THE debut poetry collection of a Scots writer who shot to fame on social media has hit the bestseller charts.
Len Pennie’s anthology entitled Poyums received more than 5000 pre-orders with nearly 500 copies already being sold at publication week events across Scotland.
As a result it has reached number two on the UK’s non-fiction bestseller list.
Speaking to The Herald, Pennie thanked Scots speaking communities for preserving and celebrating the language.
“To hit bestseller lists with my debut collection is such an incredible feeling.
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"So many of the topics addressed in Poyums - like domestic abuse and mental illness - thrive in the silence and isolation of those experiencing them, and I wanted to write a book that helped others realise they weren’t alone.
"More than anything, Poyums is a book about connection, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped it find its community, from my agent and publisher to the readers and booksellers who’ve been so generous in their support.
"I couldn't have written Poyums without the Scots speaking communities who have preserved, protected and celebrated Scots, especially my family, to whom I am forever grateful."
The 24-year-old gained popularity after her poem I’m No Havin’ Children went viral in 2020. It is now featured as the last poem in her debut collection.
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After successful launch events in Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews and Dollar, Pennie is now off to promote the book in England and Wales.
Helena Gonda, senior commissioning editor at Canongate, said: "It’s been incredible to see the rising demand for Lennie’s debut collection across the board, and particularly gratifying to be launching her straight to #2 on the bestseller list.
"Although deeply personal, her poems have a timeless universality and we’re thrilled with the response from readers so far!"
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