it was possible for me to write a main character so many years older than I am, but to me, it seemed perfectly natural ﾖ in order to write any fiction, you have to use your imagination. Try and get inside the head of someone who has had different life experience to you. Become them for a moment. And I think anyone can do that.'

The talks by Rodge Glass and Laura Marney will take place on Saturday 17 February and Sunday 18 February respectively. To book tickets for the events call 0871 230 9887.

The University of Glasgow recently announced its sponsorship of the Aye Write! Book Festival for the next three years.

University of Glasgow Writer-in-Residence Liz Lochhead will officially open the festival on 16 February alongside Glasgow University Creative Writing tutor Tom Leonard and author William McIlvanney. Other events include talks by graduates of the University's Creative Writing course Nick Brooks, Jennifer McCartney and Rachel Seiffert, as well as presentations by tutor Alan Bissett. University of Glasgow Young Alumnus of the Year 2005, Christopher Brookymre, will also be taking part in the festival.

Kate Richardson (K.Richardson@admin.gla.ac.uk)

For more information, or to speak to Rodge Glass or Laura Marney, please contact Kate Richardson at the University of Glasgow on 0141 330 3683 or email K.Richardson@admin.gla.ac.uk

The University of Glasgow is one of the United Kingdom?s oldest and most prestigious universities, with an international reputation for its research and teaching and an important role in the cultural and commercial life of the country.

First published: 5 February 2007