We are thrilled to today announce the writers selected from across Ireland to take part in our 2026 National Mentoring Programme, drawn from a record number of applicants.

Meet the writers:
Sheila Killian, @sheilakillian.bsky.social
Simon Geraghty, @sigeraghty.bsky.social
Sinead Ingoldsby

Of course, this post would be so much better if my typing fingers remembered how to type deluxe 😁

Picture shows the cover of Something Bigger, by Sheila Killian, a historical fiction novel set in Alabama at the start of the 20th century. Also in the picture are daisies

The delixe Irish-printed edition of Something Bigger has landed, and it's really beautiful. Thanks to 451 Editions for a gorgeous cover design. Available for pre-order from @omahonysbooks.bsky.social @kennysbookshop.bsky.social and all the usual places.
#HistoricalFiction #Southern #Irishwriter

Hon the Hungarians!!!

Folks, the lovely O'Mahony's independent book shop have a pre-order link for my newly republished novel here:
www.omahonys.ie/something-bi...

this has details of the launch too, so it would be great if you could pass this on to any book-lovers you know

Saari Residence - Kone Foundation The Saari Residence, maintained by Kone Foundation, is a residence for artists of all disciplines and nationalities. It is located in Mynämäki, Southwest Finland.

Here's a lovely opportunity for anyone who can take two months to work on their art in Finland

Applications closing at the end of the month
koneensaatio.fi/en/saari-res...

As Close as I Can Get to an Articulation of Irish Identity - Pittsburgh Review of Books I can’t write with any authority about Irish identity in the modern world because I’d have to speak for millions of people and I can barely do so for myself

Donal Ryan here, weaving his magic way with words and generally being brilliant as he talks about what being Irish means in the Pittsburgh Review of Books.

pghrev.com/as-close-as-...

Thanks for the reposts friends. I know very few people in some of these cities so all the shout outs are greatly appreciated

Can anyone suggest a good (ideally free) programme for formatting theatre scripts? Does such a thing even exist?

Terribly uncanny how relevant this is to today.

It has to be named after Maureen Sweeney, the Irish meteorologist who gave the Allies a critical weather report before D Day.

Irish aviation history and meteorological history are intimately linked, and we're a Republic - we don't name things after Taoisigh here (except in Cork).

Picture shows two images of Margaretta D'Arcy

Rest in Peace and Power, the incomparable Margaretta D'Arcy. 90 years of activism for #peace. She never gave up.
Ní bheidh a leithéad arís ann.

I fell in love in Doolin Reflecting on the University of Limerick Creative Writing Winter School 2025

Here's a lovely piece from Jennifer McMahon of @frazzledlit.bsky.social capturing the essence of the UL Creative Writing Winter School last week #writing

www.frazzledlit.com/p/i-fell-in-...

So basis for #FineGael's barrel-scraping attack video on
Catherine Connolly is that as a barrister, she worked for clients she didn't choose.
Assume since this is now a bad thing, they'll be firing the ministers for health, justice & housing & all the other barrister TDs?

Global Sumud Flotilla Statement - Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann 2 October August 2025 Irish PEN/PEN na hÉireann is gravely concerned about the abduction of poet Sarah Clancy, one of several Irish citizens taking part in the Global Sumud Flotilla. The flotilla was ...

here is the @irishpen.bsky.social statement on the Global Sumud Flotilla

irishpen.com/2025/10/02/g...

Irish Bookshop Awards 2025 | Vote For Your Favourite Bookshop| An Post Voting for the Irish Bookshop of the Year 2025 is now open. Submit your vote for a chance to Win a €100 voucher.

Don't forget to vote for your favourite independent bookshop here:

www.anpost.com/Irish-Booksh...

Excited to announce that The Cork International Short Story Festival takes place from 15th - 18th October. All the details on the programme and how to book your tickets go to www.corkshortstory.net
#shortstory #corkevents #shortstoryfestival

We are recruiting a new Commissioning Editor for fiction. Like all Faber editors, they will publish with dynamism and creativity, sensitivity and bravery – apply by 7 September.

faber.co.uk/careers/fict...

ℹ️ If you're having difficulty filling out the expression of interest PDF for representation on the National Centre for Research & Remembrance panels/Special Advocate's Advisory Council, there's a Word version of the form on this page that's not flagged in the dept's email: www.gov.ie/en/departmen...

Thanks so much! And timely, as today is the anniversary of Jimmy's death!
Really appreciate the note

@sheilakillian.bsky.social I’ve just finished reading Something bigger. It’s a fantastic read. Marcella and Jimmy will stay with me for a while.

Support Sheila's Abseil for CCI on iDonate.ie Sheila's Abseil for CCI for Crohn's and Colitis Ireland, created by sheila killian | iDonate.ie

Folks, if any of you want to support a good cause while encouraging me to jump off a rugby stadium - well this is your moment!
www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/s...

Image shows the text of "Though there are torturers" by Michael Coady from Oven Lane and Other Poems, 2014

Though there are torturers

Support Sheila's Abseil for CCI on iDonate.ie Sheila's Abseil for CCI for Crohn's and Colitis Ireland, created by sheila killian | iDonate.ie

Folks, if any of you want to support a good cause while encouraging me to jump off a rugby stadium - well this is your moment!
www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/s...

picture shows the writers included in Jellied Minds, short stroies from the From the Well short story competition, 2025

Delighted to have a story included in this anthology of long-listed entries to the @wcorklitfest.bsky.social Short Story competition. Great evening, lovely to meet some old friends and really great reading too

here's the end of the #heatwave on the #WildAtlanticWay with thunderstorms incoming. #Achill #fluich #Áileann

Kit de Waal | Substack Writer, professor, foodie, swearer, common person.

Here's a shiny new #writing substack from none other than @kitdewaal.com - looking forward to this one! Subscribe, why don't you?

substack.com/@kitdewaal

It is, thanks. Hope the same for you!

Short story competitions June-December 2025 [UPDATED 7/5/25] Hello, just popping in briefly with an updated list of short story competitions for the second half of the year – there are quite a few closing on June 30 if you’re qui…

the great @anneoleary.bsky.social has a fabulous list of short story competitions closing in the next few months, here:
anneolearyblog.wordpress.com/2025/06/26/s...

if you want a Nobel Peace Prize, surely getting nominated by someone the ICC wants to arrest for war crimes shouldn't help?