Scott Hastie is a full-time Scottish born writer, based in the UK - he lives and works in tranquil surroundings in the English countryside, some twenty miles north of London.
Primarily a poet, Scott also has had one novel - 'Reunion' published, as well as several lavishly illustrated local history books. Ten of his books remain in print today - principally his two early signature volumes of poetry: 'Selected Poetry' & 'New Poetry', first published in the 1990's - together with showcases for newer equally distinctive work, such as the beautiful and soulful 'Meditations' first published in the Autumn of 2013.
Scott's current poetry is very much a positive and sparkling affirmation of human potential, with a growing emphasis on spiritual awareness. Given the impact of this more recent output and its fast growing cross-cultural popularity around the world, a much more definitive and comprehensive hardback collection of all his latest work entitled 'Angel Voices' was soon brought forward for publication by Centuria in September 2014.
More recently, his recent poetic output has been re-edited and consolidated into the spiritually themed landmark collection 'Threads'. This, with doubt, the definitive collection to date... Already widely translated and released to international acclaim in 2016. Following his recent success and growing worldwide exposure for his work, his only novel to date 'Reunion' was released as an e book in the Spring of 2018.
For well over a decade now, the writing of Scott Hastie has attracted international attention and has been widely translated. A new collection 'Pranic Poetry' Scott's first for nearly four years, was finally published in March 2020.
Seemingly always destined to be released at the very beginning of the Coronavirus pandemic, it really struck a chord with readers all around the world. Hence the accelerated release of his first fully retrospective collection 'Timeless: the best of Scott Hastie's poetry 1990-2020' and it's companion volume Splinters of Light: 'quotations from the poetry of Scott Hastie.'
The planned publication of both these titles soon being advanced by six months, into the Autumn of the same year, to help satisfy the ever accelerating international demand for his work.
"It is at times like these that we need the fairest glimpses of hope, rejuvenation and a deeper understanding of the potential to realize our very best - especially in the face of such on-going adversity. Perhaps this is why Scott Hastie's poetry achieves such an impact and is so well received around the world.
Fortunately, it is already very easy to dip into Scott's poetry at his highly visual and popular new web site at https://scotthastie.com which freely displays samples of both his already published and latest unpublished work. As a writer, Scott is very open and likes to encourage maximum participation and feedback from his readers. His web site offers the chance to post comments, both on individual pieces or more generally, if you wish... And also encourages dialogue about writing. Scott offers mentoring services to other creative writers/students around the world. He is passionate about visiting and learning from other cultures and his web site also features many fascinating photos from his extensive travels around the world.
Author’s words:
I regard the over-arching theme of my work to be a personal investigation into the positive potential of the human spirit. This I think is clearly evident, running through most of my poems. Not that I believe my work can ever be said to be some sweet pastoral panacea, because it never shies away from pain or suffering – and is prepared to also explore the darkness, as well as the light and, crucially, the fundamental significance of their inter reaction. This being, to me, the absolute axis (the truly dynamic and crucial interdependence of the light and dark, of joy and sorrow, of love and loss, in the grand Romantic tradition) and that key notion of duality which I hope still lies solidly at the heart of my work and my approach.
I remain determined always to be challenging enough to try and reach deep into the core of the meaning of the human experience - although I do readily accept that, as my work has developed, then my voice has also become more reflective and spiritual in its emphasis.
I have always aimed, at any time in my career, to be as simply expressed and as readily accessible as possible – For me, this is a vital component of all my work to date. And it is here that you can also hopefully see how simple often short line length structures also play their part – though still carefully shaped for emphasis, controlled rhythm and musicality that lifts key passages, enhances meaning and always looks to carefully and lyrically draw the reader towards the concluding climax of any piece. The success of which for me is always a critical consideration and the key litmus test of success of any particular poem. Hope you enjoy my work.
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