Evolution Programme

What is the Evolution Programme?

The Evolution Programme (EP) is for writers who have successfully published at least one book. This programme aims to ease the difficult journey of published writers who have one or two books under their belt and need further support at a crucial stage of their careers.

It is a six-month, partially self-led programme where writers can pick from a suite of supports and collaborate with like-minded writers.

The suite of supports includes access to courses, one-to-one mentoring, Irish Writers Centre membership, monthly peer forums and an opportunity to be on a paid teaching residency with the School of English and Creative Arts at the University of Galway. This residency is limited to three writers, with further selection through an interview process.*

*This unique opportunity was co-created with IWC Ambassador Mike McCormack and Dr. John Kenny, Director of the BA in English and Creative Writing at University of Galway.

Past Evolution Writers

Evolution Programme 2024/2025 

Francesca Bratton, Alicia Byrne Keane, Amy Clarkin, Patrick Holloway, Marianne Lee, Tim MacGabhann, Emma McKervey, Roisín O’Donnell, Catriona Shine, Milena Williamson

Evolution Programme 2023/2024 

Aoife Barry, Paul Carroll, Mia Döring, Ana Kinsella, Marianne McShane, Juliette Saumande, Molly Twomey, Aimée Walsh, Tríona Walsh and Gwen Wilkinson.

Evolution Programme 2022/2023 

Stephanie Conn, Rachel Coventry, Aingeala Flannery, Amanda Geard, Alice Kinsella, Christopher Linforth, Hilary McCollum, Debbie McCune, Fiona Sherlock and Megan Wynne.

Evolution Programme 2021/2022 

Sheila Armstrong, Helen Blackhurst, Deirdre Cartmill, Kevin Curran, Sue Divin, Arnold Thomas Fanning, Olivia Fitzsimons, Michelle Gallen, Maeve Galvin, Máire T. Robinson, Melatu-Uche Okorie and Liz Quirke.

Testimonials

“The Evolution Programme made me feel connected to other writers in my peer group, and I learned a lot from my mentors. I feel closer to getting work into places I’ve wanted to get it into. I also have a clearer sense of what publishers are after out there.” – Tim MacGabhann, EP4 Writer 

“The Evolution Programme couldn’t have come at a better time. It helped me so much in the build up to the publication of my debut novel. It was the most brilliant, encouraging experience.” – Patrick Holloway, EP4 Writer 

“I am really grateful to have been awarded a place on the Evolution Programme 2024-5. I learned from other writers across disciplines, taught creative writing to university students, and attended talks from industry professionals on topics from funding and festivals to developing your practice. Being an early-career author comes with a set of unique concerns and goals, which the programme provided for in detail.” - Alicia Byrne Keane, EP4 Writer  

“The Evolution Programme was transformative for my career. Not least due to the wonderful support of my writer mentors Lucy Caldwell and Colin Barrett, who offered brilliant feedback on my second novel. Working with the Creative Writing team and students at University of Galway was fantastic too! I can’t recommend the Evolution Programme enough!” - Aimée Walsh, EP3 Writer  

“Through the evolution programme, I was able to have two wonderful experiences – teach at the University of Galway and make professional writer friends with whom great collaborations have happened.”  - Melatu-Uche Okorie, EP1 Writer