Contemplation, On Reading, Writers Read

And it’s reading and re-reading time…

Seven books on wooden stairs, list of books below this photograph.
  • Paul Maddern (ed) Queering The Green (poetry)
  • Mary O’Donnel Sweep the Cobwebs Off the Sky (novel)
  • Liz McManus Tiny Bruises (short stories)
  • John O’Donnell Mr Hoo and Other Stories (short stories)
  • John MacKenna The Lock-keeper’s Wife (novella)
  • Moyra Donaldson The Thirteenth Moon (poetry)
  • Katriona O’Sullivan Hungry (memoir)

The above photograph and list show some of my current reads and re-reads. I often re-read books that stay in my mind – whether it’s for beautiful writing, the love of a character, or to remind myself of how something was structured. I also return to anthologies, in particular, because it’s rare to read one cover-to-cover on first reading. Always (not almost always, but always) I will find a new treasure of a word, a line, a complete something that will give me a new perspective or feeling about what it means to be human.

Writing Life, Writing Workshops

Irish Writers Centre Course: Continuing Characterisation.

I’m delighted to return to the Irish Writers Centre in person to present a follow-on workshop to my January offering on Characterisation. Join me on 9th May 2pm to 5pm! To book online click here or email the Irish Writers Centre info@irishwriterscentre.ie

Contemplation, Exhibitions, Writing Life, Writing News

6th Indigenous and Minoritised Languages Videopoems Marathon

The International Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee (TLCR) of PEN International are hosting their 6th Annual Poetry Marathon, amplifying voices from diverse linguistic communities.

Today I listened to a moving and urgent poem written and performed in Kalaallisut by Julia Pars (Greenland) “Where are you, world leader?” (Link opens YouTube – poem is 2.34 mins)

You can tune in every Saturday for a new poem and listen back to previous Poetry/Video Marathons. English, Spanish, and French translations provided.

On their website PEN International explain the background to the International Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee:

Founded in 1978, the PEN International Translation and Linguistic Rights Committee (TLCR) works to defend linguistic diversity and promote translation as a vital act of cultural solidarity. From its early efforts to expand access to world literature to its pioneering advocacy for “minoritised” languages, the Committee has consistently challenged the political and cultural forces that marginalise languages and the communities that speak them.

You can read more about PEN International and indeed, consider joining Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann which aims to promote friendly co-operation among writers in every country in the interests of literature, responsible freedom of expression and international goodwill.