After Writing – Reading

As always, after an intense spell of writing, I like to return to reading.

Reading for leisure, for pleasure, for the act of reading itself.

Reading to no agenda other than to follow word after word, sentence after sentence so that I might be surprised by a discovery, a nudge, a startling fact, a sense of sadness – or that in some way wonder might pass through me.

And so, my current reading:

  • This is Ear Hustle by Nigel Poor and Earlonne Woods. I’ve been listening to the Podcast. The book is even more thought-provoking.
  • A Slanting of the Sun by Donal Ryan. I’m late to these stories but am taking my time with them.
  • Wunderland by Caitríona Lally. With thanks to New Island books. Looking forward to diving in.
  • Bewilderment by Richard Powers. On the 2021 Booker Short List. I’d love if it won! (Results out next week). This is a slow and wonderful read with philosophical questioning throughout. One of the most tender evocations of father-son relationship I’ve ever read. I’m almost finished this beauty.

Photograph of four books: This is Ear Hustle (non-fiction)/ A Slanting of the Sun (short stories)/ Wunderland (novel)/ Bewilderment (novel)

KRF 2021 Writing and Art Workshops

IMAGE FOR WORKSHOP 1: Brigid and Heritage – sense of place

I am very much looking forward to working with writers and artists on Saturday 9th October exploring Brigid and our sense of place at 2pm and Brigid and the Sacred Feminine at 7pm.

Both workshops are fully booked and have a waiting list.

Margo McNulty and I would like to thank everyone for engaging with our collaborative endeavour Mantles (Funded by Creative Ireland/ Kildare County Council/Roscommon County Council)

IMAGE FOR WORKSHOP 2: Brigid and the Sacred Feminine

KRF 2021: MANTLES Webinar

Kildare Readers Festival Logo

This year I was awarded a Creative Ireland Bursary (Kildare County Council) with Margo McNulty (Roscommon County Council), to work on our collaboration Mantles which explored Brigid through place, symbols, artefacts and heritage.

On Tuesday October 5th at 2pm, Margo and I talk with Clodagh Doyle (Keeper, Irish Folklife Division, National Museum of Ireland), about our extensive research including the use of public archives and artefacts, and our image and word making. Margo will discuss some of her images in detail and I will give two short readings from my writing on Brigid.

Please join us – sign up for this FREE event: Kildare Readers Festival Eventbrite