The Mindful Writer with Declan Burke

Course Summary

“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way,” says Jon Kabat-Zinn: “on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.” Drawing on the wisdom of mindfulness experts, The Mindful Writer explores the ways in which creative writing is a form of focused attention as we set aside time and space to concentrate on our thoughts and clarify our ideas.

The more we focus on the clarity of our writing, the better we write; the better we write, the more our sense of well-being improves; and the more our writing improves our sense of well-being, the more we want to write.

Led by award-winning author Declan Burke, The Mindful Writer is an eight-week course that explores the fundamental elements of creative writing – plot and character, setting and dialogue, theme and narrative voice – in the context of a mindful approach to creativity.

Course Outline

What will participants be focusing on and when? – Detail main topics covered in course (or give daily/weekly session breakdowns of one line).

Will participants be expected to produce work and if so, how often?

Week 1 Introduction to Novel Writing and Mindfulness

Week 2 Devising and Developing Character / Creative Awareness

Week 3 Plot and Storytelling / Close Attention

Week 4 Narrative Voice and Mode / Clarity of Thought

Week 5 Dialogue / Words and Well-Being

Week 6 Language and Style / Channelling the Ego

Week 7 Setting and Theme / Riding the Flow

Week 8 The Practice of Writing / Basic Mindfulness Practice

Work submissions: It is not mandatory, but each participant is encouraged to submit at least one sample of current work for peer review. As well as benefiting from peer and tutor feedback, the participant learns the rudiments of close critical reading, which in turn benefits their own work.

Course Outcomes

What will participants take away from this course?

Each participant will take away an example-led understanding of the basic elements of creative writing, as well as an appreciation of the practical, emotional and psychological demands. In addition, each participant will receive a basic understanding of how mindfulness practice will enhance their creativity.

A creative writing tutor with the Irish Writers Centre for the past 12 years, Declan Burke is the author of seven novels, and the editor of three further titles. Absolute Zero Cool received the Goldsboro Award (UK) in 2012. Books to Die For, co-edited with John Connolly, won the Anthony Award (US) in 2013. Three of his novels have been shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards. Declan was a UNESCO / Dublin City Council writer-in-residence for 2017-18. His most recent novel, The Lammisters (2019), was a Book of the Year in the Guardian and the Sunday Independent.

Booked out? To be added to the waiting list for this course, please email bookings@irishwriterscentre.ie.