Author Archives for IWC_admin

Meet our autumn 2015 facilitators: 3. Dave Lordan

September 16, 2015 7:32 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

The ever popular Dave Lordan is facilitating two courses this autumn at the Irish Writers Centre. The first, Teaching Creative writing, is a practical, intensive course in how and why to teach creative writing in a variety of contexts. The other, Strange Times, Strange Tellers: Experimental Fiction, covers the techniques of formally innovative writers such as Calvino, Cortázar, and Joyce, and movements such as beats, oulipo, surrealist… We caught up with Dave to discuss his own reading and writing, among other subjects.  Irish Writers Centre: What have you been reading over the summer? Dave Lordan: Johnathan Franzen, Hilary Mantel, and, most enjoyable of all, the mediaeval Japanese epic poem The Tale of The Heike. IWC: What do you need to be able to write? DL: A target. IWC: Who is your favourite living writer? DL: Eamonn McCann. IWC: What was your favourite book as a child? DL: 5000... Read Moreread more.


In memory of Brian Friel, RIP

October 2, 2015 1:46 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Brian Friel – a playwright who gave voice to the heart and the resilience of the Irish spirit The Irish Writers Centre is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Brian Friel. Known as one of the greatest Irish playwrights of our times and renowned for Philadelphia, Here I Come, Translations and Dancing at Lughnasa, Friel proved himself to be a versatile writer who was skilled at adaptations and penned two fine short story collections. His impact has extended beyond the realm of writing, both at home and abroad. While Friel succeeded in bringing the realities of life in rural Ireland to a worldwide audience and placed contemporary Irish theatre at the forefront of international playwriting, he was also instrumental in addressing issues such as identity, language, migration and culture, and gave voice to those on the margins. His works showed the heart and the... Read Moreread more.


Tyrone Guthrie Centre.

August 25, 2014 10:22 am Published by Leave your thoughts

We are delighted to announce the Jack Harte Bursary awarded by the Irish Writers Centre in association with: The Irish Writers Centre and the Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig have come together to offer a two-week fully resourced Writer-in-Residence Bursary to take place in spring 2015. The award is named in honour of Jack Harte, founder of the Irish Writers Centre, in celebration and acknowledgement of his contribution to Irish literature. Who Can Apply: This is an open call to writers resident in Ireland with a proven track record and at least one book of fiction or short stories published by a recognised publisher.  How to Apply: Applications are accepted by email only to director@writerscentre.ie .  Please include: A cover letter including your personal details and statement of artistic intent, clearly and concisely outlining the project you would like to focus on during... Read Moreread more.


Welcome to our new website!

November 20, 2014 5:34 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

It’s finally here – our new website. We’re still getting to grips with it so bear that in mind while you take a look around. We’re sure you’ll find some events and courses that will peak your interest – we’ve got workshops and classes for every level of writer and goings-on that will coax every literature lover through the door of No. 19 Parnell Square.  Tell your friends, fans and followers that the Irish Writers Centre has a new look and encourage them to stop on by.   read more.


Announcing EU Prize for Literature 2015 Shortlist

March 5, 2015 5:09 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

    The Irish Writers Centre is delighted to be the first to announce that the following titles have been shortlisted for the EU Prize for Literature 2015, a prize for emerging talents in the field of contemporary fiction (alphabetical order): – Mary Costello, Academy Street (Cannongate Books, 2014)– Donal Ryan, The Spinning Heart (Doubleday Ireland, 2012; originally published by Lilliput Press)– Deirdre Sullivan, Primperfect (Little Island, 2014) Ireland is one of twelve countries who will provide a national winner of the EU Prize for Literature in 2015. See the EU Prize for Literature website for more.  The aim of the European Prize for Literature is to put the spotlight on the creativity and diverse wealth of Europe’s contemporary literature in the field of fiction, to promote the circulation of literature within Europe and encourage greater interest in non-national literary works.  The €5,000... Read Moreread more.


The Irish Writers Centre is hiring!

April 28, 2015 6:26 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

The Irish Writers Centre is looking to appoint a new full-time General Manager, commencing 22 June 2015.   Reporting to and working directly with the Director, the General Manager is a core member of the team, responsible for the administrative, educational and financial operations of Ireland’s national literature resource and support organisation for writers. While key areas of responsibility include administration and educational programming, the General Manager also acts as the public face of the Irish Writers Centre.  We want to hear why you would make a good addition to our staff which, although small, is vibrant, hard-working and creative.  Full details on the role can be viewed in the Staff Vacancies section and please note the closing date of Thursday 7 May at 5pm. We look forward to hearing from you! read more.


Top picks at this year’s International Literature Festival Dublin – 1. Anthony Glavin

May 11, 2015 2:14 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

We’re gearing up for International Literature Festival Dublin this week and have asked some writers who will be passing through our doors what they’re most looking forward to – aside from their own events, of course! Anthony Glavin is first up and has assembled a smorgasbord of what the festival has to offer with a mix of contemporary theatre, up-and-coming poets and two seasoned Irish writers: – The Only Jealousy of Emer – Yeats meets Japanese Noh theatre from 16–18 May – Poetry Ireland Introductions – a showcase of new voices at the Irish Writers Centre on 18 & 19 May– Dermot Bolger and Christine Dwyer Hickey in conversation at Smock Alley on 24 May Anthony is also facilitating a Craft of Fiction seminar along with Christine Montalbetti this Saturday 16 May. Aimed at seasoned writers and curious readers, Glavin will look at... Read Moreread more.


Top picks at this year’s International Literature Festival Dublin – 2. Kathleen MacMahon

May 12, 2015 10:46 am Published by Leave your thoughts

It’s Day 2 of International Literature Festival Dublin highlights and today it’s the turn of Kathleen MacMahon who told us what she’s most looking forward to:   – Jon Ronson in conversation – my new novel The Long Hot Summer (out 21 May) features a politician who finds himself at the centre of a social media storm, so I’ll be fascinated to hear Jon Ronson’s take on politics and social media. – Dermot Bolger and Christine Dwyer Hickey in conversation – I’m also looking forward to seeing these two authors in action. They’re both authors of books I have absolutely loved.  – Deirdre Madden, Eoin McNamee & Selina Guinness: Irish Short Stories – I’m a huge fan of Eoin McNamee so I will interested in hearing him talk short stories with Deirdre Madden and Selina Guinness. – – – – – – –  Kathleen is... Read Moreread more.


Top picks at this year’s International Literature Festival Dublin – 3. Donal Ryan

May 13, 2015 4:20 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Day 3 of our festival picks series and Donal Ryan, author of The Spinning Heart and The Thing about December, tells us who he’s most looking forward to seeing:     ‘Irvine Welsh is one of my favourite writers of all time. I mention him at nearly every talk I do, as one of my influences and sometimes as part of my defence of writing in the demotic – when a defence is necessary. Irvine Welsh ends all arguments.’    Irvine Welsh In Conversation with Sinéad Gleeson – 22 May   Donal is one of the panelists at our Second Book Syndrome event which takes place on Thursday 21 May. Broadcaster Pat Kenny will be interviewing Donal, along with Kathleen MacMahon and Liz McManus about the challenges of writing that second novel. We’ll be listening out for that Irvine Welsh reference on the night! Click on the... Read Moreread more.


Five tips for getting published

June 9, 2015 12:42 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

As we’re taking our Publishing Day series on the road this week as part of the Belfast Book Festival, we’ve put together a few quick tips for aspiring writers on how to get published:    1. Google Is your Friend Research each publisher and know who you’re submitting to. Read submission guidelines carefully and note whether unsolicited manuscripts are accepted, what genres they publish and what authors are on their lists. 2.  A Clean Pair of Eyes Find someone who will read your work with a keen eye and who is prepared to give you honest feedback before sending out your manuscript. Having a literary editor among your circle of friends isn’t essential but is recommended! 3.  Spoilers Are Okay Most publishers will require a synopsis. A synopsis is usually around 300 words and is not a blurb. It should... Read Moreread more.


‘Now God is dead, novelists have acquired a priestly function.’

June 24, 2015 12:17 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

On Tuesday 23 June 2015, Carlo Gébler launched Here’s Me Here, Further Reflections of a Lapsed Protestant – a collection of writings by Glenn Patterson (published by New Island Books).  Gébler’s musings on the evolution of the writer, the human experience and that much sought after concept, truth, are likely to resound with many writers.        ‘We believe in glasnost. Of course we do. We’re in literature, on Grub Street. Glenn Patterson is my friend, my very good friend. Bear that in mind when you listen to what I have to say.      The ecology of literature contains constants that never ever change and yet at the same time, it is always morphing, it always in a state of flux and the flux stuff (the fluxing if that is a word – is it a word? thank you) the fluxing... Read Moreread more.


Announcing the recipients of the Irish Writers Centre / Cill Rialaig residencies

July 6, 2015 11:46 am Published by Leave your thoughts

In case you’re not signed up to our newsletter (it’s never too late to do so: click & scroll down!), we’ve announced the seven lucky recipients of our Cill Rialaig residencies which will take place over 10 days in October this year:    – Andrea Carter – Anthony Glavin  – Catherine Dunne – Lia Mills  – Louise Phillips – Maria McManus  – Seán Hardie   We’re delighted to be partnering with Cill Rialaig for the first time and congratulations to all seven writers. Cill Rialaig is going to be humming with heavyweight literary activity this autumn. Watch this space!    read more.


Meet our autumn 2015 facilitators: 1. Conor Kostick

August 25, 2015 9:33 am Published by Leave your thoughts

We caught up with novelist Conor Kostick as he prepares to begin teaching his Finish your Novel course here at the Irish Writers Centre. Over tea and biscuits in the Centre’s library, Conor discussed his summer reading, his favourite childhood book and his preference for print over ebooks.  Irish Writers Centre: What have you been reading over the summer? Conor Kostick: I’ve been reading David Copperfield by Charles Dickens. I can hardly put it down — best three euro I’ve ever spent! Everyone says Dickens is a great novelist, but when I read him 20 or 30 years ago I couldn’t really see it. He is very different to Austen and Tolstoy in his willingness to push the form and structure of the novel. IWC: What do you need most in order to be able to write? CK: Time is the most important thing for me.... Read Moreread more.


Meet our autumn 2015 facilitators: 2. Nessa O’Mahony

September 14, 2015 11:48 am Published by Leave your thoughts

We caught up with poet and creative facilitator Nessa O’Mahony as she prepares to teach her Finding Your Form course here at the Irish Writers Centre. Nessa was kind enough to take some time out of her busy schedule to give us an insight into her reading and creative habits, among other subjects. Places on Finding Your Form are filling up fast, so book now to avoid disappointment. Irish Writers Centre: When did you start to write? Nessa O’Mahony: Well, if you don’t count the poems in the school magazine, I’d turned 30, would you believe. My parents gave me a birthday present of a creative writing course; I wonder would they have thought twice about that gift had they known I’d ultimately give up full-time, pensionable employment in order to be a full-time writer. I hope not. IWC: Who is your... Read Moreread more.