A good news story for Aberdeen and Union Street.
Exclusive to Union Street
Reaction to the FITEVER! Books.
February sees the official launch of a uniquely Aberdonian comedy series of books, the FITEVER! Series and associated products, including t-shirts, mugs, coasters, hats etc.
In an effort boost Union Street, the publisher is selling all FITEVER! product exclusively through the independent retailer, Aberdeen Gift and Tourist Shop at 101-103 Union Street. The official launch will also be at the same store. Date TBC.
The Books
The Upcoming Marriage of the Whiny Quinie sold over 3,000 copies over various reprints since 2017, mostly through independent retailers and cafes.
The long-awaited sequel, WISE UP! will be published in February with advanced orders of nearly 1000 copies already. This book covers the Hennie and the Stagger of the bride and groom to be.
The third book in the trilogy, Canna, Winna, Dinna, published in June 2024, covers the actual day of the wedding at Pittodrie Stadium.
The Story
The success of the first Fitever! book was based on characters that people can relate to. Everyone knows a “Grumphy and Mither”, a wild card like Pat, a firebrand woman like Kylie. The demand for more books means the series is extended to three, covering the period from Kylie’s engagement to Dod, through to the Stag and Hen parties, the wedding itself.
A theme running throughout is who will give Kylie away - the family patriarch, Grumphy, or the returning absent father, Pat. Grumpy, determined to do the best for his granddaughter, knows he’ll have to keep a constant eye on Pat, the soldier just out of the army under a cloud. They both do their best for Kylie’s sake, but the tension between them, despite their growing mutual respect and affection, is ever-present. It takes the strong women in the family to keep them both in line.
The books are written in English, with the characters’ dialogue having smatterings of Doric while remaining accessible to everyday readers. The author is Aberdonian and having returned to Aberdeen after a successful publishing and writing career elsewhere, was amazed no one was capturing the natural comedy of down to earth Aberdonians.
The Author
Robin Smith is an experienced author who has had over 30 books published under various names, in five languages on four continents, his children’s books having topped the charts in Italy, Brazil and Russia. Smith has worked with some of the world’s biggest publishers (Bertelsmann, Mondadori, ESMKO) and key Scottish publishers (DC Thomson, Birlinn) over a 30-year period. Smith believes books and TV shows work best when people recognise themselves or their friends and family in them.
“It’s not about vanity – it’s about validation. This is true in Scotland (and especially true in Aberdeen) where we don’t get to see ourselves on the telly often. So, when a Still Game comes along we see ourselves, and this makes us feel, ‘We’re alright after all’. This gives us a strong attachment and loyalty to the show. Its ‘ours’. That’s the ambition of Fitever!”