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Callum McSorley - Paperboy episode artwork

May 2, 2025 57 min

Callum McSorley - Paperboy

from Scots Whay Hae! Hosted by Alistair Braidwood

For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast Ali caught up with writer Callum McSorley to talk about his new novel Paperboy, which is the sequel to his McIlvanney Prize winning debut Squeaky Clean, both published with Pushkin Vertigo. Callum explains the premise of Squeaky Clean to give listeners an idea of his original vision, before explaining the ways Paperboy builds on that celebrated novel and his approach to writing a sequel. He then talks about how much he loves writing these books, including the people, places, and their patter - a love of language to the fore. The two also discuss the cast of characters, mapping events around the city of Glasgow, the importance of accurate references, and taking joy in dark comedy, before Callum details his experiences of life as a writer. As you will hear from their conversation, Ali is a huge fan of these novels and it was such a treat to be able to talk to Callum about them. A warm and engaging conversation, this is one for anyone with an interest in writing or reading. Full details, including all the ways to listen, are over at scotswhayhae.com

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Callum McSorley - Paperboy

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Celebrated Crimes, Vol. 3: Mary Stuart by Alexandre Dumas Loyal Books The contents of these volumes of 'Celebrated Crimes', as well as the motives which led to their inception, are unique. They are a series of stories based upon historical records, from the pen of Alexandre Dumas, pere, when he was not "the elder," nor yet the author of D'Artagnan or Monte Cristo, but was a rising young dramatist and a lion in the literary set and world of fashion.The third volume is devoted to the story of Mary Queen of Scots, another woman who suffered a violent death, and around whose name an endless controversy has waged. Dumas goes carefully into the dubious episodes of her stormy career, but does not allow these to blind his sympathy for her fate. Mary, it should be remembered, was closely allied to France by education and marriage, and the French never forgave Elizabeth the part she played in the tragedy. - From the Introduction Age of Elizabeth by Mandell Creighton Loyal Books This short history by the eminent British historian, Mandell Creighton, places Elizabeth and her reign within the context of 16th century European political, religious, and military events. Elizabeth overcomes her two great rivals, King Philip of Spain and Mary, Queen of Scots. England gradually unites behind her Queen, who survives multiple assassination plots. After the defeat of the Spanish Armada, the English, lightly taxed by their frugal sovereign, launch flourishing commerce enterprises. The author writes of the Protestant Reformation that "a change of belief meant a revolt from authority." In this age of individualism, personal daring, and a consciousness of national greatness, the golden age of Elizabethan literature breaks new ground in historiography, literary theory, poetry, and above all, drama.

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