Over the years, we’ve had a number of useful books recommended to us by visiting writers. Here’s the list so far, in no particular order: Negotiating with the Dead, Margaret Atwood The Writer’s Voice, Al Alvarez What If? Writing Exercises…
Anyone who has ever attended a writers’ workshop is probably familiar with the kind of exercise where three random words are chosen from a hat or a book and used as the basis for a narrative or poem. This exercise…
It’s time to start thinking about your entry for the 2012 Francis MacManus Award. Here are a few tips from Hester Casey, winner of the 21st annual award. __________________________________________________ I was reared on radio and I’m still inclined to favour…
After too many years dabbling in writing, a few universal truths about the subject have now become obvious to me. The most important of these is that the production of a novel or book is hard work. Dedication to the…
I would like to have a dictionary in my brain and be able to summon up any word on command, but unfortunately I suffer from an incurable disorder called laziness. This affliction, coupled with a poor memory, leaves me with…