As part of our Spring Programme WayWORD is hosting three sessions in conjunction with Tapsalteerie. Hear from publishing experts, listen to new poetry from Sarah Stewart and Stewart Sanderson, and write your own Ekphrastic poetry in Stewarts workshop.
Publishing in Scotland Today
2.00–3.30pm, Tuesday 12 May 2026 – Sir Duncan Rice Library
What’s it like to work in publishing today? What journey does your writing go on once it is accepted by a publisher? And how do you get it accepted in the first place? In this session, poetry publisher, editor and designer Duncan Lockerbie (Tapsalteerie) and editor and writer Sarah Stewart (Director of the Lighthouse Children’s Literacy Consultancy) will share their career stories as well as insights into the publishing process and the industry today. This will be followed by a Q&A session.
Tapsalteerie Poetry Showcase: Sarah Stewart and Stewart Sanderson
6.00–7.00pm, Tuesday 12 May 2026 – Sir Duncan Rice Library
Join us for a celebration of new poetry from Aberdeenshire-based poetry publisher, Tapsalteerie, now in its 13th year. There will be readings and discussion from poets Sarah Stewart and Stewart Sanderson. Originally from Aberdeen, Sarah will read from her new collection, Devour Everything, which follows her Callum MacDonald Memorial Award-winning pamphlet Glisk. Three times shortlisted for the Edwin Morgan Poetry Award, Sanderson will read from his second full collection, Weathershaker. Local bookstore Somerville Books will be in attendance on the night to sell books, with author signings following the event.
Ekphrastic Poetry Workshop with Stewart Sanderson
10.30–12.00 noon, Wednesday 13 May 2026 – Sir Duncan Rice Library
Ekphrastic poetry involves the translation of a visual artwork into vivid, evocative words, whether it be a painting, sculpture, photograph, street art and more! In this creative writing workshop, poet Stewart Sanderson will explore the process behind some of his ekphrastic poetry before participants have a go at writing their own piece inspired by paintings included in the Aberdeen Artworlds exhibition in the Sir Duncan Rice Library. This workshop coincides with WayWORD’s Ekphrastic Poetry Prize inspired by the exhibition which will launch on 12 May during the Tapsalteerie Showcase event.
WayWORD Festival 
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