Courses and Workshops thread [post any course/workshop info here]

Fatboydim

I'm holding a scriptwriting Workshop in Westport, County Mayo 14th/ 15th /16th May

The cost for the three days is €120. Unlike many of these courses I actually have extensive experience in the industry and you can check me out on imdb here:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0172016/

Anyone who needs accommodation I will try to get some special rates. Also if people are interested in house sharing I'll find out rates for that too.

I will require a *€20 deposit.

Also I would like examples of your work sent to me before hand if you have any.

You can email me direct via len@lencollin.com

or post suggestions etc here.

I'll also guarantee that anyone who is not happy with the course can get their money back. [Except the deposit for obvious reasons]

Fatboydim

I'm holding a scriptwriting Workshop in Westport, County Mayo 14th / 15th / 16th May

The cost for the three days is €120. Unlike many of these courses I actually have extensive experience in the industry and you can check me out on imdb here:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0172016/

Anyone who needs accommodation I will try to get some special rates. Also if people are interested in house sharing I'll find out rates for that too.

I will require a *€20 deposit.

Also I would like examples of your work sent to me before hand if you have any.

You can email me direct via len@lencollin.com

or post suggestions etc here.

I'll also guarantee that anyone who is not happy with the course can get their money back. [Except the deposit for obvious reasons]

pickarooney

Hi Len,

Did you write The Covies?

Fatboydim

Yes I did - So that's one customer lost then

detoxkid

Hey there, what time is the course held at?

Fatboydim

From 18.00 on the Friday. I'll do a welcome session that will be somewhat informal to allow people who are traveling time to get to the venue. If anyone's going to be really late on the Friday then I'll take them through the session when they arrive - so they don't miss out.

Then we'll start 10.30 through to 18.00 on Sat and 10.30 - 17.00 on Sunday to allow people to get the 17.45 train.

Fatboydim

Please note date change.

Fatboydim

Please note date change I've decided to go for the weekend in May.

Culchie

Hi Len,

Would this be aimed at total beginners, or people with experience only?

Fatboydim

Quiet a few absolute beginners. When I did these in the UK you'd always get a good cross section. I'd look after you

Fatboydim

The dates are 14- 16th May 2010.

Fatboydim

No sooner do I write that than there is a change LOL.

It's May 28th / 29th and 30th at the Castlecourt Hotel, Westport.

Fatboydim

Again a slight change - But now definite and booked. Set in stone.

It's 28th, 29th and 30th May.

Venue is the Castlecourt Hotel - Westport.

Welcome session Friday 28th May between 17.00 18.00 - Then two hour intro.

Saturday 29th May. Start at 10.30. Break for lunch 13.00, and then 14.00 - 17.00

Sunday 30th May. Start at 11.00. Break for lunch at 13.00. Then 14.00 - 17.00

The cost for the course is €120.

I'll have rates for accommodation nearer the time, but I expect them to be reasonable and there is plenty of rooms in Westport. I can also look into cottage hire for anyone interested.

I will require a €20 deposit which is non-refundable. That can be sent to:

Len Collin, Knockrooskey, Westport, Co Mayo. I can also do Paypal if that's more convenient. Just let me know.

email: len@lencollin.com

Fatboydim

Again a slight change - But now definite and booked. set in stone now.

It's 28th, 29th and 30th May.

Venue is the Castlecourt Hotel - Westport.

Welcome session Friday 28th May between 17.00 18.00 - Then two hour intro.

Saturday 29th May. Start at 10.30. Break for lunch 13.00, and then 14.00 - 17.00

Sunday 30th May. Start at 11.00. Break for lunch at 13.00. Then 14.00 - 17.00

The cost for the course is €120.

I'll have rates for accommodation nearer the time, but I expect them to be reasonable and there is plenty of rooms in Westport. I can also look into cottage hire for anyone interested.

I will require a €20 deposit which is non-refundable. That can be sent to:

Len Collin, Knockrooskey, Westport, Co Mayo. I can also do Paypal if that's more convenient. Just let me know.

email: len@lencollin.com

biko

Moved from Mayo to Creative Writing.
I do not allow advertisements in West, maybe they do.

Fatboydim

Bump

Fatboydim

It's 28th, 29th and 30th May.

Venue is the Castlecourt Hotel - Westport.

Welcome session Friday 28th May between 17.00 18.00 - Then two hour intro.

Saturday 29th May. Start at 10.30. Break for lunch 13.00, and then 14.00 - 17.00

Sunday 30th May. Start at 11.00. Break for lunch at 13.00. Then 14.00 - 17.00

The cost for the course is €120.

I'll have rates for accommodation nearer the time, but I expect them to be reasonable and there is plenty of rooms in Westport. I can also look into cottage hire for anyone interested.

I will require a €20 deposit which is non-refundable. That can be sent to:

Len Collin, Knockrooskey, Westport, Co Mayo. I can also do Paypal if that's more convenient. Just let me know.

email: len@lencollin.com

evilivor

Hoep this may of interest to some…

Workshops at West Cork Literary Festival

Booking has opened for a wide range of Workshops that will be held this July as part of the West Cork Literary Festival in Bantry. The Festival will host workshops covering a range of topics from Writing Crime; Short Fiction; Graphic Novels or Writing for Stage or Songwriting to and each will be presented by experts in their particular field.

Early booking is essential as each workshop will be limited to a maximum of 15 participants on a first come, first served, basis.

“Writing Short Fiction” will be presented by writer/poet Nuala Ní Chonchúir while novelist Alex Barclay will present “Writing Crime”. Owen O’Neill presents “Poetry: Writing and Performing” while Sue Leonard’s workshop is on the theme of “Freelance Journalism”.

Celine Kiernan will give a workshop on “The Graphic & Fantasy Novel” and author Peter Cunningham presents “Fiction”. “Poetry” is the subject of James Harpur’s workshop while Catherine Dunne will advise on “Writing For Women”.

Agent and lecturer Jonathan Williams will give a workshop on "Being Published"; Ursula Rani Sarma will showcase “Writing for the Stage” and Julie Feeney will present a workshop on “Song Writing”.

The cost of the workshops is €175 for five days and all workshops run concurrently at Ardscoil Phobal, Chapel Street, Bantry from Monday 5th to Friday 9th July.

Booking for the Workshops at the West Cork Literary Festival is on 027 55987 or email: info@westcorkliteraryfestival.ie. Michael Palin, Eavan Boland, Anthony Horowitz and John Boyne are just four of the guests appearing at this year’s Festival.

The festival runs in Bantry from July 4th to 10th.

For more information on the 2010 West Cork Literary Festival visit www.westcorkliteraryfestival.ie

pickarooney

Len, just to let you know I'll be moving this thread as soon as I find a suitable place to put it.

Fatboydim

no problem - by all means remove it if you like.

pickarooney

Renamed the thread and will redirect any other workshop related posts into this one. Stickied.

bigsmokewriting

Yay, workshops thread!

There's a range of workshops for beginning, continuing and advanced (i.e. starting to publish) writers at the Big Smoke Writing Factory, 7 Lower Hatch St, Dublin 2. Booking is available online at http://www.bigsmokewritingfactory.com/, via post, or at open days (upcoming open days include Thursday 6th May 5.30-8pm and Saturday 8th May 2-5pm). Workshops are taught by members of the Big Smoke team, a group of experienced writers and facilitators who bring their dual expertise to the workshop environment, as well as guest teachers.

Beginning To Write classes
TUESDAY, 10.30am-12.30pm, starting May 18, 2010. €200, 8 weeks
THURSDAY, 10.30am-12.30pm, starting May 13, 2010. €150, 6 weeks
MONDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting June 14, 2010. €150, 6 weeks
THURSDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting May 13, 2010. €150, 6 weeks

Beyond Beginners class ('next step' after beginners')
THURSDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting June 3, 2010. €150, 6 weeks

Novel In Progress workshop
MONDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting May 10, 2010. €200, 8 weeks

The Poetry Workshop
TUESDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting June 8, 2010. €150, 6 weeks

Angst and Adventure (workshop in children's and young adult fiction)
WEDNESDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting May 12, 2010. €200, 8 weeks

Adventures in Food and Travel Writing
WEDNESDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting May 12, 2010. €250, 10 weeks


One day workshops:

Brave New Worlds: Speculative Fiction Workshop (science fiction, fantasy & horror writing)
SUNDAY, full day, May 30, 2010. €120

Beginning To Write
SATURDAY, full day, June 19, 2010. €100

Write 6 Poems in One Day
SATURDAY, full day, June 26, 2010. €100

Creative Writing for Teens (ages 13-17)
FRIDAY, full day, July 9, 2010. €100

Beginning A Memoir
SATURDAY, full day, July 10, 2010. €100

Drama and Creative Writing
SATURDAY, full day, July 10, 2010. €100

Touching Base: Keeping up with your writing over the summer
SATURDAY, full day, July 17, 2010. €100


No previous writing experience is required for Beginning To Write, or for some of the one-day courses, though we do recommend that participants in more specialist courses have some writing experience. Any queries to bigsmokewritingfactory@gmail.com or 086-840-7756.

xsbabble

This year Mia Gallagher and Nell McCafferty come to Tarifa, south of Spain to teach In The Write Light workshops.
Mia's Workshop: WRITING WITH DRAMA 7 to 11 July
Nell's Workshop: CONQUERING MEMOIR 22 to 26 Sept.

For more info www.inthewritelight.com

Fatboydim

Write Time
Scriptwriting Workshop

With

Len Collin
Writer on Covies, Ultimate Force, The Clinic, Single Handed, The Bill, London’s Burning, Soldier Soldier, Eastenders, Casualy, Holby City, Thief Takers, The Chief and Mickey Midas.

Castlecourt Hotel - Westport - Co Mayo
28th -30th May 2010-05-13
Cost - €120


This three day workshop will find the budding screenwriter in you.

Fri – 18.00 – Reception
19.00 – 20.00 - Introduction to course

Sat – 10.30 – 17-30 with break for lunch
Sun – 10.30 – 17.00 with break for lunch

We will cover:
Structure, Character, Plot, Themes, Dialogue, Research, Writers Block, Hooks, Heroes and Villains, Genre etc. What should be in a treatment. How to flesh out ideas. Research. How to apply Stanislavski to your script. Working with script editors. working with actors. Working with Directors. Working with producers. Pitfalls for the new writer. Finding your voice.

If possible please watch the film “Some Like It Hot”

Contact email len@lencollin.com

Fatboydim

There's a limited number of spaces left now - So anyone wishing to travel up please PM me to avoid disappointment as I'd hate to have to turn people away and I know the hotel's conference rooms are fully booked so moving to a larger room is not an option.

bigsmokewriting

Hi everyone,

Just a quick post to let you all know about our next Open Day at the Big Smoke Writing Factory on June 17th from 6-9pm. Anyone interested should drop into 7 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2. Come along to choose from a wide range of creative writing courses and workshops happening this summer.

Hope to see you there, we'll have the kettle on!

For more information, find us on Facebook or check out www.bigsmokewritingfactory.com

Fatboydim

Pauric - couldn't reply in other thread. But yes it went well - I''m getting lots of requests for more. So I'm looking at options. Might do one in Dublin next. Anyone interested in other areas please PM me to save this thread getting overrun.

My iMDB page is here

Truthmonster

Sorry I missed that. Mayo a bit far away. Ever do any courses in Cork?

Fatboydim wrote: »

I'm holding a scriptwriting Workshop in Westport, County Mayo 14th/ 15th /16th May

The cost for the three days is €120. Unlike many of these courses I actually have extensive experience in the industry and you can check me out on imdb here:

http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0172016/

Anyone who needs accommodation I will try to get some special rates. Also if people are interested in house sharing I'll find out rates for that too.

I will require a *€20 deposit.

Also I would like examples of your work sent to me before hand if you have any.

You can email me direct via len@lencollin.com

or post suggestions etc here.

I'll also guarantee that anyone who is not happy with the course can get their money back. [Except the deposit for obvious reasons]

olive2

Creative Writing Ink provides writing classes and a critique and editorial service for aspiring writers. All our tutors are professional and published writers. No previous writing experience is necessary and our tutors work with students at their own level.

We run online creative writing courses, where students can develop their writing skills through one-to-one exercises, lectures and critiques. Our courses are structured in such a way that will allow students to fit their writing in and around their own schedule.

Creative Writing Ink also provides Cork-based writing workshops and a manuscript critique service.

Our online courses and class-based workshops include start a novel, beginners creative writing, poetry, how to blog, screenwriting, memoir writing, writing for children among others.

For online courses, all you need is internet access. Prices start at €95.00 for a 4 week online course or a one day workshop.

Online Courses
The courses below are all on demand and on a rolling basis, apart from the Writing for Children course.
Beginners Creative Writing 10 weeks Adam Wyeth €250.00
How to Blog 4 weeks Niamh Griffin €95.00
Poetry 6 weeks Leanne O’ Sullivan €150.00
Memoir Writing 10 weeks Ivy Bannister €250.00
Writing for Children 6 weeks Oisin McGann €190.00 - start date July 19th 2010

Writing Workshops
Weekend Workshop
Beginners Creative Writing Cork City; Venue TBC Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th September 10.30 a.m.-4.30 pm Adam Wyeth €160
Start a Novel Cork City; Venue TBC Saturday 18th & Sunday 19th September 10.30 a.m.-4.30 pm Mary Malone €160
Poetry Cork City; Venue TBC Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th October 10.30 a.m.-4.30 pm Leanne O’ Sullivan €160
Memoir Writing Cork City; Venue TBC Saturday 6th November 10.30 a.m.- 4 pm Ivy Bannister €95

For further information, please visit www.creativewriting.ie or email info@creativewriting.ie

Fatboydim

Truthmonster wrote: »

Sorry I missed that. Mayo a bit far away. Ever do any courses in Cork?

No plans to at the moment - However if there is a demand. I've had quite a number of enquiries - So maybe later in the year.

bigsmokewriting

We are having an Open Day at The Big Smoke Writing Factory this evening from 6-9pm. Drop in for a cup of tea and a chat about our exciting creative writing courses to 7 Lower Hatch Street, Dublin 2.

af_thefragile

Hey guys, can you recommend me a good creative writing workshop of summer course.
Something that is more aimed towards improving your writing skills rather than teaching you how to write a good novel. Like I've got no problem coming up with plots, characters and all of that but where I fall short is I'm not very good at when it comes to expressing all those thoughts and ideas onto paper.

I guess I just need to write more but I've become a little too lazy and I need a good workshop which can give me a good kick in the backside to get me started with writing and can guide me in a direction which can make me a better writer...

Cheers.

SamB64

Writing skills are ver ycontext specific. OK, so you need good grammar and spelling. But in my mind the first question to ask is what is my intended outcome for this piece?

If your writing a scientific paper (yawn) it's all third person passive. But good creative writing is about painting sensory "pictures" in your readers minds.

After years of experience I'd say pick your course to suit your outcome - and learnfrom someone who's actually done it. Not some prof in an ivory tower.

Rant over :rolleyes:

Fatboydim

SamB64 wrote: »

- and learn from someone who's actually done it. Not some prof in an ivory tower.

Rant over :rolleyes:

That's exactly what I have to offer. Twenty years of experience actually writing scripts that have been produced. Yet ironically I am not allowed to "Tutor" in Universities even though I've been called in many times as a guest. I can only comment on screenwriting of course, but it's amazing how inexperienced many of the tutors taking courses are.

Ems22

Iv Heard that the Gaiety School Of Acting are doing a summer course called Write To Act, Its being taught by Lisa Harding, theres some more info on their website http://www.gaietyschool.com/courses/part_time/summer_courses/383/#details

bigsmokewriting

Just a heads-up about our upcoming courses in Autumn/Winter 2010 - for beginning and developing writers.

The Big Smoke Writing Factory lives at 7 Lower Hatch St, Dublin 2. Booking is available online at http://www.bigsmokewritingfactory.com/, via post, or at open days. Workshops are taught by members of the Big Smoke team, a group of experienced writers and facilitators who bring their dual expertise to the workshop environment, as well as guest teachers.

Beginning To Write classes
10 weeks, €240
MONDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting September 6, 2010.
TUESDAY, 10.30am-12.30pm, starting September 14, 2010.
WEDNESDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting September 22, 2010.
THURSDAY, 10.30am-12.30pm, starting September 23, 2010.
THURSDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting September 30, 2010.

Beyond Beginners class ('next step' after beginners')
8 weeks, €200
MONDAY, 10.30am-12.30pm, starting September 6, 2010.
TUESDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting September 21, 2010.
THURSDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting September 9, 2010.

Novel In Progress (with Claire Hennessy)
10 weeks, €250
MONDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting September 20, 2010.

The Poetry Workshop (with Maggie Smith Hurt)
10 weeks, €250
TUESDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting September 7, 2010.

Angst and Adventure: workshop in children's and young adult fiction (with Claire Hennessy)
12 weeks, €280
TUESDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting September 21, 2010.

The Fiction Workshop (with Colm Liddy)
12 weeks, €280
WEDNESDAY, 11am-1pm, starting September 15, 2010.
WEDNESDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting September 15, 2010.

No previous writing experience is required for Beginning To Write, though we do recommend that participants in more specialist courses have some writing experience. Any queries to bigsmokewritingfactory@gmail.com or 086-840-7756.

olive2

Creative Writing Ink runs creative writing courses and we have also launched a free service, where you can post your writing and obtain honest and polite (!) feedback from others. To register, go to http://creativewriting.ie/discussion-forum/
We also provide a bi-monthly free newsletter, which includes the latest publishing, freelance writing market and writing competition news.

olive2

Hi all,
Just a reminder that our Writing for Children online course with best-selling children's writer and illustrator Oisin McGann will start on July 19th for 6 weeks.
This course will cover the basics of storytelling and the specific aspects of writing for children and young adults. Areas that will be looked at include: how to generate ideas; how to use observation; description of both character and setting; using dialogue and ensuring a good pace and plot, as well as how to tailor your writing for different age groups. There will be practical exercises. Oisin will also be giving tips on how to get published, and how to market your books once you get published. The course costs €190.00
To book, please go to www.creativewriting.ie or email info@creativewriting.ie

Chocoholic84

Anyone know of any writing/magazine journalism for teens in Dublin for a 15 year old girl? She loves KISS Magazine and is always writing her own articles, etc.

Baye

This is a new course starting in Dublin, which I would highly recommend to anyone serious about getting published.

I myself am a client of one of the course directors, Svetlana Pironko, an agent with exceptional contacts in the publishing world, and the patience and understanding to nurture new talent.

http://www.authorrightsagency.com/?page_id=110

It takes place in the O'Brien Press House, and I would advise anyone to look at the link above, and research the names mentioned on that page. This is a course that not only gives you quality sessions, but access to people directly involved in the industry. In terms of feedback, and opportunity, you cannot ask for more.

Fatboydim

I'll probably be doing my scriptwriting course in Dublin in November. Looking for a venue and suitable dates at the moment. If interested please PM me.

Irish Writers Centre

The lovely volunteers of the Irish Writers' Centre have put together an amazing list of courses for Autumn/Winter 2010. We have something for everyone really whether you're just starting off or are already churning out masterpieces.

We'll be open in August from 10am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, if you'd like to call in and find out about a course or simply join us for a cup of tea and distract us from our mounting workload. One of the perks of volunteering is we occasionally get to take a course so we should be able to give you a bit of input from a students' point of view.

The Irish Writers' Centre is located at 19 Parnell Square, in between the Dublin Writers' Museum and the Hugh Lane Gallery. Booking is available in the Centre, over the phone (01-8721302) or via our website www.writerscentre.ie. Courses are taught by accomplished writers, we try to incorporate as many genres as possible so there should be something for everyone! For those of you who're looking into getting published, or simply wish to know more about the industry, we've managed to nab Carlo Gébler and some fantastic publishers and Agents for our publishing day on the 2nd of October. We have proven ourselves to be remarkably good at bullying fantastic writers into coming on board so we do hope you take full advantage of their expertise while we have them with us.

6 Week Courses Cost: €165

Feature Writing with Henry McDonald (Ireland Correspondent of The Guardian)
Writing the Short Story with John Givens
Memoir Writing with John MacKenna

10 Week Courses Cost: €280

Novel Writing with John Maher
Finish your Novel with Conor Kostick
Young Adult Fiction with Michael Carroll
Writing Poetry with Peter Sirr
Writing Historical Fiction with John Givens
Beginners Creative Writing with Nessa O'Mahoney
Beginners' Creative Writing with Jean O'Brien
Develop Your Writing (Intermediate) with Alan Jude Moore
Working towards Publication (Advanced) with Michael O'Loughlin


Weekend Courses Cost: €150

Writing Short Fiction with Nuala Ni Chonchuir (11th September)
Fantasy Fiction with Celine Kiernan (11th September)
Write & Tell with Brendan Nolan (18th September)
Screencraft with Viko Nikci (25th September)
Travel Writing Workshop with Charlie Connelly (25th September)
The Novel with Kevin Power (9th October)
Creative Writing with Emer Martin (6th November)
Playwriting with Billy Roche (6th November)
Poetry Workshop with Enda Wyley (13th November)


Any queries to courses@writerscentre.ie or 01-8721302. Or just pop into the Centre, we're always happy to take time out for hot beverages and friendly conversation. The Irish Writers' Centre is at 19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1.

bigsmokewriting

Updates on autumn creative writing courses at the Big Smoke Writing Factory (7 Lower Hatch St, D2).

The Writer's Step 1: Beginning To Write
10 weeks, €240
MONDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting September 13, 2010.
TUESDAY, 10.30am-12.30pm, starting September 14, 2010.
WEDNESDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting September 22, 2010.
THURSDAY, 10.30am-12.30pm, starting September 23, 2010.
THURSDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting September 30, 2010.


The Writer's Step 2: Beyond Beginners
8 weeks, €200
MONDAY, 10.30am-12.30pm, starting September 13, 2010.
MONDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting September 20, 2010.
THURSDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting September 16, 2010.




Novel In Progress (with Claire Hennessy)
10 weeks, €250
MONDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting September 20, 2010.


The Poetry Workshop (with Maggie Smith Hurt)
10 weeks, €250
TUESDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting September 21, 2010.


Angst and Adventure: workshop in children's and young adult fiction (with Claire Hennessy)
12 weeks, €280
TUESDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting September 21, 2010.


Adventures in Food and Travel Writing (with Ross Golden-Bannon)
10 weeks, €250
TUESDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting October 19, 2010.


The Fiction Workshop (with Colm Liddy)
12 weeks, €280
WEDNESDAY, 11am-1pm, starting September 15, 2010.
WEDNESDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting September 15, 2010.

Screenwriting (with Mary Kate O Flanagan)
10 weeks, €350
THURSDAY, 6.30pm-9.30pm, starting September 16, 2010.

Drama & Creative Writing: Focus on character and dialogue (with Nicole Rourke)
8 weeks, €210
THURSDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting September 30, 2010.


The Memoir Workshop (with Maggie Smith Hurt)
1 day, €95
SATURDAY, 10am-5pm, September 25, 2010.

Writing A Bestseller (with Marisa Mackle)
1 day, €95
SATURDAY, 10am-5pm, October 16, 2010.

No previous writing experience is required for Beginning To Write, though we do recommend that participants in more specialist courses have some writing experience. Any queries to bigsmokewritingfactory@gmail.com or 086-840-7756.

Big Smoke will also be providing a workshop at Electric Picnic on The Word stage: http://www.electricpicnic.ie/comedy-spoken-word/the-word/

olive2

Our 6 week online writing for children course with best-selling children’s author and illustrator Oisin McGann starts on September 20th 2010. Oisin has written and illustrated numerous books for young children, including the Mad Grandad series, The Forbidden Files series, and two short retellings of Irish legends. This course, which costs €190 will cover the basics of storytelling and the specific aspects of writing for children and young adults.

Areas that will be looked at include: how to generate ideas; how to use observation; description of both character and setting; using dialogue and ensuring a good pace and plot, as well as how to tailor your writing for different age groups. There will be practical exercises and a final writing task at the end of the course. Oisin will also be giving tips on how to get published, and how to market your books once you get published. For more information, please visit http://creativewriting.ie/writing-for-children-course/ or email info@creativewriting.ie

Irish Writers Centre

This weekend at the Irish Writers' Centre

On Saturday 2nd October 2010 the Irish Writers' Centre will host a day-long Publishing Seminar with leading figures across a variety of branches of the publishing industry.

The day will feature talks with Novelist and Playwright Carlo Gebler, Editor with Transworld Ireland Eoin McHugh, Literary Agent Emma Walsh, Digital Publisher Gareth Cuddy and Lynn Crampton, Fiction Buyer for Dubray Books.

The day will start at 10.30am with registration and run until 5.00pm. Tickets are €60 and can be booked by paying online or calling the Centre.

http://www.writerscentre.ie/html/events/publishingday.html

Any queries to courses@writerscentre.ie or 01-8721302. Or just pop into the Centre, we're always happy to take time out for hot beverages and friendly conversation. The Irish Writers' Centre is at 19 Parnell Square, Dublin 1.

bigsmokewriting

Updates on autumn/winter creative writing courses at the Big Smoke Writing Factory (7 Lower Hatch St, D2).

THE WRITER'S FIRST STEPS (Beginners and beyond)
The Writer's Step 1: Beginning To Write
10 weeks, €240
THURSDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting November 11, 2010.
The Writer's Step 2: Beyond Beginners
8 weeks, €200
MONDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting December 6, 2010.
--
SPECIALIST COURSES AND WORKSHOPS
(Winter 2010-11 courses coming soon)
--
ONE-DAY OR WEEKEND WORKSHOPS
Introduction to Getting Published: Getting On The Right Track (with Vanessa O'Loughlin)
1 day, €85
SATURDAY, 10am-5pm, November 13, 2010.
Beginning To Write (with Maggie Smith Hurt)
1 day, €95
SATURDAY, 10am-5pm, November 13, 2010.
Starting A Novel (with Claire Hennessy)
1 day, €95
SUNDAY, 10am-5pm, November 14, 2010.

We also have our next Open Day on Thursday 28th October from 5.30-8.30 p.m. Do pop in to say hello and have a chat. We look forward to seeing you there!

No previous writing experience is required for Beginning To Write, though we do recommend that participants in more specialist courses have some writing experience. Any queries tobigsmokewritingfactory@gmail.com or 086-840-7756.

bigsmokewriting

Two courses coming up next weekend:


Introduction to Getting Published: Getting On The Right Track (with Vanessa O'Loughlin)
1 day, €85
SATURDAY, 10am-5pm, November 13, 2010.


Starting A Novel (with Claire Hennessy)
1 day, €95
SUNDAY, 10am-5pm, November 14, 2010.





And more course listings - we've finalised our winter 2010/11 courses!

THE WRITER'S FIRST STEPS (Beginners and beyond)
The Writer's Step 1: Beginning To Write
10 weeks, €240
(In order of start date...)
THURSDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting November 11, 2010.
WEDNESDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting December 1, 2010.
TUESDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting February 1, 2011.
THURSDAY, 10.30am-12.30pm, starting February 3, 2011.
MONDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting February 21, 2011.




The Writer's Step 2: Beyond Beginners
8 weeks, €200
MONDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting December 6, 2010.
WEDNESDAY, 10.30am-12.30pm, starting January 19, 2011.



Novel In Progress (with Claire Hennessy)
12 weeks, €280
MONDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting January 24, 2011.



The Poetry Workshop (with Maggie Smith Hurt)
12 weeks, €280
TUESDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting February 8, 2011.



The Fiction Workshop II (with Colm Liddy)
10 weeks, €250
WEDNESDAY, 6.30pm-8.30pm, starting January 19, 2011.



Angst & Adventure: workshop in children's & young adult fiction (with Claire Hennessy)
10 weeks, €250
THURSDAY, 7pm-9pm, starting February 3, 2011.




Character and Dialogue workshop (with Nicole Rourke)
1 day, €95
SATURDAY, 10am-5pm, December 4, 2010.


Queries to Big Smoke Writing Factory:
T: 087-976-6253
E: bigsmokewritingfactory@gmail.com
W: http://www.bigsmokewritingfactory.com/

the cork arts theatre

This competition was established in 1986 and to date over 800 new plays have been submitted and judged, over 150 have been performed and 6 have been published. It is a great way to see new writing performed in Cork and also to get a taste of new actors and directors.



All week the Cork Arts Theatre will be presenting performances of the shortlisted plays from our Playwrights' Awards. This is always an exciting event in the theatre as we will have six premieres of new plays. For the first time ever the playwrights' words will be presented to an audience.



This is always one of the highlights of the Cork Arts Theatre calender so be sure to come along to see it!
Tickets: €10; €8 conc.



The six short-listed plays are as follows. (Performance schedule will be posted on our website shortly. www.corkartstheatre.com)


‘Those Sick and Indigent’ by Alan O’Regan
Directed by Sarah O’ Dwyer
‘Chasing Butterflies’ by Siobhan Donnellan
Directed by Aoife Connolly
‘Katie’s Wake’ by Alice Lynch
Directed by Tess Healy Maguire
‘Big Day’ by Dominic Cogan
Directed by Katrina Foley
‘Headhunter’ by Marie Higgins
Directed by John O’Callaghan
‘Bollard’ by Bernard O’ Farrell*
*Please note that while unfortunately ‘Bollard’ will not be performed during Writers’ Week, it is still part of the competition.

Sleuthy

Hi there,

I want to book a novel writing course (preferably in Dublin) for a weekend (either 1 or 2 days). I do not want one in which I have to have to bring a manuscript; I'd rather do one that will guide me through the process from the beginning. I would be interested in doing it in Spring 2011.

I have done a search online but it's yielded pretty poor results so far as half the sites don't bother to update their content very frequently.

Any recommendations for reputable and helpful courses would be welcomed.

Thanks,

Sleuthy.

bigsmokewriting

Sleuthy wrote: »

Hi there,

I want to book a novel writing course (preferably in Dublin) for a weekend (either 1 or 2 days). I do not want one in which I have to have to bring a manuscript; I'd rather do one that will guide me through the process from the beginning. I would be interested in doing it in Spring 2011.

I have done a search online but it's yielded pretty poor results so far as half the sites don't bother to update their content very frequently.

Any recommendations for reputable and helpful courses would be welcomed.

Thanks,

Sleuthy.

We've this in spring 2011:
Starting A Novel (with Claire Hennessy)
1 day, €95
SUNDAY, 10am-5pm, March 6, 2011.

Looks at characters, viewpoint, structure, plot, outlining - very much for people who know they want to write a novel and maybe have a vague idea about it, but aren't sure where to start, how to develop what they have, how to structure it, etc. Drop us an email at bigsmokewritingfactory@gmail.com if you've any particular questions and the facilitator will get back to you.

Irish Writers Centre

We have a number of classes starting this week and are in the process of putting on extra Novel writing and Beginners' Creative Writing classes. Do keep an eye on our website for up-to-date listings. We also run courses on weekends, we're adding a few more this week.


Weekly Courses Starting This Week
24.01.11 Introduction to Screenwriting with Viko Nikci
Duration 6 weeks, Cost €165
This six-week screenwriting course will cover everything you need to know to turn an idea into a high calibre screenplay. The course covers a wide range of screenwriting craft - from the three act structure and dialogue right through to proper formatting and presentation.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>>


24.01.11 Intermediate Creative Writing with Nessa O' Mahony
Duration 10 weeks, Cost €280
You’ve taken your first steps into creative writing; this course will provide you with the skills and confidence to develop your own voice and experiment with a variety of forms and genres.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>>



25.01.11 Beginners' Creative Writing with Jean O' Brien
Duration 10 weeks, Cost €280
If you want to know how to put your story down in a structured way, how and where to get started and how to complete your tale then this course is for you.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>>


26.01.11 Writing Non-Fiction and Memoir with Molly McCloskey
Duration 6 weeks, Cost €165
This six-week non-fiction course will cover various short examples of published non-fiction – memoir, personal essay, travel, reportage, or pieces that combine elements of these forms.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>>


26.01.11 Historical Fiction with John Givens
Duration 10 weeks, Cost €280
This ten-week workshop is intended for novelists and short story writers who are seeking thoughtful feedback on a work in progress, and also for those writers who are just getting started in historical fiction.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>>


27.01.11 Beginners' Creative Writing with Susan Knight
Duration 10 weeks, Cost €280
This workshop is aimed primarily at those who want to write but don’t quite know how to get started. It should also be useful for people who have done some writing already but who feel the need for the discipline of a class, as well as feedback on their work.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>>


27.01.11 Feature Writing with Henry McDonald
Duration 10 weeks, Cost €280
On this ten-week course Henry McDonald, author and Ireland Correspondent of The Guardian, will cover feature writing techniques for magazines, internet and newspapers, and how these genres differ from the who, what, where, when and how of conventional straight news reporting. Hands-on research and practical writing exercises will form the basis of this dynamic course.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>


Coming Soon

02.02.11 Finding your Voice: Poetry with Michael O'Loughlin
Duration 10 weeks, Cost €280
This ten-week poetry workshop with poet Michael O'Loughlin is intended to help guide you towards your own poetic voice, using the work of published poets, alongside pieces generated in class and by participants at home. It is suitable for poets of all levels of experience.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>>

08.02.11 Writing for Children with Jane Mitchell
Duration 10 weeks, Cost €280
This ten-week course is aimed at guiding those who wish to write for young readers with an emphasis on longer fiction, although picture books will be touched upon. Topics that will be thoroughly explored in the course will include; genres, writing for different age groups, characterisation, perspective, setting, dialogue, plot and structure.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>>

10.02.11 American Classics: Reading Course with Paul Perry
Duration 6 weeks, Cost €165
American Classics is six-week course which gives you the opportunity to read or re-read six American Classics with the guidance of Dr. Paul Perry. During the course, poetry and prose and a selection of critical essays on the literature will be discussed.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>>


10.02.11 Finish your Novel with Conor Kostick

Duration 10 weeks, Cost €280
This is a practical course for writers who are already part-way through the writing of a book. It takes place on Thursday evenings.
For more details click here>>>>




Weekend Courses


12.02.11 How to write a novel with Juliet Bressan
Duration 1 day, Cost €75
This one-day intensive workshop is aimed at writers who want to write a novel, who’ve begun their first novel, or who may even have completed a first draft but just don’t know where to go next. Whatever level of writing you’re at, you need feedback and you need to know how to work professionally.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>>

12.02.11 Get In, Get Out: The Short Story with John McKenna
Duration 2 days, Cost €150 This two-day weekend workshop will build your skills in doing with the Short Story what Raymond Carver recommended: Get in, Get out, Move on! Suitable for writers of all levels of experience.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>>

05.03.11 Travel Writing Workshop with Charlie Connelly
Duration 1 day, Cost €75
This one-day course would give those attending a firm grounding in what makes good travel writing. Combining tutorial, discussion and a couple of short writing assignments, attendees will leave the course with a better understanding of the mechanics of travel writing and where and how to place articles and books.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>>

05.03.11 Poetry Workshop with Mary O'Malley
Duration 2 days, Cost €150 In this two-day course, Mary O'Malley will look at the writing of poetry, concentrating on the use of metaphor. She will present as examples poems which look to science for material and metaphor.
For more details and to book your place click here>>>>