Literary Extravaganza in the Japanese Gardens

This post features a glorious gathering of writers to share words and ideas

I read an article in The Irish Times recently about the rooms that writers write in. One writer said she finds great peace in hers, and that she doesn’t go to events. I love going to literary events. She’s a bestselling author. I’m not.

And yet… going to literary events fills me with great joy. And MCing at them fills me with even more joy. I may be all about the writing, but I’m also about sharing the wonder of writing and words with others. That’s at least as important to me as any words I write myself.

That’s why it was a great privilege to be asked to MC again at this year’s Literary Gathering in the Japanese Gardens in Tramore, part of the Sean Dunne Literary Weekend. The staff at the Gardens saw a need to gather writers together to share their activities and ideas.

Here I am doing my MC thang, standing in front of a microphone. I’ve a straw hat on my head, which kept off the rain and made me look arty. I’m wearing black pants and a brown and red patterned top.

Writers are desperate for burrowing down in hidey holes. I would use the word silos, but that word has been hijacked by the business community. By inviting writers’ groups to come together, we can avoid the depressing phenomenon of two or three literary events happening at the same time, splitting an already niche audience.

Right, rant over.

The writers’ groups of the south-east bit the hands off us for the opportunity to fly the flag for their groups. We heard from groups in Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Kilkenny and Cork, and they shared news of anthologies, readings, workshops and work shared with generosity and warmth. It was delightful to hear from them all.

The audience then had a unique opportunity to hear from playwright Jim Nolan, a friend of the late poet Sean Dunne, who we were honouring at the weekend’s events. I’d heard he was a shy man, but words poured out of him – about being a playwright and about his encounters with Sean Dunne.

Interviewer Ger Duffy was very professional in her approach, with her questions at the ready, but Jim’s words flowed so freely that she sat back and let his words flow – a wise move. in the end. I had to be the killjoy and say it was time to wrap up.

After Jim finished, the rain came, but most of the people stayed for the open mic. Warmed by tea and conversation, they listened as their fellow poets and writers shared their words. a short break, the open mic began. The rain came, but still the people stayed. The canopies thoughtfully provided by the Japanese Gardens staff kept us (mostly) dry.

The open mic was a delight. People shared words about love, family, nature and ageing. Former President Mary Robinson made an appearance, through the medium of a skilled impressionist. We had gathered a giant list of names, but managed to give everyone who wanted to read a chance to do so – and darkness hadn’t fallen when we finished.

I loved hearing from the open mic regulars on the Waterford literary scene, but I also loved hearing new voices. I met some colourful poets from Cork whose vibrant clothing matched the vibrancy of their words.

I could do with working on my gratitude, so I’m going to thank a few people. The staff at the Gardens for the canopies, technical skill and admin support. Mary Howlett, who put in tonnes of spadework but sadly couldn’t be there. Ger Duffy, who ably stood in at the last minute. And all the people who came and filled the air with words.

If I were to stay in my hidey hole, I’d have missed all that joy. Plus, I went to a Japanese restaurant afterwards – had to be done.