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kristiedegaris.bsky.social
Kristie De Garis
@kristiedegaris.bsky.social
3.4K followers 1.4K following 1.4K posts
Writer // Photographer // Drystone Waller
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Reposted by Kristie De Garis
kristiedegaris.bsky.social
I will be at Creative Conversations - 1pm at Glasgow Uni on Monday 1st December.

This is a wonderful event in a beautiful venue (the university memorial chapel!) and it's free!

Reserve your place at link below.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-c...

#Scotland #Glasgow #Writing #Reading
Creative Conversations: Kristie de Garis
Author and Dry Stone Waller Kristie de Garis in conversation
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 6:58 PM
kristiedegaris.bsky.social
I will be at Creative Conversations - 1pm at Glasgow Uni on Monday 1st December.

This is a wonderful event in a beautiful venue (the university memorial chapel!) and it's free!

Reserve your place at link below.

www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/creative-c...

#Scotland #Glasgow #Writing #Reading
Creative Conversations: Kristie de Garis
Author and Dry Stone Waller Kristie de Garis in conversation
www.eventbrite.co.uk
November 25, 2025 at 6:58 PM
Reposted by Kristie De Garis
kristiedegaris.bsky.social
Next week I'll be seven years sober.

#Sobriety #Addiction #Writing #Reading #Scotland
People often say they don't see me as an alcoholic I was never stumbling through back alleys, gin and piss soaked, passing out in the park. Instead I drank £18 bottles of Rioja and listened to Joni Mitchell. For many that seems pretty civilised. Normalised. I drank to stop the spinning wheels of my mind. I drank to forget who I had been, who I was, and the person I desperately wanted to become. Tipsy was never sufficient. I always had one eye on the bottle, dreading that final, half-glass pour. Over time, one bottle turned into two. I wanted to feel nothing but the room spinning and gravity pinning my body to the bed. I lived for those moments of insensibility, preferring the powerlessness I’d chosen over that which felt forced upon me. There was not a minute of my existence that I didn’t hate myself. Next week I will be 7 years sober. And yet, there's not a week that goes by that I don't think about alcohol. I want my fingertips in cold condensation, the crisp smell of Pinot Grigio, the satisfaction of that first sip. A pint of Black Isle Brewery Yellowhammer, weighty in my hand, zingy grapefruit and bitter hops on my tongue. But more honestly, I want to be drunk. Gone. I miss the oblivion. You see, booze is the fastest getaway car for a brain on the run. Meditation does fuck all (for me). Yoga gets me nowhere near where I want to go. Exercise requires effort. Buying things online is ruined by the very fact of delivery. I've tried binge eating, but the impact, on all but my digestive system, has been paltry. I remember getting drunk at age 15. For the first time in my life, I felt free from myself. Less of a shedding, more of an abandonment. And I loved it. I think some part of me will always want that escape. So, I wake up every day and I choose sobriety. Just before our love got lost you said "I am as constant as a northern star" And I said, "Constantly in the darkness Where's that at? If you want me I'll be in the bar" - Joni Mitchell - Case Of You
November 23, 2025 at 7:55 PM
kristiedegaris.bsky.social
Next week I'll be seven years sober.

#Sobriety #Addiction #Writing #Reading #Scotland
People often say they don't see me as an alcoholic I was never stumbling through back alleys, gin and piss soaked, passing out in the park. Instead I drank £18 bottles of Rioja and listened to Joni Mitchell. For many that seems pretty civilised. Normalised. I drank to stop the spinning wheels of my mind. I drank to forget who I had been, who I was, and the person I desperately wanted to become. Tipsy was never sufficient. I always had one eye on the bottle, dreading that final, half-glass pour. Over time, one bottle turned into two. I wanted to feel nothing but the room spinning and gravity pinning my body to the bed. I lived for those moments of insensibility, preferring the powerlessness I’d chosen over that which felt forced upon me. There was not a minute of my existence that I didn’t hate myself. Next week I will be 7 years sober. And yet, there's not a week that goes by that I don't think about alcohol. I want my fingertips in cold condensation, the crisp smell of Pinot Grigio, the satisfaction of that first sip. A pint of Black Isle Brewery Yellowhammer, weighty in my hand, zingy grapefruit and bitter hops on my tongue. But more honestly, I want to be drunk. Gone. I miss the oblivion. You see, booze is the fastest getaway car for a brain on the run. Meditation does fuck all (for me). Yoga gets me nowhere near where I want to go. Exercise requires effort. Buying things online is ruined by the very fact of delivery. I've tried binge eating, but the impact, on all but my digestive system, has been paltry. I remember getting drunk at age 15. For the first time in my life, I felt free from myself. Less of a shedding, more of an abandonment. And I loved it. I think some part of me will always want that escape. So, I wake up every day and I choose sobriety. Just before our love got lost you said "I am as constant as a northern star" And I said, "Constantly in the darkness Where's that at? If you want me I'll be in the bar" - Joni Mitchell - Case Of You
November 23, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Reposted by Kristie De Garis
kristiedegaris.bsky.social
Had a brilliant time with the wonderful Kat Hill at our Aye Write event last night. Thanks to Helen Cross for being an excellent chair.

Hugely looking forward to Creative Conversation at UofGlasgow on December 1st which will be my final event of the year.
Two women sit at a black table during a book signing event. The woman on the left has shoulder-length dark hair, glasses, and wears a chunky brown jumper while holding a copy of the book Bothy by Kat Hill. The woman on the right has short dark hair, is wearing a denim shirt and a white 3M mask, and is holding a copy of the book Drystone – A Life Rebuilt by Kristie De Garis. A “BOOK SIGNING” sign hangs on the wall behind them. I also like to explain why I continue to wear a mask in public spaces. The more we learn about viruses the clearer it is that they are not innocuous visitors. They can cause real and lasting damage to many. Masking is an easy and accessible way to protect oneself and others. I remember what it is like to be ill with the flu, bedbound for a week or more. Sore throats that kept me up all night. Worrying over kids with high fevers. Missing school and work, slogging through the post viral struggle. I do not miss any of it in the slightest. And of course viruses can be especially risky for those who are young, elderly and/or clinically vulnerable. I myself am chronically ill and my daughter is too. I feel we have a responsibility to keep society accessible for *all*. Clean air, masking, testing, staying home when symptomatic and educating ourselves are easy ways to achieve this <3 <3 <3
November 14, 2025 at 12:57 PM
kristiedegaris.bsky.social
Had a brilliant time with the wonderful Kat Hill at our Aye Write event last night. Thanks to Helen Cross for being an excellent chair.

Hugely looking forward to Creative Conversation at UofGlasgow on December 1st which will be my final event of the year.
Two women sit at a black table during a book signing event. The woman on the left has shoulder-length dark hair, glasses, and wears a chunky brown jumper while holding a copy of the book Bothy by Kat Hill. The woman on the right has short dark hair, is wearing a denim shirt and a white 3M mask, and is holding a copy of the book Drystone – A Life Rebuilt by Kristie De Garis. A “BOOK SIGNING” sign hangs on the wall behind them. I also like to explain why I continue to wear a mask in public spaces. The more we learn about viruses the clearer it is that they are not innocuous visitors. They can cause real and lasting damage to many. Masking is an easy and accessible way to protect oneself and others. I remember what it is like to be ill with the flu, bedbound for a week or more. Sore throats that kept me up all night. Worrying over kids with high fevers. Missing school and work, slogging through the post viral struggle. I do not miss any of it in the slightest. And of course viruses can be especially risky for those who are young, elderly and/or clinically vulnerable. I myself am chronically ill and my daughter is too. I feel we have a responsibility to keep society accessible for *all*. Clean air, masking, testing, staying home when symptomatic and educating ourselves are easy ways to achieve this <3 <3 <3
November 14, 2025 at 12:57 PM
Reposted by Kristie De Garis
moragperkinsphoto.com
Just been over at the Mitchell for Aye Write book festival - “debut author @kristiedegaris.bsky.social will be arriving slightly late due to chickens on the A9”

Pleased to confirm that Kristie made it, she was great, and they weren’t kidding about the chickens 🐓

www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
www.bbc.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Reposted by Kristie De Garis
moragperkinsphoto.com
Got my ticket! Come hear Kristie talking about her book in person
kristiedegaris.bsky.social Kristie De Garis @kristiedegaris.bsky.social · 21d
I have really limited promotional energy right now, but wanted to mention that I will be at Aye Write with my absolute fav, the brilliant Kat Hill.

Mitchell Library, Glasgow. 13th November, 6pm. Tickets at link below.

It'll be good.

www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/both...
Bothy and Drystone: Kat Hill and Kristie De Garis - Glasgow Life
Bothy and Drystone: Kat Hill and Kristie De Garis
www.glasgowlife.org.uk
November 5, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Reposted by Kristie De Garis
kristiedegaris.bsky.social
I have really limited promotional energy right now, but wanted to mention that I will be at Aye Write with my absolute fav, the brilliant Kat Hill.

Mitchell Library, Glasgow. 13th November, 6pm. Tickets at link below.

It'll be good.

www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/both...
Bothy and Drystone: Kat Hill and Kristie De Garis - Glasgow Life
Bothy and Drystone: Kat Hill and Kristie De Garis
www.glasgowlife.org.uk
November 5, 2025 at 11:57 AM
kristiedegaris.bsky.social
I have really limited promotional energy right now, but wanted to mention that I will be at Aye Write with my absolute fav, the brilliant Kat Hill.

Mitchell Library, Glasgow. 13th November, 6pm. Tickets at link below.

It'll be good.

www.glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/both...
Bothy and Drystone: Kat Hill and Kristie De Garis - Glasgow Life
Bothy and Drystone: Kat Hill and Kristie De Garis
www.glasgowlife.org.uk
November 5, 2025 at 11:57 AM
Reposted by Kristie De Garis
kovesi.bsky.social
Excited to read this new book, by @kristiedegaris.bsky.social, before hosting the author for a reading @uofgartshums.bsky.social soon.
October 31, 2025 at 7:40 PM
kristiedegaris.bsky.social
Not online much. Mental health is very poor. Living quietly and trying to get through.

Take care of yourselves, it's hard out there.
October 31, 2025 at 5:44 PM
Reposted by Kristie De Garis
sheilab01.bsky.social
I'm here for this...
kristiedegaris.bsky.social Kristie De Garis @kristiedegaris.bsky.social · Oct 13
Pragmatism has become the most useful way I know to survive modern life.

Not a grand theory, not a magic pill or perfect fix - just a way to see what actually works.

This is the first in a series of essays on pragmatism.

kristiedegaris.substack.com/p/what-works...

#Philosophy #Scotland #Writing
What Works When Nothing Does
A case for pragmatism in an age of collapse and exhaustion
kristiedegaris.substack.com
October 13, 2025 at 6:55 PM
kristiedegaris.bsky.social
A great deal for Nic's fantastic book. Also an opportunity to support a great person (which I think is important!)
nicwilson.bsky.social Nic Wilson @nicwilson.bsky.social · Oct 14
Land Beneath the Waves paperback has been chosen for Waterstones pre-order promotion!! Pre-orders make such a difference & if you could support & share, I'd be so grateful.

Enter “OCTOBER25” at checkout for 25% off RRP.

www.waterstones.com/campaign/oct...

@summersdalebooks.bsky.social
#WPreorder
October 14, 2025 at 8:16 AM
Reposted by Kristie De Garis
philwalker.bsky.social
Finished. My hot take ... crikey. This is a raw, cut and thrust memoir describing a life that has mostly been a long and hard uphill drag. Why would it not be given racism, poverty, undiagnosed ADHD etc etc?
@kristiedegaris.bsky.social
Read in 2 x 3 hour sessions.
Recommended.
A photo of a memoir by Kristie De Garis sitting on a table next to a cup of coffee and table decorations.
October 12, 2025 at 7:24 PM
kristiedegaris.bsky.social
Pragmatism has become the most useful way I know to survive modern life.

Not a grand theory, not a magic pill or perfect fix - just a way to see what actually works.

This is the first in a series of essays on pragmatism.

kristiedegaris.substack.com/p/what-works...

#Philosophy #Scotland #Writing
What Works When Nothing Does
A case for pragmatism in an age of collapse and exhaustion
kristiedegaris.substack.com
October 13, 2025 at 11:26 AM
Reposted by Kristie De Garis
ianchanges.bsky.social
just ordered a copy of @kristiedegaris.bsky.social ’s memoir,‘Drystone' - I’ve been excited and curious to read this for a while, and it’s nice to order a book from an independent publisher, Birlinn, that I’m not familiar with
October 2, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Reposted by Kristie De Garis
claireboardman.bsky.social
"[Stone] Created by powerful natural forces. But unlike the stars, I can hold it in my hands. Shape it with a hammer. Stack it in such a way that someone two hundred years from now will see those stones—lifted by my body, placed by my fingers—and know something of my intent." 🫶
September 28, 2025 at 5:32 PM
kristiedegaris.bsky.social
If you’d like to read my Anne Brown Essay Prize–shortlisted piece, you can find it at the link below.

kristiedegaris.substack.com/p/the-stone-...

#Essay #WritingCommunity #Scotland #Writing #Reading
The Stone Is Heavy In My Hands — My Essay Shortlisted for the Anne Brown Prize
Today was the Anne Brown Essay Prize awards ceremony, which I attended as a shortlistee.
kristiedegaris.substack.com
September 28, 2025 at 4:48 PM
kristiedegaris.bsky.social
Congrats to Tamara Fulcher on winning the Anne Brown Essay prize 2025! Very much looking forward to reading her essay.

Here are a couple of photos of Wigtown in the sun and a photo of me that I forced my ex-husband (and best pal) to take. The 'SV' stands for Svea Vikander of course.
Close-up view through a dusty blue-paned window, showing wooden bookshelves filled with second-hand books, including paperbacks by Andy McNab, James Patterson, and various thrillers and novels. Woman with short dark and grey hair wearing a teal-blue blouse and dark jeans, standing by a stone wall beside a river. A weathered red phone box is on the right, with trees and fields in the background. Concrete wall with a street sign reading “Low Vennel.” At the base of the wall, rows of plants grow from colourful old wellington boots and containers, next to a metal stand with hanging planters.
September 28, 2025 at 4:09 PM
kristiedegaris.bsky.social
Scrubbed-up Kristie - a rare sighting. Iron at the Air BnB wasn't working properly so hopefully the (considerable) heat from my tits will get the creases out of the shirt before we arrive at Anne Brown Essay Prize ceremony ;)
A woman with short dark hair streaked with grey, wearing a teal-blue button-up blouse, takes a selfie indoors. She has a small nose stud and silver star-shaped earrings. Behind her is a tripod floor lamp, a shelf with books, and a closed white door.
September 28, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Reposted by Kristie De Garis
kristiedegaris.bsky.social
Very pleased and very proud to say that I have been shortlisted for this year’s Anne Brown Essay Prize.

www.wigtownbookfestival.com/blog/shortli...
Wigtown Book Festival | Eight-Strong Shortlist Unveiled Scotland’s…
The £1,500 prize and trophy will be awarded during a special event on Sunday 28 September at Bladnoch Distillery during the annual Wigtown Book Festival.
www.wigtownbookfestival.com
September 19, 2025 at 12:55 PM
kristiedegaris.bsky.social
Very pleased and very proud to say that I have been shortlisted for this year’s Anne Brown Essay Prize.

www.wigtownbookfestival.com/blog/shortli...
Wigtown Book Festival | Eight-Strong Shortlist Unveiled Scotland’s…
The £1,500 prize and trophy will be awarded during a special event on Sunday 28 September at Bladnoch Distillery during the annual Wigtown Book Festival.
www.wigtownbookfestival.com
September 19, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Reposted by Kristie De Garis
briancutts.bsky.social
#read Fascinating, thought-provoking and beautifully-written life story of the author’s @kristiedegaris.bsky.social struggles facing racism, addictions, misogyny, abuse, family issues, trauma etc. all remembered as she moves to rural Scotland and starts a 'new' life building dry-stone constructions.
September 17, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Reposted by Kristie De Garis
chrismollison.bsky.social
"Reviews are not private diaries. They carry cultural authority, shaping what counts & what is dismissed. That authority demands rigour: asking what comes easily & what is overlooked; whose voices are granted authority; what is elevated as universal & what is marked as particular."
#writingcommunity
kristiedegaris.bsky.social Kristie De Garis @kristiedegaris.bsky.social · Sep 15
When life gives you lemons (a review I thought was lazy and damaging in the way it framed women’s writing), make lemonade (a 2,500-word essay on the habits of literary criticism).

kristiedegaris.substack.com/p/literary-c...

#Writing #WritingCommunity #Reading #Scotland #Books
Literary Criticism Under Review
Authors aren’t supposed to do this.
kristiedegaris.substack.com
September 17, 2025 at 10:06 AM