The Covid Collection

I am so thrilled that this year we have been able to publish a book of students’ stories. When my school closed in March, I didn’t think it was going to be possible, but I took a leap of faith and asked the children to write stories anyway.  I told them their work would be published in a book – even though I didn’t have the funds to do it, …

How Do You Inspire a Child to Write?

FORGET ABOUT HANDWRITING AND SPELLINGS! Many children don’t know how to write a story. Others don’t want to. I think the problem stems from too much emphasis on hand writing and spelling in school. Of course these are important things, but when it comes to writing creatively they need to be put to one side. Instead the focus needs to be on fun and creating crazy and exciting characters, worlds …

Students Win Listowel Writers’ Week Literary Competitions!

Wonderful news for my students from the Listowel Writers’ Week Writing competitions! I’m so proud and excited! Sadhbh Cushen has won joint second place in the nine years and under category. Sadhbh attends classes in Skerries and wrote a very funny story (told mostly through dialogue) about a child who doesn’t want to go to sleep. She shares this prize with Grace Lenny, who is doing an online writing course …

September Classes Now Booking!

September is almost upon us and I have a great schedule of classes lined up  – more than ever before! Every student (child / adult) who enrolls in this coming term will be invited to submit a story to be published in our annual book of stories this November – very exciting! There is a Monday evening class for adults in Loughshinny from 7 – 9p.m. and a Friday morning …