Now Available
The Power of the Prompt
A warm, inspiring story of an Irish writing workshop, friendship, creativity, and the power of finding your voice.
Media Contact: For review copies email laraobrienbooks@gmail.com, or call +353 85 255 5258
About the Author
Lara O’Brien is the founder of Howth Writing Workshops and Retreats, a community group she started at her kitchen table. From this small setting, Howth Writing Workshops has grown to include writing retreats on Martha’s Vineyard, New York, Maine, and the mountains of Cádiz, Spain, where she co-hosts writing and yoga retreats at Suryalila.
Passionate about stories, music, and community, in 2023 she combined that passion with “Hooks & Reels” — an evening of story and song where local musicians and writers showcase their work for the community. Hooks & Reels has grown to be a regular and popular fixture on the Howth Community Calendar, inspiring the work of many upcoming artists, writers, and musicians.
In 2025, Trinity College Dublin recruited her to create and present Storytelling for Cultural Communications and Innovation at their Business School. She facilitates youth summits on writing and leadership, and songwriting workshops for youth groups, and is an AsIAm Champion supporting the autism community.
She also championed the restoration of the historical Howth ÉIRE 6 sign, officially launched by President Michael D. Higgins. She is the convener of the ÉIRE 6 Restoration Group and the Howth Community and Arts Group.
Lara divides family life between Howth, Dublin,
and Vinalhaven, Maine. When not writing, she is found hiking trails, listening to music, or relaxing with her husband, children, and friends.
To book a book presentation on The Power of the Prompt, reach out at:
Martha’s Vineyard Times — “Islanders Write: Author Lara O’Brien”
PRAISE FOR 'THE POWER OF THE PROMPT'
What early readers are saying
“A handbook for radical creativity for anyone who has ever dreamed of writing, of being heard.”
— Paula Meehan, Irish Poet
“If you’ve ever wanted to write, but didn’t know where to start … Here! Here is the place to start.”
— Edel Coffey, author and Books Editor of The Gloss Magazine
Lara O’Brien’s The Power of the Prompt is not only a brilliant guide with practical tips and captivating stories but a weaving of Ms. O’Brien’s personal journey and an inspiration for anyone who wants to be part of a vibrant writing community.
— Nancy Slonim Aronie, NPR commentator
‘Hooks and Reels’ is a great invention, a great way of combining the solitary exercise of creative writing with the public joy of sharing our words.
—Roddy Doyle, Irish Writer
“As a reader and translator, I’ve always had a deep love for language and words, but I haven’t always had the confidence to create my own stories. The Power of the Prompt makes the jump into writing feel so much more accessible. I loved seeing how the same prompts sparked such a rich variety of voices, and watching the writers’ evolution throughout the book — with that wonderful ‘feast of stories’ crescendo at the end. This book is also an important reminder that writing can be a shared, community experience rather than a lonely one. It has given this ‘shadow writer’ the courage to finally give it a try, and I’d highly recommend it to anyone still on the fence.”
— Suzanne Dirkus, translator and past board member of the Irish Writers Centre
“This is a book not just about writing craft, but about the power of writing to build and nurture a community. The stories in it will make you laugh and cry and laugh again. It’s a little bit of magic.”
— Siobhan Moore
“This is such a lovely book. I read it, loved it, and now it sits by my chair. I dip into it again and again for the fabulous short stories written by this amazing writing community.”
— Amanda Watson
PRAISE FOR 'THE POWER OF THE PROMPT'
The Power of the Prompt is a handbook for radical creativity for anyone who has ever dreamed of writing, of being heard. All that is needed is a pen to give it a go and a willingness to be present to others’ writings with kindness and respect. A history of the seeding right through to the flowering of a vital writing community on the peninsula of Howth, outside Dublin, it is an inspiring read, right from the introductions to the acknowledgements. It maps the simple and powerful process whereby a dedicated visionary cohort opens the door to a writing life, with encouragement and empathy and deep attention. —Paula Meehan, Irish Poet
Lara O’Brien’s The Power of the Prompt is not only a brilliant guide with practical tips and captivating stories but a weaving of Ms. O’Brien’s personal journey and an inspiration for anyone who wants to be part of a vibrant writing community.
— Nancy Slonim Aronie, NPR commentator
If you’ve ever wanted to write, but didn’t know where to start … Here! Here is the place to start. Lara O’Brien knows what it takes to bring a story from a tiny kernel of an idea to a tale that can hold a packed audience rapt. A gentle, encouraging and practical guide to writing.
—Edel Coffey Author. Books Editor of The Gloss Magazine
‘Hooks and Reels’ is a great invention, a great way of combining the solitary exercise of creative writing with the public joy of sharing our words.
—Roddy Doyle, Irish Writer