Masterclass - writing popular fiction - sun 7 sep

[SarahW]

Hi All,

Just a quick note to say myself and Sinead Moriarty will be holding a 'masterclass - writing popular fiction', on Sunday 7th Sept in Dublin - Dawson Street. It's part of the Sunday Indo Book Festival and is e10 which seems reasonable to me (was going to be e17 but they reduced all the workshops to make them more accessible).


We will be talking about motivation, inspiration, getting started, character and plot, research, publishing and agents - and there will be plenty of time for questions at the end.

Sinead is, as you all know, an amazing writer and is full of practical advice and wisdom. And I have a few useful things to share also (I hope!). I promise to be honest and as helpful as I can to anyone trying to get published.

Please do come along if you are free.

Booking on www.bookevents.ie

Hope to see you there. Please do tell everyone who might be interested about the festival - it's the first year and I think it's important to support new festivals and book ventures.

Yours in writing,

SarahX

If you do attend the workshop, make sure to introduce yourself to me and Sinead!

[filmbuff]

hi sarah,

thanks a mil for putting up this thread as far as i know i should be able to make it what time does it start at please?

hope you're well
laura

[SarahW]

Hi Laura,

It's on at 11.00 and as far as I know there are still places available. There was a lot about the festival in the papers over the weekend, so book quickly!
Details from www.bookevents.ie
Hope to see you there.

Best, SarahX

[catherine daly]

And if you book more than one event you get a reduction of 50% on everything you book!
I booked myself and the kids in for all the National Gallery Kids talks and it ended up only costing us a tenner each.

[filmbuff]

hi sarah,

i'm really sorry but i cant make it its too early-sniff sniff! maybe another time!

hope you're well
laura

[megan]

Marion Keyes was interiewed in Dublin yesterday evening, as part of the Books 2008 event, run by the Sunday Independent. It was fantastic!!!!! The venue was a large hall in the National Gallery (to the left of main entrance on Merrion Square). I arrived early and got a seat in the very front row. I love doing that at writers' events because I want to get a really good look at the writers and not miss a thing. I've always been a huge fan of Marion Keyes's writing, and after yesterday I am a huge fan of Marion Keyes herself. She looked gorgeous; she was kind,witty, warm, generous and really interested in her audience. She read aloud from the first chapter of her next book (after This Charming Man) which was such a treat, and, as usual, beautifully written. A journalist interviewed her (Emily Hourlihan?) and did a great job. She asked her if she is a feminist, and Marion said yes, definitely. She is a great champion for women and I felt reallly heartened by all that she said. At the end, when she thanked us all so much for coming she sounded so genuine that I was nearly in tears. It was such a privilige to be there to hear her speak, and I'll never forget it.
Oh, I even got to ask her a question! I know she suffers from depression, and sometimes I can be very down about my writing. So I asked her how she keeps going through those difficult times. She said that she may do no 'creative work' on those down days and instead do tidying up and eiditing, or she simply has a duvet day - just like in other jobs, sometimes you just have to ring in sick. And she said not to be too hard on yourself. I shall take that on board.
Her lovely husband was there too, carrying her coat, and supporting her in the audience. THat was lovely to see.
So girls, any chance you get to see Marion Keyes, GO!!! She's brilliant - a wonderful representative for us women.

Oh, afterwards I got to catch up with Oonagh, which was great. She had a book for me (thanks Claire and Oonagh) and we chatted about her new life in Dublin, and, of course, books! I saw Sarah Webb too, but didn't get a chance to say a proper 'Hello.' Sorry about that, Sarah - I left early to get a train - I hope your workshop goes really well on Sunday.

[Shirley]

Thanks for the update, Megan. It sounded like a wonderful event.

[Oonagh]

Marian was lovely. she signed my book and everything. It was great seeing you megan!! U looked fantastic girl. thanks sarah for inviting me. x

[claire]

it sounded like a great night, glad you two met again, oons and Megan

[megan]

I'm glad we met up too, Claire.

Thanks for the compliment Oonagh and your lovely warm hug!

[Oonagh]

Its always a pleasure to meet up with you megan!!