Current Courses

Over the course of eight weeks, I will take you through the craft of writing the short story, introduce you to the masters of the form, both classical and contemporary, and afford you the opportunity to write a story each week or work on one or more stories intensely over the eight weeks. 

The format for each class is as follows:

1. Introductory  chat followed by a prompted 10-minute written exercise.
2. An  instructive session, based on a PowerPoint/handout on the art of writing  where a different element of craft is explored each week.
3. A  short discussion referencing the weekly reading assignment.
4. A fifteen minute break with refreshments provided
5. Workshopping weekly  written assignments from at least three students.
6. Concluding  chat about the writing plans for the week ahead.

Class numbers will not exceed eight.

  A course for creative non-fiction writing (Memoir/biography/autobiography).

If you have a story you want to record for posterity or an interest in something or someone specific that you would like to write about, then this may be the course you are looking for. Through prompted written exercises, instruction in the art of writing, and the sharing of your work you will be encouraged and guided through the processes involved in writing about facts in a creative manner.

Course outline.

Week 1. What is creative non-fiction. Why life-writing? Form and structure.

Week 2. How to turn yourself into a character!

Week 3. Finding your writing voice.

Week 4. The shape of the story and the art of storytelling.

The format for each class is as follows:

1. Introductory chat followed by a prompted 10-minute written exercise and reading of

what is written by anyone who wants share.

2. A discussion based on ideas that may have arisen from the contributions.

3. A short break of ten minutes with refreshments provided.

4. An instructive session, based on a handout on the art of writing where a different

element of craft is explored each week.

5. A short discussion referencing the week’s reading assignment.

6. Concluding chat about the writing plans for the week ahead.

Class numbers will not exceed eight.

 MEMOIR, 

‘Write your story, your way.'

Kildare Writing Centre is delighted to be back in person. This one-day event is designed, through activities, instruction, reading and discussion, to equip you with the ideas, skills, and determination to begin and continue ‘your’ story. The entire day from 10am to 4pm will take place in the Centre, where, along with the coursework, you will be provided with morning refreshments and a mid-day meal (with some produce from the garden!) Hopefully the weather will allow the breaks and lunch to take place on the patio.