A Creative Gathering

Every year DCU Library runs a Creative Writing Competition for adult literacy groups throughout North Dublin. It aims to reward those who have returned to education to improve their reading and writing skills. Over 100 entries are received each year from more than 10 literacy groups in North Dublin and Library staff volunteer to participate in the judging and organisation of the competition. This years worthy winner was “Growing up in Finglas in the 60s” by Jimmy Conway. It takes a real gift to capture a scene from your past and even more to make it entertaining and funny. And Jimmy did just that. I was delighted to be the guest speaker this year and DCU library have blogged about the evening if you would like to check it out.

https://dculibrary.wordpress.com/2015/06/08/creative-writing-competition-2015/

Otherwise, here are a few quotes from some of the brilliant guest speakers of past events…

Stories are beautifully unpredictable when done well. Figure out what you love to read and think about, what excites you. Chances are those are also the things that you will love to write about.      
Nuala Ní Chonchúir

“Stop reading like a reader; start reading like a writer”
Christine Dwyer Hickey

“If you’re going to be an artist or a writer you’re in for a long apprentice”
Peter Sheridan

“Everyone’s life is valid and worth writing about”
Dermot Bolger

“Simple. Clear. Devoid of the unnecessary. For me, that’s what makes a good story”
Róisín Ingle

“Anyone who has survived childhood has the capacity to be a writer”
Anthony Glavin

(In stories) “things begin to unravel when we are forced to accept a truth we’ve been avoiding, or our world discovers a truth about us”
Marian O’Neill

“Learn to walk in your character’s shoes”
Patricia O’Scanlan