by ANNA MURPHY

On Tuesday 22nd of August 2023 I attended (over Zoom) the Edinburgh Literary Salon’s launch of The Golden Hours, published in collaboration with Edinburgh Napier’s MSc Publishing programme. This was also the fifth birthday of the Edinburgh Literary Salon. 

I had gone into this event expecting something extremely formal, yet was pleasantly surprised to see (before the speeches officially began), everyone mingling outside and enjoying each other’s company. Even online, I could sense the closeness of everyone, and how friendly and cooperative the atmosphere was.

Experiencing the launch and “Birthday Bash” online felt as immersive as in person, with great quality audio and video – the camera facing the audience as well as the speakers added to this feeling of inclusion. It felt very thoughtful and well planned, with the speakers also addressing the audience at home. Throughout the launch, if activity was happening out of frame, great care was taken to adjust the camera and make sure those on Zoom could also see what was happening: nothing was missed.

Jamie Sutherland welcomed everyone and was our MC for the evening. From the start, he immediately set the fun tone of the event, welcoming the guests online and off. He was very humorous and charismatic throughout the night. John Stoddart, as the Chair of the Literary Salon, delivered the Thank You speech and spoke very highly of everyone involved in making both The Golden Hours and the Salon itself such a success. He emphasised the strong bond that existed between Salon members – and it was evident that the feeling was mutual when his speech ended with huge applause. 

Some of the writers read their pieces from The Golden Hours –this was my favourite part of the night. It gave those who attended the perfect sneak peek of what can be expected from the book, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Katya Baccia (@katyajbacica via Instagram) was very well spoken and natural with the crowd as she introduced each author. Katya is a recent graduate of MSc Publishing and played an integral role in the publication of the first anthology, Lost, Looking & Found.

The theme of The Golden Hours is gathering, and it was fascinating to hear the different writer’s interpretations and how some starkly contrasted each other, interpreting the theme as dark or light (dusk or dawn). Their interpretations were particularly poignant, given the importance and relevance of gathering in the last few years. I was really impressed by the mix of writers involved, some established and others emerging. 

(Readings by: Philip Caveney (@philipcaveney via instagram), Mary Paulson-Ellis (@mspaulsonellis via Twitter), Marcas Mac an Tuairneir (@Marcas_Mac via Twitter), Catherine Simpson (@catherinesimpsonwriter via Instagram), Britta Benson and David McVey. Many other writers are included in the book and will be sharing their work at future monthly Salons.)

There were also some incredibly sweet added touches – the writers received goody bags consisting of items related to the word “golden”. I really felt like I was at a party, even when the more serious speeches and thank yous were taking place. All attendees were greeted with a glass of wine, pizza had been provided to guests before the official launch had started, and the venue was festooned with fairy lights and balloons – everything looked extremely celebratory and joyful for all who attended. 

The night ended with the crowd singing happy birthday to the Edinburgh Literary Salon, with all of the writers on stage. Inside their goody bags were sparklers that they lit as they sang and cupcakes were given to all the attendees. The whole event reflected the theme of the book perfectly. Overall, it was a very impressive launch that I feel really emulated the hard work of everyone who had contributed to, and supported, the book.

The entire evening strongly conveyed the community spirit and strong attachment that many have for the Edinburgh Literary Salon, and their gratitude to everyone who works for Merchiston Publishing, the imprint of Edinburgh Napier University’s MSc Publishing programme, and publisher of The Golden Hours.