Fact to Fiction

I'll be teaching a workshop at the end of August specifically for people interested in weaving fact and fiction. It would suit people who have already begun a project, or have a particular subject in mind. So this Autumn might be the time to tackle that story that's been brewing for a while :) This is an article I wrote on my own process for my first book The Herbalist.

And here are the course details....

Location: Athy Heritage Centre, Emily Square, Athy

Date: Sat 26^th August from 12.30- 3.30pm

Price: 45 Euro per person. (Limited numbers so booking is essential)

Email: niamhmboyce (at) eircom (dot) net
(p. s. If you've emailed and I haven't responded, you've probably forgotten the *m*)

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Course Title: Fact to Fiction

A practical writing workshop, exploring how true stories can inspire a work of fiction.

The workshop…

In this practical workshop, award winning historical novelist, Niamh Boyce will explore how true stories can inspire a work of fiction. She will discuss writing that first draft, revision and research. It is suitable for both beginners and those who have been writing for a while.

All you need is a pen and notebook…

Niamh has just finished her second novel, her first ‘The Herbalist’ (Penguin Ireland) won Newcomer of the Year at the Irish Book Awards 2013, and was long listed for the IMPAC Award. 'The Herbalist' was set in the 1930s, and inspired by a newspaper clipping. Her most recent work was also inspired by a true story - a medieval witchcraft trial, to be published in 2019.

Bio…

Winner of the Hennessy XO New Irish Writer of the Year 2012, Niamh’s poetry collection was highly commended in The Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award 2013. Her novel, The Herbalist (Penguin Ireland) won Newcomer of the Year at the Irish Book Awards 2013, and was long listed for the IMPAC Award. Her stories have been adapted for stage, broadcast, published in literary magazines and anthologized, most recently in The Long Gaze Back- Irish Women Writers' and 'The Hennessy Book of Irish Fiction.

Training…

Niamh is a trained facilitator and tutor with a background in community development. She has devised and taught creative writing and novel workshops for many years. She has a Master in Women's Studies (Trinity) and an honors degree in English and History (UCG) Other qualifications include a Higher Diploma in Community Development Practice(NUIG) and a Community Arts Certificate.  

Radio Drama Writing Workshops

 

I really want to do this workshop. At only  €25 per person for a full weekend workshop, its an excellent opportunity to really learn the craft of radio drama, it covers radio script writing, performance, sound, recording... its hosted by the wonderful people at Sessions House Arts Centre in Thomastown, Co Kilkenny

They don't say what the class limit is, but I reckon at that price it will be booked up fairly quickly.

There are two dates are available -

5th/6th of October - 10-5pm  or 19th/20th of October - 10 -5pm

Radio Drama and Performance Workshop

'A radio play will be devised, developed, scripted and performed, specifically for and about The Sessions House Arts Centre, the old Court House and Gaol in Thomastown, Kilkenny. 

Incorporating the rich history of the building, participants will devise a short piece for radio which they will subsequently perform and record under the facilitation of playwright, Gillian Grattan. The workshop will explore the following; script writing, editing, acting, creating sound effects, character creation and development, microphone technique and the physicality of radio acting.'

Content: 

• Development of a story and plot which directly relates to Sessions House.
• Devising and writing of the script or scripts.
• Performance of the piece by participants for recording.
• Sound effects which will be sourced by participants as the project will be recorded in the traditional style: ie: no computerised effects.
• Music, an original piece to be devised by participants.
• Recording the piece, in a professional studio setting
• Performance of the piece to an audience in November at Session House.

For more information contact Mary 087 682 8904.

Culture Night: Writing Workshop @ The Museum of Style Icons

I'm facilitating a creative writing workshop at the Museum Of Style Icons on Culture Night, September 21st from 7 to 9pm. It should be fun, we'll be drawing inspiration from the clothes and artifacts on exhibition which include Marilyn Monroes pink pucci dress, her evening jacket from The Prince and The Showgirl, and her dotty umbrella in the cheesecake shot above.

There's also clothes worn by Liza Minelli (her Cabaret costume) Gloria Swanson, (Sunset Boulevard), Garbo, Betty Davis. Tippi Hedren, Michael Jackson and The Beatles. All you need is a notebook and pen and a willingness to write! Places are limited so book by contacting Kildare Arts Service at arts@kildarecoco.ie or 045-448328

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Niamh Boyce Writes At Newbridge

Silverware Visitor Centre and

Museum of Style Icons

Friday 21st Sept 7–9pm

On Culture Night, join Niamh Boyce, winner of the Hennessy XO New Irish Writer of the Year award 2012, for a creative writing workshop inspired by the Museum of Style Icons. Workshop commences at 7pm. Booking is essential. Contact the art service in advance for Booking.  arts@kildarecoco.ie or 045-448328

  Claire Keegan will be reading at the DLR Festival. 

Mountains to the Sea

The Mountains to Sea Festival runs from the 4th to 9th of Sept 2012, and has an interesting mixture of readings, workshops, family events and poetry events.

"Howard Jacobson, who won the Man Booker Prize for The Finkler Question, will kick off this year's Mountains to Sea dlr book festival on Tuesday September 4th. Other highlights in a stellar line-up will include UK novelist, Philippa Gregory, IMPAC winner Gerbrand Bakker and readings by superb writers such as Jonathan Dee, John Banville, Esther Freud, Daniel Woodrell, David Mitchell and Katie Fforde.

The poetry line-up includes legends such as Mark Doty, Paula Meehan, James Fenton, and a Transtromer tribute, while also including the Irish Times Award, and using some stunning new venues.

RTÉ Radio 1’s Sunday Miscellany returns with its fantastically popular show, while Liam Carson will present Imram, the Irish readings extravaganza with special musical guests.

Aspiring writers can look forward to a series of Creative Writing Workshops with top tutors, and the family programme will include appearances by major authors such as Robert Muchamore, Marcus Sedgwick, Philip Reeve, Derek Landy and Marita Conlon McKenna."

The festival blog is here

Claire Keegan Workshop

Claire Keegan will be running a one-day workshop in Cork City on 21st April 2011 at the Triskel Arts Centre from 10 to 5 (lunch not provided).

Cost: 200 Euro. Five places only.

If you want to enroll for the workshop, please contact Madeleine D’Arcy at madeleinedarcy@eircom.net. Deadline for submission of manuscripts: 7th April 2011.