Monday Writerly Roundup: Writerly Gatherings and Seasonal Writing
This week’s roundup has more Japanese delights and shares the slow, quiety joy of writing with the seasons.
Japanese Gardens Gathering Event
I told ye I’d bore ye silly about the events in the Japanese Gardens in Tramore for the Sean Dunne Literary Festival. Plans are hotting up for the mighty Gathering event, MCed by moi and by Mary Howlett.
First we’ll be inviting writers’ groups to share their activities. Then Mary will interview the playwright Jim Nolan – a tasty opportunity indeed. Following that, you’ll have a chance to read your work at the Open Mic.
It’s all happening from 2.30pm on Saturday 29 June. If you want to come along, please RSVP to seandunneaward@gmail.com. And if you’re part of a writers’ group, please let the Gardens know, so we can give you a space to speak about your group.
Photo Description: This is a pic from last year’s Gathering. Mary Howlett and I are both wearing pink shirts, and we’re to the left and right of the reader, the lovely Margaret O’Brien from Writing Changes Lives.
Jacqueline Suskin – Writing For the Seasons
Jacqueline Suskin is a poet and educator who has a lovely holistic practice. She encourages people to write in rhythm with the seasons and to respect the fact that writing has cycles, just like seasons. She also spoke about the value of slowness, to let go of the need to rush your ideas. She has written books on how to write with the seasons, and she also creates improvisational poems. Have a look at her website.
Celebrant Writing Workshop
I’ve finalised the plans for the workshop I’m giving for Celebrant Training Ireland. I’ll be showing the budding celebrants on their course how to create a story for their ceremonies, based on a story I created for a previous ceremony. The story could be a love story for a wedding couple or a story celebrating the life of someone who has died.
I’ll be doing the workshop this coming Sunday and it’ll be great fun. I love giving workshops in community settings. Check out my website to find out more about the workshops I give.
And finally… I was told by a woman who attended a workshop I gave last year that she had subsequently published the piece she had written at that workshop. I was delighted to hear that her talent had gone out into the world.