Mindshift: Cork. Tough Crowd: Devising, Programming and Performing Literary Events for Children

Venue: Cork Central Library

This half-day workshop, run in association with the Irish Writers Centre and Children’s Books Ireland, is designed to equip children’s authors and illustrators with the tools they need to interact with their young audiences at schools, libraries and literary festivals.

A necessary skill in the children’s author and illustrator’s tool-box is an enthusiasm for and interest in innovative events for children and young adults. Meet children’s authors including Sarah Moore-Fitzgerald and others (TBC), as well as a children’s events programmer to learn from their experience, gain some solid foundations in devising, programming and performing your own book events for children and understanding the best ways to interact with your readers in a meaningful, innovative way. This event is supported by Words Ireland.

Sat 27 June

Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm

Duration: 1 Day

Cost: €30/€25 Members

To book click here : http://bit.ly/1G6HJmw

 Mindshift: The Connected Writer – Getting the Gig, Putting it On with International Literature Festival Dublin

Are you looking to take part in more literary events and festivals? Or maybe you want to improve your skillset for readings, panel discussions and interviews. This professional development day as part of the International Literature Festival Dublin, supported by WORDS Ireland, is aimed at established writers. It will inform you on how to get the gig and how to connect with – and even wow – an audience.

Hear from Sarah Webb (writer and Children’s Curator of Mountains to Sea Book Festival), Martin Colthorpe (International Literature Festival, Dublin and formerly of the Southbank Centre) and Keith Acheson (Belfast Book Festival & Crescent Arts Centre) as they discuss knowing your USPs as a writer, connecting with relevant curators and organisers, and the etiquette of ‘getting out there’. Doireann Ni Bhriain will tackle how to prepare for the gig, your presence onstage, public speaking and the dos and don’ts of literary performances. Martina Devlin will also look at maintaining momentum both in the run-up to and the aftermath of the event.

 About the speakers

Sarah Webb writes for both children and adults and is the children’s curator of the Mountains to Sea Book Festival.

Martin Colthorpe has a background in programming and commissioning events in literature, film, art and contemporary culture and is the current Programme Director of International Literature Festival Dublin.

Keith Acheson is the Director of Belfast’s award-winning Crescent Arts Centre and the Belfast Book Festival. During his time at the centre he has worked with many theatre companies, recording artists, festivals and arts facilitators.

Doireann Ní Bhriain is a broadcaster and voice and presentation trainer with many years experience of using her own voice professionally and helping others develop good vocal delivery.

Martina Devlin is a bestselling author and award-winning journalist. She has had eight books published and has taken part in numerous literary events and festivals.

Starts: Sat 23 May

Time: 10.30am – 4.15pm
Duration: 1 Day
Cost: €60/€50 Members

To book click here: http://bit.ly/1QITPut

Mindshift: Introduction to the Business of Being a Writer at Listowel Writers Week

 Presented by the Irish Writers Centre, and supported by WORDS Ireland, this professional development session is aimed at established and emerging writers and will focus on the business aspect of writing. Find out:

• the types of funding, opportunities and supports available to writers;
• ways of generating alternative sources of income;
• what being a Writer-in-Residence really means and what residencies are currently available.

Witness the mysteries behind the literary scene as they are revealed and unpacked by a diverse panel of experts; both national and regional. A must for the enterprising writer.

Speakers include: Noelle Campbell Sharpe (Cill Rialaig), Audrey Keane (Arts Council, Literature), Kate Kennelly (North Kerry Arts Officer) and Noel O’Regan (writer and former Kerry County Council Writer-in Residence)

Starts: Sat 30 May

Time: 4.00pm – 5.30pm

Cost: €10/€8 Concession

Venue: The Boy’s School, Listowel

Booking: http://bit.ly/1Htvxk0