Mentoring scheme to assist writers
The national organisation, Words Ireland, is initiating 22 literature mentoring relationships, which will begin in June or July.
These are open to writers of literary fiction, creative non-fiction, children’s / YA fiction and poetry
Words Ireland is made up of seven literature organisations, including the Irish Writers Centre, Poetry Ireland and the Stinging Fly publishers, which have worked together since 2015 to provide co-ordinated professional development and resources to the literature sector.
Its aim is to increase opportunities for writers at all stages in their careers.
Five of the mentoring opportunities are open to writers currently living in any county in Ireland. The other 17 are being offered in partnership with specific local arts offices, arts centres and libraries in specific counties – including Galway City Council, which will co-fund one scheme.
The mentorships are aimed at writers across three areas.
Firstly, emerging writers who can demonstrate a strong commitment to writing; for instance, having had work published in journals, having received awards or notable mentions, or having undertaken creative writing courses.
Writers who have published one or two books and feel they could benefit from professional guidance and feedback on their work-in-progress are also welcome to apply, as are writers with multiple publications who are working in a writing form in which they have yet to publish a book.
Each mentorship consists of four meetings with an experienced writer over a period of up to six months. The mentor will read the work in advance of each meeting, and will then give feedback and advice.
Galway East TD and Minister for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciaran Cannon, is urging writers to apply.
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.
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