This time last year, I was thrilled to be awarded a bursary to the John Hewitt International Summer School that takes place annually in Armagh. It was an extraordinary experience. Congratulations to all those awarded bursaries this year – my phone is barking (messenger ring tone) and cuck-cooing (whats-app ring tone) and strumming guitars (texts!) as my writing friends share their great news of winning their awards. I’m looking forward to hanging out with them in Armagh at this week-long festival featuring the top names in Irish Literature. The programme is packed with interesting panels, lively debate and insight for writers and readers alike. I was particularly inspired by the theatre performances in the evenings. It truly was a literary feast for the soul. You can read my thoughts on last year here.
Back then, I would have loved to have been chosen to take part in the showcase at the end of the week, but I was up against some stiff competition in my short story writing class. I must admit to being disappointed when I wasn’t selected to read the story I’d written during the workshop.
So I was delighted when The John Hewitt Society approached us this year and asked Flash Fiction Armagh to be part of their programme. Actually, delighted was an understatement. Our mission in running Flash Fiction Armagh is to provide a platform for local writers, both new and experienced. To be able to showcase a selection of these wonderful writers is a fabulous opportunity for all concerned. To be endorsed in this way by a highly respected literary body such as the John Hewitt Society is an honour.
I’m thrilled to announce our line-up as follows for the Flash Fiction Armagh at the John Hewitt Society International Summer School on Tuesday 23rd July 2019 at 9.30 pm in the Market Place Theatre, Armagh:
Peter Hollywood, After The Conflict
Malachi Kelly, Another One
Cathy Carson, Wake Up Call
Karen Mooney, A More Sustainable Future
Réaltán Ní Leannáin, Extract from Dilis
Kieran McGurk, Lonely Hearts
Byddi Lee, Níl ‘Watch’ Agam
Sue Divin, Twist or Pull
Réamonn Ó Ciaráin, Marú Mhacra Eamhain Mhacha
Trish Bennet, Power of a Peeler
Tickets are available at the Market Place Theatre and online here for £5.
I would also highly recommend that you take a look through the John Hewitt International Summer School Programme of Events. Here’s the link. There’s something for everyone. I’m looking forward to seeing To Hell in a Handbag which is being staged in the main auditorium just before Flash Fiction Armagh. Why not sign up for both that evening – sure if you’ve got your posh frock already on…
Submissions are closed for the Flash Fiction Armagh at the John Hewitt Summer School, but they are OPEN for the next event – Flash Fiction in the Orchard – taking place on 19th September 2019 as part of the award-winning Armagh Food and Cider Festival. We’ll be doing readings in the teepees at Crannagael House – for more details click here. For tickets, click here.
See you at the Summer School!
Byddi Lee