Welcome!

Hi everyone!

Firstly, I'm very excited to have been awarded the post of Aberdeenshire's Reader in Residence. As an author, creative writing tutor, and after-dinner speaker, I consider myself to be very lucky. I have the best job in the world, doing the my favourite things - writing, reading and speaking. The aim of this year long post, funded by the Scottish Book Trust and in conjunction with the Aberdeenshire Library Service, will be to deliver a programme of events designed to instil an appreciation of reading for all ages and the many ways in which it can enhance lives.

I plan not just to focus on existing book and writers' groups, but to visit care homes, hospitals, sheltered housing, schools/pre-school settings and marginalised groups within the community who require encouragement and support to share the joys of reading and to discover the joy of being read to.  

Reading is an essential skill that increases our understanding of ourselves and the world around us; it fires and expands our imaginations, allowing us to open doors and look through windows into exciting new worlds of fantasy and reality. I think it's true to say that if you've got a good book you're never bored.  

I'm really looking forward to the year ahead and hope you'll join me on my adventure. I look forward to hearing your news and views.

I'll be updating this blog regularly to keep you all up-to-date with events, visits, news, photos and more.

Deborah