Furnace Writer Showcases His Creative Voice In An Anthology

John R. Campbell, an author from Furnace, Argyll, has contributed to a diverse collection of literary works, in a collaboration entitled A Write Difference, to be showcased at this year’s Nairn Book Festival in September.

John R. Campbell, an author from Furnace, Argyll, has contributed to a diverse collection of literary works, in a collaboration entitled A Write Difference, to be showcased at this year’s Nairn Book Festival in September.

John has recently completed his final year of the Creative Writing degree at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and is one of seven final-year students who were tasked with producing an anthology to showcase the best of their creative compositions in various forms, including fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. 

“We wanted to create an anthology that demonstrated our joy of writing in its diversity and scope, said John.  We particularly wanted to inspire readers to make a positive difference by supporting and donating to our favourite charities as listed in this non-profit anthology, A Write Difference.” Donations can be made to Sistema Scotland, The Oxygen Works, PLUS, and the cancer charity Marie Curie.

The anthology is also dedicated to the memory of Valentina Franceschi, a fellow student on the creative writing course who passed away due to illness before completing her degree. Valentina’s degree was subsequently awarded posthumously to her.

Soon to be heading to the Nairn Book Festival, John will join a lineup of literary talent from around the Highlands and Islands to read their collective works in front of an interactive audience at one of the book festival’s popular outreach events.

UHI professor Dr Sarah Bailey, who has guided the group through their final year, said, “The anthology is a collection of their best work, demonstrating versatility, diversity, and talent.  I advise anyone reading this to remember where they first saw these names in print and look for them in the future."  

The graduates are all embarking on careers in creative writing and can be heard discussing their literary influences, motivations, and ambitions on the podcast, "Sue and Johnny: Everything and Anything."

‘A Write Difference’ is published by Amazon.