Advice from Writers
Have you ever wanted to ask established writers for guidance or tips on the creative process? We thought so, and in response, we at the Irish Writers Centre have curated this space to showcase advice given by some of Ireland’s most beloved literary figures who have contributed to our ‘Dublin, One City, Many Stories’ video series in association with Dublin UNESCO City of Literature.
The ongoing six-video series will showcase over 20 writers who reflect the depth and diversity of Ireland’s literary landscape, including Suad Aldarra, John Banville, Ciara Ní É, Marian Keyes, Nandi Jola, Neil Jordan, Victoria Kennefick, Gustav Parker Hibbitt, Mike McCormack, and many more. The series celebrates 15 years of Dublin’s designation as a UNESCO City of Literature and the Irish Writers Centre’s ongoing mission to support writers at all stages of their careers.
Each section below has videos of our contributing writers discussing questions posed to them during the filming of our video series. We hope that these tips and guidance will be beneficial to Ireland’s thriving community of writers. Check back regularly as we update the page with more advice from Ireland’s leading literary voices.
New Writers Starting Out
Kicking off your writing career is an exciting time with a lot of questions to ask of oneself. Here, established writers discuss their best guidance to those starting out in the creative field.
To My Younger Self
If you could reverse the clock, what would you tell your younger self? Writers, like most of us, have some feedback to give. Whether it’s words of encouragement or a nudge in the right direction, hear what they have to share below.
Dublin: Writer’s City
How is Dublin reflected in the work of its writers? How does the city shape the stories we choose to tell, and how we tell them? Over time, Dublin has been a muse to legions of writers, and in these videos, our contributors reflect on the capital’s influence on literature.
Finding Your Writing Community
Writing can be a solitary experience, and often includes facing rejection or the dreaded writer’s block. That’s why finding a group of fellow creatives is key to being supported and encouraged throughout your creative life. Here, our contributors share their guidance on finding your community.
On Finding Time To Write
With busy lives, it can be hard to feel you’ve got the time to immerse yourself in your writing fully. Here, long-time writers share how they carve out the time to be creative.
My Biggest Lesson Learned
Whether through mistakes they’ve made or advice they’ve been given from peers, writers share what lessons they’ve learned in their creative lives.
Writers Who Inspire Me
Many of us have been compelled to write thanks to admiration for our favourite writers and love for our well-thumbed copies of their books. Below, writers share the storytellers and stories they revere.
On the Irish Writers Centre
The Irish Writers Centre is the leading all-island resource and development organisation for writers. We’re here to help you evolve your craft and join a vibrant writing community. Some of Ireland’s most prominent literary voices talk about what the Irish Writers Centre means to them.
