Yesterday, I received the goods news that The Department of Education has approved my summer writing courses for teachers. The course ‘Improving Literacy Standards Through Creative Writing’ will take place in Skerries Mills from 6 – 10th and 20 -24th Augus 2012. This is an exciting new venture for me and I hope to meet lots of teachers with a passion for writing. As a result of this, the dates for one of my children/teenage summer camps have been pushed forward from 6- 10th to 13th – 17th August. I hope this doesn’t mess up anyone’s plans.
LITERARY FESTIVALS
There is lots going on for writers this summer, and I hope to get to as many literary festivals as I can. First up is the Listowel Writers’ Week Festival over the June bank holiday weekend. Accommodation is difficult to come by down there, but I have my name down on the waiting list for The Listowel Arms Hotel, and hopefully I’ll get a last minute cancellation. There is also the West Cork literary festival from 2nd – 6th July. I have not yet made it to this festival, but maybe this year will be my year to go. I hope so. I have also heard, on the grapevine, that there will be a literary festival in Derry. I haven’t heard the dates yet but I will definitely be putting that into my diary. And, of course, we mustn’t forget the Dublin Writers’ Festival from 4 – 10th June. We are so lucky in this country that there is so much going for writers. I attended the Dublin Writers’ festival last year, in City Hall, and it was wonderful. I heard lots of different speakers packed into the one day. I hope it’s as good this year.
And, finally (still talking of new ventures), because of the two bank holidays coming up, I have decided to postpone my Monday morning class until September. Hopefully, many Monday morning students will be able to make it on Friday mornings during April and June. As always beginners are very welcome to join and I will look forward to seeing everyone on Friday 27th April for a new eight week term.
