[UPDATED 2/6] It’s that time again, when writers everywhere are filled with a fresh New Yearsy resolve to polish up those unfinished short stories and put work out into the world. Besides inspiration, determination and a decent supply of snacks, you also need some idea of where to aim for when ready. And so I… Read More Short story competitions 2023
A few years ago, I stumbled across Limerick writer Rose Servitova’s debut novel The Longbourn Letters. It was an imagining of the correspondence between Pride and Prejudice’s most eccentric gentlemen, Mr Bennet and Mr Collins. As a fervent Jane Austen fan, I was curious but trepidatious, having read various poor pastiches over the years. But… Read More A Season at Sanditon Q&A with Rose Servitova
The absolute highlight of my writing year in 2018 was getting to attend the inaugural five-day Creative Writing Winter School held by the University of Limerick in Doolin, Co Clare. I may have mentioned it once or twice. I was so blown away by the experience that I blogged about it. Daily. With extensive references… Read More UL Winter School 2019: return of the Dooligans
Roller coaster doesn’t begin to cover this year for me. Writing has contributed most of my highs, while the lows have been of a more personal nature. I’m glad of this blog, which reminds me that actually quite a lot has happened since my last end-of-year round up. I even got some writing done. Much… Read More A farewell to 2018
Sunday: I am a most fortunate writer this week because I find myself, rather unbelievably, at the inaugural University of Limerick Creative Writing Winter School. If you haven’t heard about this, it’s a new five-day writing retreat which aims to help writers complete their novel. The fact that it’s taking place at Hotel Doolin in the wilds of… Read More UL winter school, day 1
Tadhg Coakley is a Cork writer whose debut novel is set against the high-stakes backdrop of an All-Ireland hurling final. The First Sunday in September (so-titled because that’s when the final is traditionally played) tells 19 different characters’ stories, drawn together by a day of high emotion both on and off the pitch. I spoke to… Read More The First Sunday in September author Q&A
It’s no secret that it is difficult to earn a living as a writer. But it is particularly disheartening to hear that even established writers struggle to make ends meet, despite their seeming success. The Independent website today featured an interview with Man Booker Prize longlisted author Donal Ryan, who revealed that he has had no choice but to… Read More The weekly herding: it doesn’t pay to be a writer
I’m spoilt for choice bookwise at the moment. I’m halfway through Sarah Perry’s The Essex Serpent, which I’m reading soooo sloooowly but enjoying very much. I can see it as the next major BBC Sunday night costume drama. But what to read next? I actually get into a panic when I have too many intriguing books to… Read More Currently reading
Word herding 