Between the lines: Sir Ian Rankin interviews Damian Barr

Join us as we bring together two luminaries of the literary world for an insightful and thought-provoking conversation.

Damian Barr FRSE is best known for his memoir Maggie & Me – a powerful exploration of his childhood, coming of age and coming out in Thatcher's Britain – for which he was awarded Stonewall Writer of the Year and Sunday Times Memoir of the Year. In just two books, following the release of You Will Be Safe Here, Damian had excelled in both memoir and novel writing, as well as in broadcasting. His life is all about writing, telling and celebrating stories, whilst striving to widen participation in literature, making the case for bookshops and libraries for all. As an award-winning writer, journalist, and creator of the renowned Literary Salon, Damian will bring his unique perspective with compelling insights to be shared at the RSE.

Sir Ian Rankin OBE FRSE, winner of several national and international awards and widely known for exploring contemporary Scottish society through his literary work, including through the Inspector Rebus series, has published 26 novels while also writing for radio, the stage, and film. He takes the stage as the inquisitive interviewer, delving into the mind of the multi-talented Damian Barr – exploring the inspiration and motivation driving his creative endeavours; writing processes and challenges; their shared passion for the world of literature; the continued role of books and libraries in society; and Damian’s fight with plagiarism from robots as they both contemplate the impact of artificial intelligence on the literary world.

Expect an evening of deep exploration into the world of words, characters, and the creative process as they share their experiences and visions for the future of the creative arts. Don't miss the opportunity to witness this literary exchange at the heart of Edinburgh's intellectual hub. Between the lines promises to be an unmissable event for book lovers, writers, and anyone eager to dive into the minds of these exceptional literary talents. Come and be part of an unforgettable night of conversation and inspiration.