New writer 2024: John Lawrie

John is a writer and spoken word artist from Edinburgh. He initially studied psychology at university, but quickly realised that spoken word and poetry allowed him to hog more of the spotlight and involved much less maths.

With a primary focus on identity, relationships and mental health, he delights in finding the humour and the horror in the everyday world we all seek to navigate. John has performed virtually and in person across Scotland, being a regular performer with Loud Poets, Push The Boat Out and to any other man, woman or badger willing to listen. He is also working on his debut poetry collection.

John says:

'Wildly grateful doesn't cut it. I am deeply appreciative to Scottish Book Trust for this opportunity and am incredibly excited to make the most of this opportunity to grow and develop as an artist.'