HOWTH Writing Workshops go off the hook. BIG and joyous news: we are taking the writing out of the workshops and into the community with Hooks & Reels - a Night of Story and Song. An evening of artistic mediations on the the theme “Howth,” with six local writers presenting their polished work, and local talent, Saltaire, offering music and song. HWW began in 2019 in the Secret Garden on the east mountain, and continues today in my little Church Street studio overlooking Howth Harbour. Every time we end a workshop, I sit with the stories of brave writers and think, if only everyone could hear these funny, dark, illuminous, sometimes sad but always heartfelt stories. These life memories or events in words crafted from prompts, rewritten, edited, polished and sometimes developed into fully formed manuscripts. It takes devotion and commitment to write a full draft, a second draft, a hundredth draft; these hard working writers return again and again, to learn the craft of wordsmithing and get to the heart of their own story. They encourage each other, support each other, and edit each other's work within the workshop format. Memoirs continue to be born, along with captivating crime novels, family sagas, screen plays, short story collections, a romance novel and quirky reflections of our ordinary and extraordinary lives. Each story begins as a prompt or an idea, and goes on to be nurtured and raised within the workshop space. My wildest dream and most sought-after goal in supporting emerging writers is to encourage them to the next level of their writing development, and bring their stories into the community. With Hooks & Reels, we’ve created a space for both storytelling and music; an age-old exchange of art that defines our humanity and connects us in ways we so desperately need.
Saltaire, a contemporary folk trio consisting of singer/cellist Kaitlin Cullen-Verhauz, guitarist Ian Kinsella and bodhrán/bouzouki player Conor Lyons, will provide the musical portion of the evening. Together, this trio creates a rich tapestry of sound and storytelling, through a fusion of styles. Not to be missed! I am so very proud of the writers and musicians that will kick off our inaugural storytelling and music event. Join us on 9 March at 7:30pm in The Boathouse under Aqua Restaurant, for Hooks & Reels; an evening for Howth, in Howth, and by Howth artists. Get your tickets now; this is a limited space and will be sold out quickly. Email Laraobrienbooks@gmail.com
