CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOPS

At The John Hewitt International Summer School 2023

Mon 24, Tues 25 & Thurs 27 July | 2.45pm - 4.45pm | £66 for three-day workshop course

Develop your writing skills under the direction of esteemed facilitators who are all experienced tutors and published authors. With a range of genres to choose from, each workshop runs over three days, and each intensive interactive session lasts for two hours. Spaces are limited - advance booking is essential.

Poetry: Developing Your Poetry Practice with Nessa O’Mahony* | Poetry: Finding Your Poetic Voice with Siobhán Campbell | Short Story: Write Stories That Stand Out with Paul McVeigh | Novel Writing: So, You Want To Write A Novel? with Heather Richardson* | Memoir: Writing Your One Wild and Precious Life with Maureen Boyle

NESSA O’MAHONY Nessa is a Dublin-born poet who has published five books of poetry, most recently ‘The Hollow Woman on the Island’ [2019]. She was guest editor of Poetry Ireland Review issue 138, a tribute to Eavan Boland.

PAUL McVEIGH Paul has had short stories published in numerous anthologies, journals and newspapers. His ten-part short story series for Radio 4, ‘The Circus’, aired early 2023 and his writing has been translated into seven languages.

MAUREEN BOYLE Maureen is winner of the Fish Short Memoir Prize, and has published two poetry collections, ‘The Last Spring of the World’ [2022], and ‘The Work of a Winter’ [2021] which was shortlisted for the Strong Shine Poetry Prize.

SIOBHÁN CAMPBELL Siobhan has published widely in Ireland, UK and USA. Awarded the Listowel Irish Poem of the Year award in 2021 and the Templar Poetry Prize, Siobhán is the author of six collections of poetry, most recently ‘Heat Signature’.

*Supported by The Open University

HEATHER RICHARDSON Heather has published two novels, ‘Magdeburg’ [Lagan Press, 2010], and ‘Doubting Thomas’ [Vagabond Voices, 2017]. Her next book, ‘A Dress for Kathleen’, a volume of creative non-fiction, will be published in the autumn.

SILVER SMITHING: SILVER STACKING RINGS WITH SEMI-PRECIOUS STONES

Sat 5 Aug | 10.00am - 4.00pm | £50.00

Spend a day under the guidance of goldsmith Diane Lyness as you make a pair of silver stacking rings. Each participant will be taught traditional jewellery making techniques such as piercing, soldering, shaping, texturing and polishing to create a beautiful pair of rings to take home. Personalise and add colour to your ring by adding one or two semi-precious stones. No previous experience is required. All you need to bring is an apron and bundles of enthusiasm!

Max No: 10 | Suitable for 16+

Tutor: Diane Lyness - Goldsmith

WOODTURNING: 2-DAY INTERMEDIATE IMPROVERS COURSE

Wed 9 & Thurs 10 Aug | 10.00am - 4.00pm | £80.00

This two-day course with experienced tutor Jim Kelly is suitable for those who have attended a Beginner’s Course or who have some experience of woodturning. During the two days, the emphasis will be on accuracy and fitting of components together. Two to three projects will be completed over the two days. Participants who have attended the intermediate class previously will have an opportunity to work on new projects to further enhance their skills.

Each participant will have the use of a lathe and safety equipment will be provided. Tools will be available, but participants are encouraged to bring their own tools. A ProEdge sharpening system will be available throughout the two days. All materials, finishes and a bench grinder will be provided, however, participants should bring an overall/apron/old shirt to protect their clothes.

This workshop can host one wheelchair user or those who need to be seated. Please inform the box office at the time of booking if you require this facility.