The Long and The Short of It

The Irish Writers Centre continue with their innovative initiatives. At this remove, maybe every arts organisation should have their funding cut to zero for a short while. Nothing like fear to get start thinking outside the box. (kidding) Wonder if, as an Irish Writers Centre, they're taking this round the country?

They are offering twelve short story writers a free Masterclass and a chance to use a writing space in the Irish Writers' Centre for the month of March.

John MacKenna will lead a discussion on the short-story - from garnering ideas to plotting the story; from the development of character to the setting of landscape. The session will focus on the discipline necessary to create and complete a piece of short fiction - how to forget the extreme ironing and concentrate on the writing. Through questions and answers and the sharing of experiences, the seminar will be a practical help in starting and finishing work. The masterclass will take place on Friday 4th March from 2-5pm.

* Not that innovative then. You have to take the day off work or hire a childminder...

To apply simply e-mail the opening paragraph of a short story on any theme (max 150 words) to info@writerscentre.ie along with a brief cover letter. The subject of the e-mail should be 'The Long and the Short of It'. No attachments please - all text should be in the body of the e-mail. The deadline is Monday February 28th at 12pm.