Author Archives for IWC_admin

Novel Fair Information Session with Anthony Glavin

June 19, 2020 3:54 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Last week, former Novel Fair judge Anthony Glavin ran an information session on Novel Fair 2021. Submissions for Novel Fair 2021 are now open until Friday 25 September. This year, we have introduced a new online submissions system. This means that aspiring novelists from all over the world can submit to us for the opportunity to be fast-tracked into the Irish & UK Publishing world. This online info session that will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to submitting to the Novel Fair. Described by The Irish Times as a ‘Dragon’s Den for writers’, the Novel Fair is an Irish Writers Centre initiative which aims to introduce up-and-coming writers to top publishers and literary agents, giving novelists the opportunity to bypass the slush pile, pitch their ideas and place their synopsis and sample chapters directly into... Read Moreread more.


The Irish Writers Centre Statement of Support for the Black Lives Matter Movement

June 2, 2020 4:43 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

The Irish Writers Centre would like to offer our solidarity with the #BlackLivesMatter movement.  It is vital that when we address racism in Ireland, we also address the racial inequality across the literature sector in Ireland. We recognise that as the national resource centre for Irish writers, we have a responsibility to ensure that Black voices are uplifted, that Black writers are supported across the island of Ireland. We commit to listening to the voices of Black people and people of colour. We will critically reflect on our programmes, our physical spaces and our actions, and work to identify and confront racism and unconscious bias. We commit to identifying our own shortcomings and blind spots. We will prioritise anti-racism research and training, and examine the ways in which the Irish Writers Centre can meet the needs of marginalised writers through... Read Moreread more.


Reflections on a Digital Festival – Young Writer Delegates at Cúirt 2020

May 1, 2020 3:39 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Last weekend, book lovers across the country tuned in to the world’s first online literary festival. Cúirt‘s digital programme filled the space that had been left missing in many of our literary calendars since social distancing measures were put in place. It encouraged a sense of community among audiences and facilitated deeply engaging conversations among writers, at a time when their voices and insights have been most needed.  Among those in virtual attendance were our Young Writer Delegates, Tegan Forde, Martin Sykes, Niamh Elliott-Sherridan and Andrew Maguire. Here’s how they got on. Tegan Forde – “Mothertongues” with Ciara Ní É, Ifor ap Glyn and Padraig MacAoidh The first event of Cúirt 2020, “Mothertongues”, brought together three revered indigenous language writers from Ireland (Ciara Ní É), Scotland (Pàdraig MacAoidh), and Wales/London (Ifor ap Glyn). The diverse background of each of these writers, and their differing introduction to... Read Moreread more.


Rosemary Jenkinson and Emily S Cooper to join the IWC Writers in their Residence

April 29, 2020 4:03 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

  We’re delighted to announce that, with thanks to the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, we are now allocating funding to two additional writers for our Writer in their Residence scheme. Rosemary Jenkinson and Emily S Cooper will be joining Caelainn Hogan, Sarah Maria Griffin, Gerard Beirne and Cat Hogan in receiving financial support to develop an existing work in progress.  You can keep up with these writers as they document the experience of creating art during a pandemic through short videos and social media posts using the hashtag #WritersInTheirResidence.  Rosemary Jenkinson is a playwright and short story writer from Belfast. She was Artist-in-Residence at the Lyric Theatre and received a Major Individual Artist Award from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in 2019. Catholic Boy was shortlisted for the EU Prize for Literature and her latest collection is Lifestyle... Read Moreread more.


Announcing the Writers-in-their-Residence Recipients

April 22, 2020 3:30 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

  We are delighted to announce that Caelainn Hogan, Cat Hogan, Sarah Maria Griffin and Gerard Beirne have been selected for our Writer-In-Their-Residence scheme. These four writers will receive financial support while they develop an existing work in process. These are exceptional times, presenting arduous conditions for artists who are faced with the pressure to create, at a time where creating feels impossible. Over the next few weeks, Caelainn, Sarah, Cat and Gerard will be documenting the particular challenges of writing during a pandemic. You can follow their journey on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram where they’ll be using the hashtag #WritersInTheirResidence. About the writers Caelainn Hogan is a writer from Dublin. Her first book Republic of Shame explores the ongoing legacy of Ireland’s religious-run institutions. Her work features in The New York Times Magazine, National Geographic, The Guardian, The Dublin Review, The Stinging Fly and others.... Read Moreread more.


COVID-19: Updated Information and Resources for Writers and Artists

April 17, 2020 8:30 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Updated 16 April  As we all turn to literature, music, and television for comfort and entertainment during lockdown, the social and cultural value of the arts has never been more apparent. However, as the crisis continues, writers, artists, and other arts practitioners have been left in increasingly precarious positions, often with little income protection. Last month, we compiled a factsheet of information and resources for writers and artists affected by COVID-19 closures. We have now updated those resources to reflect the growing list of opportunities available to writers and artists at this time.    Official government websites: Gov.ie  Department of Health HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre Government statements and press releases regarding COVID-19 World Health Organisation   COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment This new payment will be available to all employees and the self-employed who have lost employment due to a... Read Moreread more.


Announcing the IWC/ILFD Young Writer Delegates

April 15, 2020 11:12 am Published by Leave your thoughts

We’re delighted to announce that the 2020 IWC/ILFD Young Writer Delegates are Alena Walker, Aldas Kruminis, Aimee McCague Robyn Gill Alana Daly Mulligan, and Christie Kandiwa. Now in its third year, the IWC Young Writer Delegates Programme gives young writers an opportunity to immerse themselves in a literature festival, soak up the atmosphere and to contribute to it as active participants. This year, the Internation Literature Festival Dublin will be taking place in Autumn of this year. The Delegates will receive mentorship from Sarah Maria Griffin.  You can keep up with the Young Writer Delegates on their Instagram page, and through the Irish Writers Centre and ILFD social media channels.   Alena Walker is a writer based in Northern Ireland. Her writing focuses on women, feminism, sustainability, culture and the media. She writes to explore the fragility of the human experience and is drawn to works... Read Moreread more.


Announcing the 2020 IWC/Cúirt Young Writer Delegates

April 8, 2020 2:48 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

We’re delighted to announce Niamh Elliot-Sherridan, Andrew Maguire, Tegan Forde and Martin Sykes as the 2020 IWC/Cúirt Young Writer Delegates. Now in its third year, the IWC Young Writer Delegates Programme gives young writers an opportunity to immerse themselves in a literature festival, soak up the atmosphere and to contribute to it as active participants. Cúirt International Festival of Literature will take place online from 23-25 April. During this period, the Young Writer Delegates will be supported by writer Elaine Feeney, who will act as a mentor. You can keep up with the Young Writer Delegates on their Instagram page, and through the Irish Writers Centre and Cúirt social media channels.      Niamh Elliott-Sheridan is an English and Human Development graduate, currently completing an MPhil in Gender and Women’s Studies. She’s passionate about feminism, mental health and the Arts, writing articles for multiple... Read Moreread more.


Announcing the Writing for a Change 2020 Competition Winners

April 7, 2020 12:08 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

  We’re delighted to announce the winners of our Writing for a Change Flash Fiction Competition. Partnering with the National Botanic Gardens and Channel Magazine, we asked writers to respond to the climate crisis with submissions under 400 words in English and Irish. The prizes include a place on a one-day writing workshop at the IWC, publication in partner Irish literary magazine: Channel, and a €50 book voucher. The climate crisis and the environment are constant subjects of discussion, but it can be hard to stay aware of the need to be consciously active in making environmental improvements in our daily lives. This year’s entries were judges by Liz McManus, Michele Forbes and Éanna Ní Lamhna, the winners are Julie Le Blanc, Laura Woulfe, Tegan Forde, and Gearóidín Nic Cárthaigh.   Julie Le Blanc was born in Rhode Island but currently lives in the Midlands... Read Moreread more.


Upcoming Online Courses at the Irish Writers Centre

March 26, 2020 11:23 am Published by Leave your thoughts

In light of the most recent measures announced by the government last night, we will be extending the Irish Writers Centre building closure until it is safe to re-open our doors. In the meantime, we are happy to announce that we are continuing to offer our services for writers online. Join in a live classroom with a trusted writing teacher on one of our remote writing courses. You can now nurture your creative writing at home, from anywhere across Ireland or abroad, while practicing safe social distancing.  Sarah Webb will be offering a course for those interested in Writing for Children, starting Thursday 9 April. Immerse yourself in the world of children’s books over 6 weeks. Teacher, author and journalist Justine Carbery will also be running a 6-week Writing for Wellness course starting next Wednesday 8 April. Join a group of like-minded individuals and get comfort from creative solidarity.... Read Moreread more.


Covid-19: Extension of IWC Building Closure

March 25, 2020 4:18 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

  In light of the most recent measures announced by the government last night, current restrictions on the opening of public spaces have been extended until Sunday 19th April, with additional measures put in place. For full details of the government’s measures to tackle COVID-19, please see here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/a7e66d-latest-guidance-on-public-health-measures/ The Irish Writers Centre building will remain closed while these measures are in place. During this period, we hope you continue your engagement with the Centre through our newly launched online course programme. Mentoring is also available remotely, and membership continues to be available via our website. You can also engage with the work of the Centre by having a look at our writers’ resources online, applying for advertised opportunities or by making a donation towards our work.  Although it’s not physically possible to visit IWC to write, we hope writers and... Read Moreread more.


COVID-19: Information and Resources for Writers and Artists

March 18, 2020 3:16 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

As precautionary social distancing measures continue in the face of COVID-19, writers, artists, arts practitioners, and the majority of self-employed workers are being placed in difficult positions with little income protection. As the national resource centre for Irish writers and Irish writing, we are taking steps to ensure that we can continue offering our services to writers during this period. There are also a number of initiatives across the community which offer support for self-employed writers and artists. Have a look at some of the resources we’ve compiled below: Official government websites Gov.ie  Department of Health HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre Government statements and press releases regarding COVID-19 COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment This new payment will be available to all employees and the self-employed who have lost employment due to a downturn in economic activity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.... Read Moreread more.


Online Learning at the Irish Writers Centre

March 19, 2020 11:18 am Published by Leave your thoughts

New Opportunities for Remote Learning We’re happy to announce that during this period of closure, we will be offering remote learning opportunities for those looking to explore creative writing at home. Remote learning allows you to enjoy live interaction with a trusted writing teacher via weekly online courses. This might just be the time to get inspired, hone your writing skills and receive feedback on your work. By signing up for an online course, you are helping the Irish Writers Centre continue to deliver our services through our education programme, as well as providing vital paid employment to freelance writers. As Ireland’s national resource organisation for Irish writers and Irish writing, our staff has been working to continue providing our services to writers over this period. If you are a professional writer looking to learn more about the resources and... Read Moreread more.


A Statement on COVID-19

March 12, 2020 4:08 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

  In light of the most recent developments in the outbreak of COVID-19, the Irish Writers Centre will be closed from today, Thursday 12 March, at 6pm until further notice. Earlier today, Leo Varadkar made a statement in which he said; “…from 6pm today, the following measures are being put in place. They will stay in place until March 29th. Schools, colleges, and childcare facilities will close from tomorrow. Where possible, teaching will be done on-line or remotely. Cultural institutions will close. Our advice is that all indoor mass gatherings of more than 100 people and outdoor mass gatherings of more than 500 people should be cancelled.” During this closure period we hope you continue your engagement with the Centre by viewing our course programme and writers’ resources online. Courses will be postponed until such time as the Centre can safely... Read Moreread more.