06 June, 2025
Join us at Belfast Book Festival this weekend
We are delighted to attend the 15th edition of the annual Belfast Book Festival, run by the Crescent Arts Centre this June. On Sunday 8 June 2025, join us for an information session about all things Irish Writers Centre and a reading showcase featuring our 2025 Young Writer Delegates and New Voices: North recipients.
Irish Writers Centre: Information Session
Date: Sunday 8 June 2025
Time: 12:30 PM – 2:00 PM
Price: Pay What You Decide – Recommended Price £12.50
The Irish Writers Centre is the leading development and resource organisation for writers. Carrying out its work online and in-person on an all-island basis, it supports writers at every stage of their journey.
During this panel discussion, three panelists will share their experience as recipients of some of the key programmes at the Irish Writers Centre, including the National Mentoring Programme, Novel Fair and Evolution.
Join Damien Donnelly, from the Irish Writers Centre, who will be in conversation with Andrew Cunning, Sue Divin and Deirdre Cartmill.
Andrew Cunning is a writer and English teacher from Belfast. His writing on literature, theology and politics has appeared in academic journals, The Irish Times, Slugger O’Toole and Radio 4. Clara and Christina is his first novel. He was a 2025 Novel Fair winner at the Irish Writers Centre.
Sue Divin is a Derry-based writer with Armagh roots. She has two YA/crossover novels (another out in 2026…) Carnegie shortlisted Guard Your Heart, a ‘Romeo and Juliet set in Derry 2016’ won the Great Reads Award Ireland, and Truth Be Told, ‘Parent-trap meets Derry Girls’, shortlisted in the Irish Book Awards. Her writing has been described as ‘Profoundly powerful, subtle and effective’ (The Guardian), ‘Compelling’ (Irish Times) and ‘Laced with dry wit, emotion and self-deprecating humour’ (Irish News). Board Member of Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann, Sue’s writing often touches on diversity, reconciliation, borders and the legacy of the Troubles today.
Deirdre Cartmill is a critically acclaimed poet, scriptwriter and BBC Script Editor and has over 20 years’ experience as a mentor and facilitator. She is a Part-time Lecturer in Creative Writing for Ulster University and has published three poetry collections – The Wind Stills to Listen (Arlen House), The Return of the Buffalo (Lagan Press) and Midnight Solo (Lagan Press). She co-commissioned and co-curated Ireland’s first Poetry Jukebox which is now a permanent installation at The Crescent Arts Centre.
Irish Writers Centre Showcase: Young Writer Delegates & New Voices: North 2025
Date: Sunday 8 June 2025
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Price: Pay What You Decide – Recommended Price £12.50
Shining a light on exciting new talent, this special event hosted by writer and mentor Chris Wright features readings by awardees from two programmes at the Irish Writers Centre.
The 2025 Young Writer Delegates at Belfast Book Festival invites ambitious writers aged 18-26 to attend the festival and develop new work.
New Voices: North 2025 offers emerging writers the opportunity to further their practice through sustained support from their mentors, including award-winning author Jan Carson and poet Stephen Sexton.
New Voices: North 2025 – Awardees
Caitlin Young
Cameron Tharmaratnam
Josh McCune
Susanna Galbraith
John Moriarty
