Book: Autumn Voices

Scottish Writers over 70 talk about creativity in later life

Between 2015 and 2017, writer and editor Robin Lloyd-Jones interviewed 19 Scottish writers (and writers based in Scotland) over the age of 70, and included their contributions alongside his own in this inspiring anthology of recollections and thoughts about ageing and creativity in later life.

The twenty established writers who speak to us through Autumn Voices represent over one hundred and fifty years of varied, fascinating and colourful life experience since passing the age of seventy. All show that productivity and creativity can flourish well into later life and are role models for future generations. These writers see old age as life’s last great adventure and have chosen to embrace it – to regard it as a new and interesting phase of life, full of possibilities – while also accepting the losses age brings with honesty, courage and even humour. Through their lives and their writing, they demonstrate qualities, values and attitudes which contribute to positive ageing and ongoing creativity. These mature autumn voices speak to us from a point where experience is greatest, perspective at its broadest and mastery of craft at its peak. There is much to learn from them.

Their responses to ageing and the changes that have occurred may vary, but in every case growth has continued. Autumn Voices, then, is a book not only about creative ageing, but about successful ageing. The mind is a powerful tool in keeping the negative aspects of ageing at bay, and creativity is a gift, a tonic to accompany old age. The voices in this book are:

Sheena Blackhall, Larry Butler, Jenni Calder, A.C. Clarke, Stewart Conn, Douglas Dunn, Sally Evans, Vicki Feaver, Lee Gershuny, Alasdair Gray, Diana Hendry, Richard Holloway, Robin Lloyd-Jones, James Kelman, Carl MacDougall, Bernard MacLaverty, Alison Prince, Pauline Prior-Pitt, John Purser and Sheila Templeton.


£10 + £4.50 P&P

All proceeds from the sale of this book go to Age Scotland

This book costs £10, with an additional £4.50 to cover the costs of postage and packaging. The book is a large paperback and must be mailed as a small parcel. It is supplied in a padded, reusable envelope made of recycled materials. The total cost of the book plus P&P is £17.50 £14.50 and should arrive within 5 working days.

Price: £10 plus P&P (£4.50)
ISBN: 9780957334045
Format: Paperback
Pages: 338
Dimensions: 230mm x 156mm
Publisher: Playspace Publications
Published: June 2018


Reviews

“This is an engaging book with an important message, because it treats creativity in old age not as a hobby or mere pastime, but as something essential to fulfilled living.”

James Robertson, award-winning author

“What an original concept. What a satisfying read. I teach creative writing in the FE education sector. It will stimulate classes and individuals for years to come.”

Brian Whittingham, freelance editor and lecturer

“Autumn Voices is a rich and engrossing windfall from some of Scotland’s most respected literary figures.”

Liz Niven, poet

“The energy and enthusiasm for all things creative and the joy of being creative shines through on every page… Read for pleasure and illumination.”

Marc R Sherland, President, Scottish Association of Writers

“This book is just amazing. Nobody who reads this book would doubt its central significance.”

John Killick – writing with people suffering from dementia