News and Announcements
Call for Submissions to Issue 18
Submissions of writing and artwork are invited to Issue 18 of Pushing Out the Boat, North-East Scotland’s acclaimed magazine of prose, poetry and visual arts. The window for submissions is 1 July – 30 September 2024. Issue 18 will be published in Spring 2025.
Follow this link for further details on how to make a submission.
POTB events in Festival of the Sea
Pushing Out the Boat invites you to their exciting Power of the Sea reading and writing events running as part of this year’s jam-packed Aberdeen Festival of the Sea programme.
Immerse yourself in an ocean of talent at our live reading showcase on Saturday 20th July, featuring sea-themed readings from past contributors and music performed by Alastair Eddie. Tickets and more information here.
Dive deeper into your own creativity at our creative writing workshop on Thursday 25th July, hosted by Aberdeen writer Shane Strachan for new and established writers. Tickets and more information here.
Attendees of the workshop may wish to gain inspiration from the Saturday reading showcase – but all and any are welcome to both.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Posted on 10 June 2024
Join us at the Book Nook in Stirling
on Friday 22 March at 7pm
In a first for Pushing Out the Boat, we are excited to be holding a reading event in Scotland’s central belt, featuring contributors from our latest issue. Presenting an evening of poetry and prose at The Book Nook’s monthly Forth Friday event, POTB and Stirling Makar Laura Fyfe look forward to welcoming you on March 22nd at 7pm.
“Stirling’s only indie bookshop cafe”, it is the perfect location for reading, relaxing, studying and socialising with a hand-made fine piece and a second-hand book. One of the cafe’s regular evening events, Forth Friday is a fantastic opportunity for our followers from further afield to get involved, and get a real flavour of some of the talent that comes our way – and of some delicious cakes and drinks, too! For tickets and more information, follow this link.
Posted on 4 December 2023
Pushing Out the Boat Issue 17 was launched on 21 May 2023 at an event in the Phoenix Hall, Newton Dee, Aberdeen.
A selection of contributors and team members read poems and stories from the new issue and artists displayed the originals of their artwork in the foyer area.
Visit our blog for photos, reflections and details of the programme.
Tickets now available for the launch of Issue 17
Once again we are opening up the Launch of the latest issue of Pushing Out the Boat magazine to members of the public. Why not join us on the afternoon of Sunday 21 May and be amongst the first to see the new magazine? This joyful event will include writers reading their poems and stories from Issue 17, and there will be a display of original artwork as featured in the new edition. Plus you can meet the contributors and the Team! The launch is in the wonderful Phoenix Community Hall at Newton Dee Village in Aberdeen. Doors open at 1.30pm for a 2.30pm programme start, aiming to finish by 5pm.
Tickets cost a mere £12, or £15 for two people, which also includes a copy of the magazine and refreshments. Young people are welcome but please note that the event is open only to those aged 12 and over.
[Click here to book your tickets.]
If you can’t manage to the launch, copies of Issue 17 can be pre-ordered now, for delivery after the launch.
Public Relations Role in POTB
PUBLIC RELATIONS ROLE
Pushing Out the Boat has a new public relations role. This is a volunteer post, the main focus of which is to raise and maintain awareness of Pushing Out the Boat magazine throughout the year and to promote its sales. The following is a list of the public relations activity currently undertaken or planned. The successful candidate will be encouraged to review, refresh and add to these activities.
- Organise publicity for the calls for submissions to forthcoming issues of our magazine.
- Organise publicity for our events including the launch of new issues and the occasional reading events we hold ourselves or contribute to.
- Assist with the planning and running of our events.
- Run our social media accounts – Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
- Draft and issue media releases as required, seek opportunities for publicity in the media, and maintain our database of media contacts.
- Draft our twice-yearly newsletter to our database of supporters and friends.
- Draft and recommend an annual public relations plan for Pushing Out the Boat.
- Attend and contribute to monthly team meetings.
You’ll need some understanding and experience of public relations, and you’ll probably get more out of the role if you’re interested in the arts. We’re a small friendly group based in and around Aberdeen and will help you get up to speed with our current activities and the way we do things.
E-mail coordinator@pushingouttheboat.co.uk to discuss the role or express an interest in applying.
Posted on 25 November 2022
Submissions of writing and artwork are invited to Issue 17 of Pushing Out the Boat, North-East Scotland’s acclaimed magazine of prose, poetry and visual arts. The window for submissions is 1 July – 30 September 2022. Issue 17 will be published in Spring 2023.
Follow this link for further details on how to make a submission.
Posted on 26 June 2022
Sunday afternoon at the Blue Lamp
Join us at the Blue Lamp
Sunday 24th April 2022, 14:00 – 16:30
for an afternoon of stories, poems, music
and a surprise or two.
An event highlighting great stories and poems from past issues as we look to a post-Covid future. Curated by long-standing former editor and Aberdeen author Martin Walsh, the afternoon is also a tribute to him and Freda Hasler, multi-talented organiser of the Boat’s crew over the years.
Be uplifted, moved and most of all entertained by this pick of the crop of work from Pushing Out the Boat. Martin will be joined by a team of weel-kent authors and poets who’ll read their own and other contributions to past magazines plus some new work. The event will also feature music by talented young singer Alastair Eddie from the great American songbook. And a surprise or two (think on-stage shenanigans).
Entry by donation to help ensure the long-term sustainability of the Boat. Plus magazines on sale – of course. Doors open 14:00 for 14:30 start.
If you wish, you can confirm you’re joining us by clicking RSVP on our Blue Lamp web page, which will bring you a handy e-mail reminder. Or log your interest on our Facebook page.
Posted on 28 February 2022
posted on 24 November 2021
posted on 16 November 2021
Issue 16 has landed. Order you copy here.
By Webmaster
posted on 18 April 2021
Issue 16 is due back from the printer at the end of April. Copies can be pre-ordered now for delivery, hot off the press, in early May. Visit our Order Online page to secure your copy. While there, why not take advantage of our Lockdown Special Offer of free P&P for UK delivery of previous issues?
Posted on 13 March 2021
Pushing Out the Boat Writers nominated for Scots Writer of the Year
Pushing Out the Boat, North-East Scotland’s magazine of new writing and the visual arts, is pleased to see that two of its contributors who write in both Scots and Doric have been short-listed for the prestigious Scots Writer of the Year Award 2020.
Poet Sheila Templeton was born in Aberdeenshire and is also the winner of this year’s McCash Prize for Poetry in Scots. Her poem The Iceberg that Sunk the Titanic features in the current issue of the magazine. Most recently, she joined other Pushing Out the Boat contributors for an evening of readings at Aberdeen University’s WayWORD festival, where she also read a moving tribute to her late sister.
Originally from Fraserburgh, author Shane Strachan’s short story Dia de los Muertos appeared in Issue 13 of the magazine. He is also shortlisted with writer and performer Frieda Strachan for Scots Project of the Year for their collaboration Doric Dwams. Shane recently re-joined Pushing Out the Boat as a trustee and has been a member of the magazine’s prose panel.
Pushing Out the Boat editor Lily Greenall said, ‘It’s a tribute to the high quality of writing in Pushing Out the Boat that two of the writer of the year finalists have entrusted their work to us. The fact that both come from the North-East is a bonus.’
A total of five authors are short-listed authors for the writer of the year award. The winner will be decided by public vote online at www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/scotslanguageawards.
The winner of the award will be announced at an online ceremony on Saturday 24th October.
Submissions to Issue 16 are now closed
The call for submissions to Issue 16 of Pushing Out the Boat closed on 30th September 2020. We received a record number of submissions to this issue – thanks to all who submitted.
Now the selection process begins, during which the Selection Panels will review all the entries received and make their choice of items to go forward to the publication. Once the selection process is complete, successful contributors will be notified by email. We aim to launch Issue 16 in April 2021.
Posted on 27 August 2020
posted on 30 June 2020
Submissions of writing and artwork are invited to Issue 16 of Pushing Out the Boat, North-East Scotland’s acclaimed magazine of prose, poetry and visual arts. The window for submissions is 1 July – 30 September 2020. Issue 16 will be published in Spring 2021.
Follow this link for further details on how to make a submission.
Posted on 22 June 2020
Welcome to Pushing Out the Boat’s seasonal newsletter, where we let you know what we’ve been up to this year and look forward to 2020.
The highlight of the year had to be the publication and launch of our 15th issue in April in the wonderful Phoenix Hall at Aberdeen’s Newton Dee. Over a hundred guests joined us to celebrate the success of the authors, poets and artists whose work appears in our latest edition. Our thanks to Anke Addy who took a great series of photos of guests, readers, and the artwork that was on display. You can find her photos on our website as well as the Press and Journal’s coverage of the event, complete with inevitable boat-related headline.
As always, we’ve put a selection of work from our latest issue online. You can read it here. If you don’t have a copy of Issue 15 or want more for those last minute Christmas gifts or stocking fillers, you can find Pushing Out the Boat at nearly twenty retail outlets across North-East Scotland. You can even buy Boat on a boat, which is our cheesy way of saying Northlink ferries stock it in their onboard shops on their routes to Orkney and Shetland. It’s only £5 (plus p&p if you can’t get to one of our retailers and want to order online – you can buy previous issues there too).
We also managed to fit in a couple of readings after the dust settled on the launch of Issue 15 – at Aberdeen University’s May Festival, and to an appreciative group of Over 50s in Cults.
You may know from our website and last newsletter that we have a new editor coming on board, to which we have now added a salesperson, leaving just one role to be filled when Freda and Martin retire next March – a new coordinator/project manager. Our own search is underway, but if you’re keen to help (or know someone who might be) do get in touch for a chat or with any ideas. You can check the details of what’s involved in our recent blog on the subject.
Almost finally, a reminder that we’re also on Facebook and Twitter. If social media’s your thing, do be sure to follow us there for updates and news straight to your device.
We end of course with our thanks to you – if you joined us at the launch for Issue 15, bought or read our magazine, attended a reading, dipped into our Facebook/Twitter account page or website, or even just watched us from afar!
From a chilly Aberdeen where winter has definitely arrived, the team at Pushing Out the Boat wish you a Happy Christmas and a great New Year.
POTB needs your help – Volunteers sought to keep us afloat
Update 13 Nov: Editor found but still seeking a new Coordinator/Project Manager.
See this blog post for details.
North East Open Studios 14-23 September 2019 – see original art work and buy Pushing Out the Boat
Seven artists opening their studios to the public for North East Open Studios (NEOS) are also selling this year’s Pushing Out the Boat magazine. Why not drop by their studios to see their work and pick up a copy of the magazine at the regular price of £5?Here are the six artists in alphabetical order. The links are to their NEOS pages, which contain full addresses and opening details.
Anke Addy, Photography, Coull near Tarland NEOS Reference 4
Nicola Chambury, Printmaking, Crathes NEOS Reference 48
Steve Hay, Ceramics, Newton Dee NEOS Reference 124
Kevin Andrew Morris, Ceramics, Potarch NEOS Reference 191
Julie McLean, Painting, Kingsford near Alford NEOS Reference 145
Gerrard Stott, Painting, Aberdeen NEOS Reference 277
Jenny Watt-Colbeck, Painting, Auchenblae NEOS Reference 304
We wish them all a very successful NEOS 2019.
Join us at May Fest, Sun 26 May
Following the successful launch of our 15th issue last month, we’re pleased to invite you to an hour of readings from the latest edition of Pushing Out the Boat at Aberdeen University’s May Festival on Sunday the 26th May at 5 p.m. in the Multimedia Room at the King’s College Conference Centre. Full details are here. It’s free and no booking is necessary.
Even if you were at our launch, you’ll hear some great new pieces and some new readers. If you don’t yet have Issue 15 (or want more copies for friends and relatives) the magazine will also be on sale at the event.
Do join us if you can. We look forward to seeing you again.
Posted on 9 May 2019
Posted on 29 April 2019
Some of the Issue 15 contributors at the launch
A huge thank you to all who submitted to Issue 15 and to the team of volunteers who helped make the occasion and the magazine such a success. The number and standard of entries was the highest ever, resulting in what we believe to be our best magazine to date.
As is our custom, we took lots of photos at the launch, a selection of which will be published here very soon.
Tickets now available for the Launch of Issue 15
Once again we are opening up the Launch of the latest issue of Pushing Out the Boat magazine to members of the public. Why not join us on the afternoon of Sunday 7 April and be amongst the first to see the new magazine? This joyful event will include writers reading their poems and stories from Issue 15, and there will be a display of original artwork as featured in the new edition. Plus you can meet the contributors and the Team! The launch is in the wonderful Phoenix Community Hall at Newton Dee Village in Aberdeen. Doors open at 1.30pm for a 2.30pm programme start, aiming to finish by 5pm.
Tickets cost a mere £10, or £15 for two people, which also includes a copy of the magazine and refreshments. Young people are welcome but please note that the event is open only to those aged 12 and over.
[Click here to book your tickets.]
Tickets no longer available but copies of the new magazine can be ordered here.
Selection of contributions for publication in Issue 15 is now complete
Selections for Issue 15 of Pushing Out the Boat are now complete and successful contributors have been notified by email. Once again, the standard of submissions was very high, giving the selection panels a difficult (but enjoyable) task. So, congratulations to all successful contributors and commiserations to those who were unsuccessful – we had many fine entries but not enough space to include them all.
If you made a submission to Issue 15 you can check the details, including confirmation of whether or not it has been chosen for publication, by logging in and visiting the My POTB page.
The hard work of editing and design is currently underway, with publication due in April.
POTB would like to say a huge thank you to all who submitted, both those who were successful and those who were not. We hope you will enjoy Issue 15 when it is published and be inspired to submit again to future issues.
Posted on 7 December 2018
Submissions of writing and artwork are invited to Issue 15 of Pushing Out the Boat, North-East Scotland’s acclaimed magazine of prose, poetry and visual arts. The window for submissions is 1 July – 30 September 2018. Issue 15 will be published in Spring 2019.
Follow this link for further details on how to make a submission.
Submissions to POTB opening on 1 July
Some good news: the Call for Submissions to POTB Issue 15 will be opening on 1 July, looking to launch the edition in Spring 2019 under the guest editorship of Martin Walsh. More details here soon, and via our Newsletter, so be sure to follow us on social media and join our Mailing List to keep abreast of all the significant dates. Also do share the news with all your writing and artist friends, local and worldwide.
Posted on 13 April 2018
In September 2017 we invited submissions from young writers and artists for publication online in an ezine to be called ePOTB. Unfortunately, we did not receive enough entries to make a viable e-magazine, so with great regret we had to withdraw the e-publication opportunity and cancel the production of ePOTB. This decision was based solely on the number of submissions and does not reflect the quality of work received. Indeed, in the circumstances, we chose not to read any of the Poetry and Prose submissions.
However, we did receive a reasonable number of Art entries and therefore decided to host a small gallery, featuring one piece from each of the artists who submitted work. The gallery is posted on our blog under the title ‘Gallery of Young Artists’ Work’.
Posted on 9 January 2018
An Evening of Stories & Poetry with Pushing Out the Boat
at the
Belmont Cafe Bar
49 Belmont Street, Aberdeen
on
Sunday 29 October 2017
from 7 to 9 pm
Come and be enthralled by an intoxicating mix of stories and poems from POTB Issue 14, along with other pieces by their writers.
The bar will be open, the event is free! So why not join us, bring your friends & enjoy great entertainment in this convivial venue.
Booking not necessary – just come along on the night.
Posted on 12 September 2017
Postcards and posters featuring the cover image from Issue 14 are now available for sale in our online shop.
Postcards can be purchased in packs of 6.
Posters are A3 in size. A limited number are available signed by the artist Tom Hammick.
Posted on 16 May 2017
Boat launched in good company (P&J 13th May)
Press & Journal Photo Diary, Saturday 13th May
[Click on the image to view full screen.]
Pushing Out the Boat sets sail again
Article in the Press and Journal, Monday 1st May.
[Click on the image to view full screen.]
Issue 14 is launched
A wonderful afternoon at the Phoenix Hall in Newton Dee celebrating the launch of POTB 14. Thanks to all of our readers and contributors for their great readings and artwork! And also to the Lord Provost for making this his final public appearance in post, along with our patron Dame Anne Begg.
Posted on 28 March 2017
Usually a private occasion, this year we are opening up the Launch to share with others. So why not join us on the afternoon of Sunday 30 April and be amongst the first to see the new edition. This joyful event will include displays of original artwork as featured in the magazine, and writers reading their poems and stories from POTB14. Plus you can meet the contributors and the Team! Venue is the Phoenix Community Hall, Newton Dee Village, cost a mere £10, which also includes a copy of the £7 magazine [+ bookmark!] and refreshments.
Tickets must be purchased in advance and numbers are limited, so be quick!
Buy online at https://www.pushingouttheboat.co.uk/ticket-sales/
Posted on 21 February 2017
The POTB Blog has arrived. Here we plan to post extracts from our magazines, author profiles, commentaries and more. To celebrate Valentine’s Day, we are starting with some romantic poems from earlier editions …
Selection of contributions for publication in POTB 14 is now complete
Selections for POTB 14 are now complete and successful contributors have been notified. Once again, the standard of submissions was very high, giving the selection panels a difficult (but enjoyable) task. So, congratulations to all successful contributors and commiserations to those who were unsuccessful – we had many fine entries but not enough space to include them all.
If you made a submission to Issue 14 you can check the details, including confirmation of whether or not it has been chosen for publication, by logging in and visiting the My POTB page.
The hard work of editing and design is currently underway, with publication due in late April.
POTB would like to say a huge thank you to all who submitted, both those who were successful and those who were not. We hope you will enjoy POTB 14 when it is published and be inspired to submit again to future issues.
Seasonal Greetings and News Update
SEASONAL GREETINGS FROM PUSHING OUT THE BOAT
… plus a brief update on all things POTB
First up: we’ve a special seasonal online offer on our website. Purchase copies of POTB magazines for the discount price of £4 (+ P&P). Place your order here at https://www.pushingouttheboat.co.uk/order-online/ but hurry, you’ll need to be QUICK.
Donations to local charities: the POTB Team unanimously agreed to share the festive spirit even further, by donating copies of POTB magazines to several good causes local to Aberdeen. These include the Hospice, Maggie’s Centre, CLAN, and various other places where folk may enjoy the magazine, especially during periods of enforced inactivity. Do let us know if YOU have a good cause close to your heart which might also benefit.
In the meantime, that same Team is beavering away to produce our next edition POTB14, due to launch in April 2017. The usual high quality submissions gave our selection panels the usual [welcome] problems; but the selections are now made and acceptance notifications in progress. Successful authors and poets should look out for some good news very soon, with the artists to hear around New Year time.
Our striking POTB covers have always been a big feature of the magazine; for POTB14 – as a new idea – we asked for cover designs. However, this time round our Art Selection Panel felt none of the submissions were quite appropriate, so they set about finding just the right image, hopefully to be donated by a high-profile artist. They succeeded! We can’t wait to tell you all about the artist who has made this generous offer – and to show off that new cover. Watch this space…
POTB 14 [with its striking new cover], is set to receive its first ever real promotion. With financial support from Aberdeen City Council [who, like us, felt the magazine should be much more widely recognised], we’ve embarked on a marketing project and are in the process of appointing a local PR company. More news shortly on our website and social media – plus you should be seeing press coverage in the run-up to the launch of the new edition. Support in this area is crucial so, as ever, we are seeking some experienced voluntary help. If you have these skills, do get in touch at our info email address.
Lots happening – and lots to come. Only time now for the POTB Team to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, hopefully full of literary and artistic creativity!
Seasonal Special Offer
Take advantage of this year’s special seasonal offer to purchase copies of POTB magazines for just £4 per copy (+ P&P). Offer available for online sales only.
Submissions to Issue 14 are now closed
Submissions to Issue 14 are now closed. A big thank-you to all those who submitted. It’s now over to the Selection Panels to study all the entries and choose which to publish in the magazine. Once the selection process is complete, successful submitters will be notified by email and asked to provide some brief biographical details for inclusion in the magazine. We aim to launch Issue 14 in April 2017.
Pushing Out the Boat retrospective in the Blue Lamp – Sun 4 Sept
At a great evening’s entertainment in the atmospheric ambience of the Blue Lamp, an audience of over 80 were entertained by POTB writers reading stories and poems from the magazine’s 13 volumes. Two superb guests, poet Wayne Price and author Shane Strachan also read from their own works. Compere Ian Crockatt set a perfect tone for the event, while jazz musicians Rainer Goldbeck and Hamish Mackensie charmed the audience during the intervals. The event raised almost £600 to help fund future editions of the magazine and POTB are deeply indebted to Sandy Brown for donating the venue, and to his cheerful and helpful staff.
Click on a thumbnail below to view a slideshow of the event.
[embedfb https://www.facebook.com/127363703969670/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1184482118257818 theme=default ]
Poetry and prose submissions closed but artwork still open
POTB closed to submissions of poetry and prose on 9th September but will remain open for artwork submissions until 24th September.
An Evening with POTB: Sun 4th Sept
Join us for an evening with POTB at the Blue Lamp, Sunday 4th September, 7-10pm.
A retrospective of stories & poetry selected from previous editions of POTB, read by their authors or members of the POTB team. With special guests, and featuring live music, you’ll want to be there – and support the publication of POTB14!
Tickets: £8 in advance or £10 on the night.
Posted on 1 June 2016
Issue 12 is now available to read on-line, through the digital publishing site, Issuu. Click here to take a look (will open in a new tab or window).
Join us at the University May Festival
Join us at the Aberdeen University May Festival on Sunday May 29 from 11 to 12am. Featuring poetry and prose from all 13 editions, read by their authors: and marking the Call for Submission to POTB14 due first week of June. Now, how could any fan of POTB miss that! Tickets are available online at https://www.abdn.ac.uk/mayfestival/events/9789/ See you there we hope!
Launch of Useful Links web page
There is a new resource on our website – the Useful Links page. This is a collection of web links that we at POTB have found helpful and hope will be of interest to our readers, writers and artists. We have focussed mainly on literary organisations, including groups & publications, along with events and festivals, many in North-East Scotland. Additionally, and perhaps most important of all, we’ve included links to POTB contributors, all of whom are being invited to submit a link to their personal web site or Facebook page.
We hope you will find this new resource both interesting and useful and invite you to help us keep it up-to-date by suggesting additional links, using the Suggestion Box included on the page.
Season’s Greetings
Season’s Greetings from all of us at Pushing Out the Boat.
There’s still time to buy a copy of Issue 13 for Christmas or as a first-footing gift.
Click on the reindeer to order online or buy from one of our local vendors – check out our Facebook page for the latest pop-up sales venues.
Festive Season Special Offer
PUSHING OUT THE BOAT Issue 13
a Great Christmas Gift for that literary friend
Price £7 each or
take advantage of our special seasonal offer:
2 copies for £10
Public launch of Issue 13 at May Festival
Issue thirteen of POTB was finally launched to the general public at the Aberdeen May Festival, at midday on Sunday May 31st 2015. A select group of contributors were on hand to read their submissions, in an hour-long programme introduced by editor Sheila Reid and compèred by Bernie Briggs (prose panel convenor).
The ‘Word Marquee’ on King’s Lawn, within the grounds of Aberdeen University, was the ideal venue to display the wealth of writing talent contained in the pages of our most recent and (dare we say it) best edition of POTB. Despite the rain, which thundered on the roof as proceedings got underway, a sizeable audience settled down to a varied selection of poetry and prose and at the end were invited to buy their own copies, which they did in good numbers.
Many thanks to the Festival for hosting us; to all the readers and the audience for turning out on such a wet day to support us.
Click on a thumbnail below to view a slideshow of the event.
https://www.facebook.com/127363703969670/photos/?tab=album&album_id=903473836358649
Don’t miss Pushing Out the Boat at University May Festival, Sunday 31 May
Pushing Out the Boat will be at the University of Aberdeen May Festival on Sunday 31 May, at 12 noon in the Word Marquee on Kings Lawn. Several of our poets and authors will read from their work and there will be an opportunity to buy your own copy of the latest edition of our magazine.
Tickets, which are free, are available from the May Festival Box Office at Kings College Conference Centre.
Pushing Out the Boat Issue 13 is launched
Issue 13 of Pushing Out the Boat, North-East Scotland’s Magazine of New Writing, was launched on Sunday 26th April at the Phoenix Community Centre, Newton Dee, Aberdeen. A selection of contributors read poems and extracts from their stories and several of the contributing artists displayed their work on the walls of the Phoenix Centre.
Click on a thumbnail below to view a slideshow of the event.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/pushingouttheboat/photos/?tab=album&album_id=890113904361309
Pushing Out the Boat Issue 13 ready to launch
Our latest edition, Issue 13, has just arrived from the printer, ready for our contributor Launch on Sunday 26 April. We think it is indeed our best yet. 96 pages of selected stories, poems and art, 57 writers and artists, many from or with connections to the local area, are introduced in a Foreword by acclaimed writer Esther Woolfson. The first-time published are represented, as well as youngsters aged from 12 to 17, side-by-side their established peers.
The magazine will be available for purchase in the next week or two from our outlets – or why not order a copy online here now.
This new edition will also be featured at Aberdeen University’s May Festival: we’re on at noon on Sunday 31 May, when you’ll hear several of our poets and authors reading from their work. Why not make it a date, book a (free!) ticket and join us in Old Aberdeen?
After its launch, this new edition of Pushing Out the Boat can be read in public and school libraries of both City and Shire, and those of Aberdeen’s Universities and Colleges.
Pushing Out the Boat Issue 13 almost ready to launch!
The next edition of POTB is preparing to head off to the printer – and it looks like our best yet. The magazine will be available for purchase from Monday 27 April, though it may take a little longer to reach all our retail outlets. For postal delivery, you can pre-order here now.
Also note that our public launch will take place at noon on Sunday 31 May at The University of Aberdeen’s May Festival, when you will be able to listen to several of our poets and authors reading from their work. Why not make it a date and join us in Old Aberdeen?
Selection of contributions for publication in Issue 13 now complete
Selections for POTB 13 are now complete and successful contributors have been notified. The standard of submissions was incredibly high, so congratulations to all successful contributors. Commiserations to everyone else – you really are in excellent company. The hard work of editing and design is currently underway, with publication due in late April.
If you made a submission to Issue 13 you can check the details, including confirmation of whether or not it has been chosen for publication, by logging in and visiting the My Profile page.
POTB would like to say a huge thank you to all who submitted, both those who were successful and those who were not. We hope you will enjoy POTB 13 when it is published and be inspired to submit again to future issues.
Issue 11 now available to read online
Issue 11 of Pushing Out the Boat is now available to read online, through the digital publishing site Issuu. Click here to take a look (will open in a new tab or window).
Season’s Greetings
Season’s Greetings from all us at Pushing Out the Boat.
And remember, a copy of one of our magazines makes a great stocking filler or first-footing present – buy from our local vendors or click on the elf to order online.
Issue 10 Online Updated
Apologies to anyone who read the online version of Issue 10 before today (22 November). We had accidentally uploaded a draft version which was missing some items and had incorrect page numbering. Oops! The correct version has now been published online. Happy reading!
There are still some printed copies available for sale. They would make an excellent small Christmas gift and can be ordered here.
Submissions to Issue 13 now closed
Submissions to Issue 13 are now closed, with increased numbers of submissions and submitters. All at POTB are delighted that our new online system has been so warmly embraced – and we extend respect and heartfelt gratitude to our webmaster for designing such a slick new process.
Thanks to Huntly Writers
Many thanks to Huntly Writers for hosting the latest of our Pop-Up events on 15th October, feauturing work from our latest edition, Issue 12. Thanks especially to guest readers from the writing group: Linda Smith, reading a very moving extract from her own story, plus pieces by others; and Maureen Ross, who read a poem by local writer Janice Keir (sadly unable to be with us on the night). Both were joined by POTB members Sheila McDerment, Martin Walsh and, last but not least, our regular Pop-Up host, Bernie Briggs. All read and performed a great mix of prose and poetry, much enjoyed by the audience – helped along by some welcome refreshments and an opportunity to socialise.
Next Pop-Up event to be in Huntly on Wednesday 15th October
Following on from the success of our first two Pop-Up events in the Oil & Glass Gallery in Aberdeen and Better Read Books in Ellon, the next POTB Pop-Up event will be hosted by Huntly Writers.
At Huntly OAP Hall on
Wednesday 15 October at 7.15 pm
Members of PUSHING OUT THE BOAT will present an evening of readings from their latest edition, Issue 12.
With guest local writers: Linda Smith and Janice Keir
Admission Free
Photo from Pop-Up event at Better Read Books
Many thanks to Bill and Euan Kelly of Better Read Books, Ellon for hosting the second of our Pop-Up events on 29th August.
A good mixture of poignant, funny and thought-provoking extracts of Poetry and Prose from Issue 12 of POTB was received enthusiastically by the audience. Thanks also to readers, Alison Green, Georgia Brooker, Martin Walsh and Bernard Briggs who read with flair and kept things moving along nicely. During the break, everyone enjoyed the hearty refreshments served up by Bill and Euan. Look out for news of our next Pop-Up in Huntly.
Pop-Up Event – Friday 29th August – Better Read Books, Ellon
The second in our series of Pop-Up events will be hosted by Better Read Books in Ellon! Come along and listen to selected Poetry and Prose from Issue 12, read by the Pushing Out the Boat team and specially invited contributors. Refreshments will be provided. During the intervals you will get the chance to chat to members of the team and ask questions about the magazine. You will also be able to browse the well stocked shelves of this fantastic book shop and chat to owners Bill and Euan Kelly; maybe do a little early Christmas Shopping! Copies of the magazine will also be for sale.
Friday 29th August, 7-9pm
Better Read Books
18 Ythan Terrace, Ellon, AB41 9LJ
Video of Pop-Up event at Oil and Glass Gallery
Here’s a short video; filmed, edited, and produced, as a university assignment, by student Joe Briggs, following our Pop-Up event at Oil and Glass gallery. It gives a real flavour of our evening. Many thanks Joe for your hard work and for sharing it with us.
Photos from Pop-Up Event at Oil & Glass Gallery
A few photographs of our Pop-Up event at Oil and Glass on Thursday 31st.
A great evening was had by all.
(Click on an image to start the slideshow.)
POTB meet with Aberdeen Positive (AB+)
Two POTB Team Members attended an Aberdeen Positive (AB+) event in late June, giving a short presentation about the project, raising our profile in the Scottish North-East cultural community – and showing off our beautiful magazines. A great networking occasion and some new local fans!
Launch of Issue 12
Issue 12 of Pushing Out the Boat, North-East Scotland’s Magazine of New Writing, was launched on Sunday 1 September 2013 at the Phoenix Hall, Newton Dee, Aberdeen.
[facebook https://www.facebook.com/127363703969670/photos/?tab=album&album_id=602586336447402 photos=29]
Call for submissions for Issue 12
Submissions opened for Issue 12 in January 2013. Deadline for submissions was 1st March.
Launch of Issue 11
Issue 11 of Pushing Out the Boat, North-East Scotland’s Magazine of New Writing, was launched on Sunday 6 May 2012 at Peacock Visual Arts in Aberdeen, and was showcased at the SMART Gallery’s IMPRINT Weekend on Sunday 27th May 2012.
Launch of Issue 10
https://www.facebook.com/127363703969670/photos/?tab=album&album_id=205655836140456
Image size warning
This image may be too small for printing.
Submitters are asked to provide an image with one dimension at least 2400 px - which has a print size of 203 mm (8 inches) when printed at 300dpi.
This image falls into the warning threshold where maximum dimension is between 1200 and 2400 px. Take a look at it and add an alert to the Selection Panel if you think appropriate.
Image too small
Submitters are asked to provide an image for which the largest of width and height is at least 2400 px - that's a print size of 203 mm (8 inches) when printed at 300dpi. Smaller images in the range 1200 – 2400 px are accepted with a warning
This image is even smaller than the warning threshold and so should be rejected.
Updating poetry details
The Word Count, Stanza Count, Line Count and Notes to Selection Panel can be updated through this form.
- Type in your amendments
- Click on the Update button to apply your change(s)
- Click on the Exit button to return to the Submission Checking page.
Line Count should contain the number of lines per stanza, separated by commas,
e.g. 4, 5, 4 for a poem with 3 stanzas having 4, 5 and 4 lines, respectively.
Adding a manual note to the Record of Updates
Very occasionally you may want to record some extra information about the processing of an entry as a matter of record only, not for the Selection Panel's eyes, e.g. 'This is a replacement for entry S025 withdrawn by submitter', or 'Checked with Freda that some of the details originally included under Medium not appropriate for Selection Panel'.
- Type the information you want to record into the box labelled Add a manual note to the Record of Updates
- Click on the Update button to apply your update
- you will see your note appear at the top of the Record of Updates listing
- Click on Exit to return to the Submission Checking page
Filtering and Sorting Entries
This toolbar can be used to control which entries are displayed and how they are sorted.
FILTER BY ENTRY STATUS:
- Check one of these radio buttons to restrict the display to entries with a particular status
SORT BY:
- Check one of these radio buttons to control the order in which entries are displayed
- or, check the Youth Entry button to display only youth entries
GO
- Click GO to refresh the display
LIST ENTRIES BY STATUS:
This toolbar can be used to control which entries are displayed.
- Check one of these radio buttons to list only those entries with a particular status:
- All to display all the entries
- For review to display entries waiting to be reviewed
- Selected to display selected entries
- Reserve to display reserve entries
- Not selected to display entries not selected for publication
- Then click on GO to refresh the display
YOUTH ENTRIES
- Tick the Youth entries check box to list only youth entries of the chosen status
OR GENERATE SUMMARY LISTING
These links can be used to generate a summary listing on which you can record your personal notes and comments as you review the entries. The listing can be generated either in print-ready format or in spreadsheet format, by clicking on the appropriate link.
- For printing
- For download to Excel spreadsheet
LIST ENTRIES BY STATUS:
This toolbar can be used to control which entries are displayed.
- Check one of these radio buttons to list only those entries with a particular status:
- All to display all the entries
- For review to display entries waiting to be reviewed
- Selected to display selected entries
- Reserve to display reserve entries
- Not selected to display entries not selected for publication
- Selected as potential cover to display entries selected as potential cover designs
- Tick the Youth entries check box to list only youth entries of the chosen status
- Tick the Cover design entries check box to list only cover design entries of the chosen status
- Then click on GO to refresh the display
OR GENERATE SUMMARY LISTING
These links can be used to generate a summary listing on which you can record your personal notes and comments as you review the entries. The listing can be generated either in print-ready format or in spreadsheet format, by clicking on the appropriate link.
- For printing
- For download to Excel spreadsheet
Updating prose details
The Word Count and Notes to Selection Panel can be updated through this form.
- Type in your amendments
- Click on the Update button to apply your change(s)
- Click on the Exit button to return to the Submission Checking page.
Selection process
Entries waiting for review by the Selection Panel are highlighted by a green background and have an initial status of for review.
Once an entry has been considered, its status should be changed as follows:
- Set Status to
- Selected, if definitely chosen for publication
- Reserve/maybe, if still considering this entry or to indicate a reserve for publication if a selected entry drops out
- Not selected, if not suitable/not chosen for publication
- Click on the Update button to save status change
Background colour
For ease of recognition, the background colour of each entry is coded according to its status.
- green for entries waiting to be reviewed
- mauve for selected entries
- yellow for reserve entries
- grey for non selected entries
Reserve Ranking
- Once the selection process is complete, review the list of reserves and adjust the ranks into the panel's order of preference
- To view only the reserve entries:
- go to the toolbar near the top of the page headed LIST ENTRIES BY:
- check the radio button Reserves
- then click on GO
Selection process
Entries waiting for review by the Selection Panel are highlighted by a green background and have an initial status of for review.
Once an entry has been considered, its status should be changed as follows:
- Set Status to
- Not selected, if not suitable/not chosen for publication
- Reserve/maybe, if still considering this entry or to indicate a reserve for publication if a selected entry drops out
- Selected, if definitely chosen for publication
- Check the potential cover box if a selected entry has also been identified as a potential cover image. (Note that this is applicable to selected entries only. If you check this box for an unselected or reserve entry it will be ignored.)
- Click on the Update button to save status change
Background colour
For ease of recognition, the background colour of each entry is coded according to its status.
- green for entries waiting to be reviewed
- mauve for selected entries
- salmon pink for entries to be considered for the cover
- yellow for reserve entries
- grey for non selected entries
Reserve Ranking
- Once the selection process is complete, review the list of reserves and adjust the ranks into the panel's order of preference
- To view only the reserve entries:
- go to the toolbar near the top of the page headed LIST ENTRIES BY:
- check the radio button Reserves
- then click on GO
Status
The status of an entry denotes where it is in the selection process. All entries have an initial status of For review and are highlighted by a green background. Once an entry has been considered by the Selection Panel, its status will be changed as follows:
- Selected: definitely chosen for publication
- Reserve/maybe: reserve (for publication if a selected entry drops out) or still under consideration
- Not selected: not suitable/not chosen for publication
Only the Panel Convenor can change the status of an entry and will do so following consultation with the panel members.
Background colour
For ease of recognition, the background colour of each entry is coded according to its status.
- green for entries waiting to be reviewed
- mauve for selected entries
- yellow for reserve entries
- grey for non selected entries
Reserve Ranking
Initially, reserve entries will be ranked in the order in which they were chosen. Once the selection process is complete, the Panel Convenor will adjust the ranks into the panel's order of preference.
Status
The status of an entry denotes where it is in the selection process. All entries have an initial status of For review and are highlighted by a green background. Once an entry has been considered by the Selection Panel, its status will be changed as follows:
- Selected: definitely chosen for publication
- Potential cover: entry has also been selected as a potential cover image.
- Reserve/maybe: reserve (for publication if a selected entry drops out) or still under consideration
- Not selected: not suitable/not chosen for publication
Only the Panel Convenor can change the status of an entry and will do so following consultation with the panel members.
Background colour
For ease of recognition, the background colour of each entry is coded according to its status.
- green for entries waiting to be reviewed
- mauve for selected entries
- salmon pink for entries to be considered for the cover
- yellow for reserve entries
- grey for non selected entries
Reserve Ranking
Initially, reserve entries will be ranked in the order in which they were chosen. Once the selection process is complete, the Panel Convenor will adjust the ranks into the panel's order of preference.
Reading, Printing and Downloading entries
Reading
To read an entry, simply click on the entry number and a new window will open in which a PDF version of the submission will be displayed.
All the web browsers I have checked (IE, Firefox, Chrome, Opera) have a built-in reader which will display PDF documents inline. If your browser starts up Adobe viewer or tries to download the document, then you may need to adjust your browser settings. If you need help with this, please get back in touch with me.
Printing
- Click on the entry number to view the PDF version of the submission
- In IE, Chrome or Opera - right click and select Print from the pop-up menu
- In Firefox you should see a PDF toolbar immediately above the document; click on the print icon, towards the right hand end of the toolbar
Downloading
- Click on the entry number to view the PDF version of the submission
- In IE use Tools | File |Save As
- In Firefox, you should see a PDF toolbar immediately above the document; click on the download icon, towards the right hand end of the toolbar
- In Chrome a little toolbar should pop up when you hover the mouse in the bottom right hand corner of the window; click on the icon that looks like an old-fashioned floppy disk to download the file [alternatively you can use Tools | Save Page As]
- In Opera a toolbar will pop up when you hover the mouse near the bottom on the window; click on the icon that looks like an old-fashioned floppy disk to download the file
Mac user?
Alas, I don't have a Mac, so can't give you exact instructions for Safari but, if you need help with this, get back in touch with me and I will enlist the help of my son to come up with the recipe.
Want to read on a Kindle? PDFs can be read directly on the Kindle but there is no automatic line wrap which can mean you have to display at an uncomfortably small font size. It is possible to improve the readability of the file by using Amazon's own personal document conversion service:
- Download the PDF file to your computer
- Email the file to your Send-to-Kindle e-mail address with the Subject line: Convert
- You can find your Send-to-Kindle e-mail address on your Kindle by going to Settings > Device Option > Personalize your Kindle on your e-reader.
For further assistance
contact me (Aenea) by email: webmaster@pushingouttheboat.co.uk
Viewing, Printing and Downloading images
Viewing
To view an image, click on the thumbnail and a new window will open in which a full-screen version of the image will be displayed.
Printing
To print an image, view the full-screen version of the image as described above, then use your browser's Print command to print the image.
Downloading
To download an image, view the full-screen version of the image as described above, right click on the image and then choose 'Save Image As' (or 'Save As') to download a copy of the image to your computer.
For further assistance
contact me (Aenea) by email: webmaster@pushingouttheboat.co.uk
Toolbar Help
Document Viewer
To be able to view submissions online, without having to download them first, we are using a tool called the Google Document Embedder or GDE for short.
When viewing, be sure to scroll down to the bottom of each page, to ensure that there are no footers or page numbers.
Scroll down to the bottom of the window to see the toolbar.
denotes that you are at page 1 of 5
click to advance one page
click to go back one page
click to make the text bigger
click to make the text smaller
Troubleshooting
Page appears to load but all I get is a blank screen
Try reloading the page. You may need to do this several times but the document should appear eventually.
Any other problems?
Please report to Aenea for investigation
To check an entry, follow these steps.
- View the entry to check for:
- any details that could identify the submitter - these need to be edited out
- features that should be mentioned to the Selection Panel.
- If the entry needs to be edited:
- download the file
- edit it to remove the inapproriate content
- replace the original with your edited version.
- Review the Notes to Selection Panel:
- for most submissions, these can remain empty
- if they contain any Further Details from the submitter, they may need editing before passing to the Panel
- add in any other comments you think are worth pointing out to the Selection Panel.
- Update the Status to
- Checked, if ready for the Selection Panel
- Pending other wise
- Click on the Update button to save your changes
To check an Art entry, follow these steps.
- View the entry to check:
- that the image is of reasonable clarity
- that it is suitable material for a literary magazine
- if there are any features that should be mentioned to the Selection Panel.
- Look at the descriptive details Colour/B&W, Medium and Original Dimensions. If any looks wrong or if the Medium requires editing:
- click on the Review Details link to open up a form for editing these fields
- or, if you need further information before making changes, update the Status field to Pending and return to this entry later.
- Review the Notes to Selection Panel:
- for most submissions, these can remain empty
- if the submitter has included extra details in the Medium field, these should have been moved to the Selection Panel Notes at step 2
- add in any other comments worth pointing out to the Selection Panel.
- Update the Status to
- Checked, if ready for the Selection Panel
- Pending other wise
- Click on the Update button to save your changes
PDF File Not Yet Available
For ease of viewing and to preserve anonymity, PDF versions of prose and poetry entries are created.
You are getting this message either because the PDF version of this entry has not yet been created or because it requires to be updated, following replacement of the submission file.
Creation of PDF files normally happens overnight, as it requires a file transfer to and from Aenea's home PC.
In the meantime, you can view the entry using the Gview inline viewer.
Please contact Aenea if you experience a delay in PDF creation longer than 2 days.
Since the PDF version is the only version that will be seen by the Selection Panel, you will not be able to update the status of this entry to Checked until the PDF file has been created.
Updating artwork details
The artwork details Colour/B&W, Medium and Original Dimensions can be updated through this form.
- Type in your amendments
- Take care to use millimetres if updating any of the dimensions
- Click on the Update button to apply your change(s)
- Click on the Exit button to return to the Submission Checking page.
Note: If the details provided by the submitter under the Medium heading contain some further details that are relevant to the submission but are not part of the medium description (e.g. This image is intended to accompany the poem titled 'Fresh Fields') then these details should be copied into the Notes for Selection Panel box and removed from the Medium.
Team Document Library Help
The Document Library is organised into folders
- Click on a Folder name to enter that section of the library
To re-sort the list of folder names:
- Click on the LAST MODIFIED table heading to re-sort by date modified
- Click on the FOLDER table heading to re-sort in alphabetical order
For editors only
List all the files in each folder
Create a new folder
Delete folder (only appears when a folder is empty)
Team Document Library Help
The Document Library is organised into folders
- Click on a Folder name to enter that section of the library
To re-sort the list of folder names:
- Click on the LAST MODIFIED table heading to re-sort by date modified
- Click on the FOLDER table heading to re-sort in alphabetical order
Team Document Library Help
Use the icons as follows:
To View a document or image within your web browser
To Download a document to your computer
(only appears for documents with no PDF version)
To go back to the Team Document Library home page
This help popup not written yet.
Coming shortly (I hope).
Team Document Library Help
Use the icons as follows:
To View a document or image within your web browser
To Download a document to your computer
(only appears for documents with no PDF version)
To go back to the Team Document Library home page
For editors only
To display more / less file details
To upload a new file to this folder
To Edit this file
- Edit document title
- Upload or replace PDF version of document
- Delete document
- Move document to another folder
Notes on updating a file