Author Archives for IWC_admin

Special Discounted Rate on Selected Courses

February 10, 2016 4:11 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

    Latecomers!  If you’ve missed out on joining a Spring 2016 course, it’s not too late to sign up and the course will be discounted accordingly. Offer available for a limited time only.  Although the courses in question have already begun, the course facilitators are confident that those joining in late will be able to catch up on any class work missed. The courses being offered at discounted rates are as follows: Historical Fiction with Conor Kostick (Thursday 11th | 6.30pm) Essay and Memoir with Henry McDonald (Tuesday 16th | 6.30pm) Finding Your Form with Nessa O’Mahony (Tuesday 16th | 11am)  This is a great opportunity to catch-up without breaking the bank. Those interested should contact the Centre on 01-8721302 or email info@writerscentre.ie  The discount rates are based on how many sessions have been missed. Students will be unable to join courses after the third session. read more.


President Michael D.Higgins visits IWC | 25th Anniversary Celebrations

January 14, 2016 12:00 am Published by Comments Off on President Michael D.Higgins visits IWC | 25th Anniversary Celebrations

On Wednesday 13 January 2016 we welcomed the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, in recognition of his patronage which marked the beginning of our 25th year celebrations.     Writers and IWC Ambassadors, Éilis Ní Dhuibhne and Joseph O’Connor read for the President, as well as Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, the recipient of this year’s Jack Harte Bursary Award. Musician Colm Mac Con Iomaire debuted his beautiful composition Solasta to a packed room of writers and distinguished guests – and wowed us all. The President addressed attendees with a speech that ranged in content from Bowie and Hot Press to Descartes and civil society… President Higgins outlined how the Centre is not just a haven but a vortex of creativity: ‘In the hallways and stairwells of this old house, frameworks of novels, opening paragraphs of stories, and geneses of poems have been inspired and created. A... Read Moreread more.


Announcing Our New Patron President Michael D. Higgins & Our Six Ambassadors

September 8, 2015 2:52 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

We are delighted to announce that President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, has kindly agreed to become the Patron of the Irish Writers Centre.  The President will visit the Centre on 13 January 2016, marking what promises to be a memorable inaugural event in our 25th anniversary celebration year.  We are also thrilled to welcome six new Ambassadors who will act to promote and endorse the Irish Writers Centre over the next three years. They are all key literary figures in Irish literature selected across a range of disciplines and we look forward to working with them in furthering the aims and ambitions of the Irish Writers Centre both at home and abroad.  The Irish Writers Centre Ambassadors are: John Banville, Anne Enright, Roy Foster, Marian Keyes, Éilís Ní Dhuibhne and Joseph O’Connor.   We’ve been keeping this news under wraps... Read Moreread more.


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.