Book festival director Nick Barley introduced the First Minister and the Queen of Crime by explaining that Nicola Sturgeon was carrying on a tradition started by Alex Salmond of politicians appearing at the book festival in a slightly different guise. When they come onto stage Sturgeon laughs that she is used to having to answer questions and … [Read more...] about EdBookFest: Val McDermid & Nicola Sturgeon
EdBookFest: Stella Rimington
Al Senter introduces Stella Rimington by acknowledging both her recent writing career and her career in MI5. Rimington was not just the first female Director General of MI5 but also the first who was openly identified as such. She apparently approved of the decision but felt that the way it was handled was poor. When she was told that her promotion … [Read more...] about EdBookFest: Stella Rimington
EdBookFest: Michael Hofmann
Stuart Kelly is apparently a great admirer of writer, translator and critic Michael Hofmann. He says that people are wrong to think that critics are envious of authors; they are in fact envious of other critics. However it seems Hofmann is more comfortable as a writer than a raconteur as throughout the session Kelly had to work to get him to expand … [Read more...] about EdBookFest: Michael Hofmann
EdBookFest: Ian Rankin
When they walk in Ian Rankin is busy pointing out that Phil Jupitus is dressed in a very smart suit, complete with twirled moustache. He is apparently dressed in character as Arthur Conan Doyle for one of his Fringe shows. Rankin jokes that he feels underdressed and invisible. Jupitus responds by laughing that most people are invisible when they’re … [Read more...] about EdBookFest: Ian Rankin
EdBookFest: Mark Fisher & Joyce McMillan
Jackie McGlone introduces two of Scotland’s ‘finest and busiest’ theatre critics and states that she’s happy to be on stage with two of the people she’s worked with for years. Mark Fisher has previously written a book on how to survive the Fringe and has now published a book of invaluable advice on how to write about the theatre, which includes … [Read more...] about EdBookFest: Mark Fisher & Joyce McMillan
EdBookFest: Viv Albertine with Ian Rankin
Viv Albertine is the second guest selected by Ian Rankin. Guitarist for The Slits, she has now written an autobiography. She begins by reading a section focusing on the White Riot tour when the Slits were supporting The Clash, often playing at different speeds and hoping to end at the same time. At one concert a skinhead jumped up onto to stage and … [Read more...] about EdBookFest: Viv Albertine with Ian Rankin