Wild Goose Publications

Our fiction list is having a stellar week! Nice mention here in The Church Times for our new book of stories about the life and times of St Columba - a great read and excellent gift for the young readers in your life.

Notice board: Columba’s Travels: The seven sands of Iona by Andrew Symon ANDREW SYMON is the author of Columba’s Travels: The seven sands of Iona (Wild Goose, £10.99 (£9.89)...

Lovely to see our good news in The National and have Margaret's author photo featured!

Women dominate fiction shortlist for Scotland’s National Book Awards WOMEN writers dominate the fiction shortlist for Scotland’s National Book Awards, which organisers said showcase the “dazzling variety” of…

🥳 Celebrations in the office today! We’re thrilled to announce that our title Lost People has been shortlisted for the Scottish National Book Award! 🎉

As a small publishing house just beginning our journey in fiction, this recognition is a huge milestone, and we couldn’t be prouder. A huge congratulations to Margaret, our brilliant author, whose storytelling has captivated so many, and to Sandra, our dedicated editor, whose vision helped bring this book to life.
Thank you to everyone who buys our books and supports our work, and all of you who believe in independent publishing! 📚✨

The book is available in print and ebook form:
https://www.ionabooks.com/product/lost-people/

🌿 New Interview Alert! 🌿 We have a treat for you with this one!

We’re thrilled to bring you this inspiring conversation on YouTube with the warm, wise, and wonderful Janet Lees! She's in conversation about her book Come Wind, Come Weather as part of the Autumn Talks series from The Lay Community of St Benedict.

Janet’s reflections are a perfect listen for anyone curious about pilgrimage, the beauty of nature, and living life to the fullest .We’d love to hear your thoughts if you tune in! We dare you to finish the interview without thinking about trees, bridges, and the joy of observing the world in all its wonder. 🌳 🌲🌿🍁🍄🥀🌏🏔

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SJlv9FotEA

📖 Have you discovered our fiction list? Explore it here👇
https://www.ionabooks.com/product-category/books/fiction/

Did you know that we also publish fiction? 🖊️✨ Dive into stories that inspire, provoke thought, and bring new perspectives to life.

Looking for some inspiring and thoughtful listening? Check out the Wild Goose Publications YouTube channel! We regularly feature events with our authors, offering insightful discussions that make for perfect podcast-style listening. Our latest author events include Chris Polhill in conversation with Ruth Harvey and Andrew Symon with Jane Sandell—don’t miss these engaging dialogues! Keep an eye on our page for upcoming author events.

Chris Polhill & Ruth Harvey: https://youtu.be/E1ocRhpYAI4
Andrew Symon & Jane Sandell: https://youtu.be/_Xf8XOf9xlA

✨ A HUGE thank you to Andrew Symon and Jane Sandell for a wonderful Zoom event last night! Their fascinating and insightful interview delved into the folklore and history of St. Columba, with wonderful conversations about language, storytelling, and more. 📖✨ Stay tuned— we’ll be sharing the recording on our YouTube channel soon, and trust us, it’s one you won’t want to miss!

Big thanks as well to Iona and Neil for expertly running the show! 🙏👏

And if you’re on the hunt for a perfect book for younger readers or love a good adventure, Columba’s Travels is a must-read for anyone intrigued by St. Columba or the island of Iona. 🌿📚

Check it out here:
https://www.ionabooks.com/product/columbas-travels/

REMINDER!!

Tonight on zoom, Andrew Symon brings his book, Columba’s Travels, to life. Through vivid prose and captivating storytelling, Andrew masterfully weaves together the rich tapestry of Scottish history, adventure, and faith, making this a must-read for enthusiasts, followers of , or anyone seeking an unforgettable story.

🗓 Date: October 21st
🕖 Time: 7:00 PM (UK Time)
📍 Where: Zoom – from the comfort of your home!

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87519221460?pwd=bzgbywnl10NdGZs0CKQZ1iucblU6vC.1

Special guest Jane Sandell, a children's books specialist, will also join the conversation to explore the art of storytelling.

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Date for the diary!! Columba’s Travels is a perfect blend of history, adventure, and faith. Andrew Symon’s vivid prose and engaging storytelling make this book a must-read for anyone interested in Scottish history, religion, or simply a good story.
Join us on Zoom to hear Andrew read from the book and tell us more about these stories.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on Zoom last night for the inspiring conversation between Chris Polhill and Ruth Harvey. It was an inspiring evening , touching on themes of grief, joy, perseverance, prayer, spiritual practice, environmentalism, and the healing power of these beautiful gardens.

We’ll be sharing the recording on our YouTube channel later this week, so stay tuned for the link!

Special thanks to Ruth for guiding the evening with such thoughtful questions, to Iona K for keeping everything running smoothly, and of course to Chris for sharing her powerful book with us all.

https://www.ionabooks.com/product/through-the-gateways-of-a-garden/

Happy - niche we know ;) 📚 Today marks 181 years since the first photobook was published, and we're celebrating by sharing the beautiful cover of Iona: Images and Reflections from our backlist. Featuring stunning full-color photos of Iona's Abbey, beaches, wildlife, and island life, along with inspiring reflections, prayers, and stories from well-known Iona Community writers. A perfect way to revisit Iona or explore it for the first time Photographs by David Coleman and Anja Grosse-Uhlmann.

FRIENDLY REMINDER!!

📚✨ Happy National Bookshop Day! ✨📚
Today, we're celebrating our own bookshop on the island of Iona and honoring the heart and soul of independent bookshops everywhere. These small, community-driven spaces are so much more than just shops. They’re places where stories live, ideas flourish, and connections are made

At Iona Books, we believe in the power of the written word to inspire, heal, and unite people. By supporting small bookshops, you're not just buying a book—you’re supporting the authors, artists, and communities behind them. Happy reading everyone!

Embark on a captivating journey through ancient Scotland with Columba's Travels: The Seven Sands of Iona, a new book for young people by Andrew Symon, published by

Andrew will be in conversation with young people's book specialist Jane Sandell on 21st October. Email [email protected] for the Zoom link.

You can buy Columba's Travels here: www.ionabooks.com/product/columbas-travels/

Join us on Monday evening to hear Chris Polhill in conversation with Ruth Harvey. talking about her new book Through the Gateways of a Garden, a book that will open your eyes to a deeper understanding of faith, nature, and your own spiritual journey. It is an inspirational guide for anyone seeking a more profound relationship with the world around them and the divine.

Today, on World Mental Health Day, we want to take a moment to reflect on the impact of our words. Last year, we proudly published "Redeeming the Cracks," a book that has resonated deeply with readers and sparked meaningful conversations around mental health. The feedback we've received highlights just how important it is to choose our words wisely. Our thoughts today with everyone who struggles with mental health.

We love this project from the Simon Community

We are delighted to release a new film about a very special safe place of ours that is offering incredible support and hope to people experiencing homelessness in Edinburgh.

To find out more about our Streetreads Library, to watch the film and to learn how you can support, please visit https://www.simonscotland.org/2024/10/09/streetreads-our-new-film/

“I’ve been a long-time fan of Streetreads and have seen first-hand the great work they do. Books can transport us anywhere, to times and worlds that excite and stimulate. That’s hugely important, no matter who you are or what your circumstances are.” Ian Rankin, author

Colin, who visits the library regularly, said; “I first got a book from Streetreads when I was begging. Streetreads means a lot to me personally as it’s somewhere you can come when you feel alone. There’s always someone here to speak to.”

From encounters with druids to diplomacy with warlords, St. Columba’s journey across ancient Scotland is nothing short of legendary. Columba’s Travels: The Seven Sands of Iona by Andrew Symon offers a fresh, engaging look at one of Scotland’s most revered figures. A blend of history, faith, and adventure.

Travel back in time with Galam, a 14-year-old boy, who witnesses the incredible tales of St. Columba during a three-night wake on the sacred island of Iona. Columba’s Travels brings history, adventure, and faith to life in a vivid and captivating way. Perfect for young readers and history buffs! 📚 Andrew Symon will be reading from his book in our online author event on October 21st - more details soon, but save the date!

🌟 We started today with some beautiful words, and we're so grateful to close it with this beautiful moment! Here's Rosie (age 7) from St Nicholas Church in East Sussex, proudly holding her prize as the winner of our colouring competition. 🏆🎨

Rosie won a copy of Starlight and Stone by Emma Major—a mindfulness colouring book inspired by the island of Iona. It invites you to relax, unwind, and immerse yourself in the intricate stars and Celtic crosses. ✨🌿

Congratulations, Rosie! 🎉


https://www.ionabooks.com/product/starlight-stone/

A gentle start to the week with today's, thought for the day by Ruth Burgess taken from Barefeet and Buttercups, a book for a different season, but a prayer that works every day.
God of the morning.
Wake us up.

Wake us up to wonder.
Wake us up to beauty.
Wake us up to justice.
Wake us up to love.

God of the morning.
Wake us up.
Wake us up good.

Ruth Burgess, from Bare Feet and Buttercups

🌟 Along with our backlist authors, we had the pleasure of welcoming Andrew Symon and his new book last week on Iona!

📚✨ New Arrival: Columba's Travels by Andrew Symon! ✨📚

Step into the life and adventures of Saint Columba through the eyes of those who knew him best. In Columba's Travels, Symon masterfully weaves together stories shared at the saint's wake, giving readers a glimpse into his mission to spread the word of Christ in lands ruled by powerful kings and guided by Druids. Perfect for upper primary and lower secondary readers, this engaging and accessible collection of short stories brings Columba's bold, faith-driven journeys to life—whether in moments of high adventure or in quiet, personal encounters.

One of the highlights of on Iona is seeing our books and authors come together in the Iona Community shop! 📚 If you're visiting the island, make sure to pop by—it's located just across from Iona Abbey at the Welcome Centre.

They’ve got everything from our books to Scottish history, literature, children’s books, Celtic jewelry, and even ice cream! 🍦🗺️ You’ll also find handcrafted local gifts and pilgrimage guides.

And don't worry if you can’t make it in person—everything here is available online at www.ionabooks.com. We may be biased, but that’s one fantastic selection! 😍

In the picture: Martin Wroe, Jan Sutch Pickard, Joy Mead and Neil Paynter)

If you missed it yesterday, you can catch Chris Polhill talking about her wonderful Reflections Gardens and The Hermitage on UCB Radio 1 ( 25-minute mark), and her new book Through the Gateways of a Garden, a book that will open your eyes to a deeper understanding of faith, nature and your own spiritual journey. It is an inspirational guide for anyone seeking a more profound relationship with the world around them and the divine.

UCB 1 - Radioplayer Radioplayer web player