'The Elements of Fiction' - short story creative writing workshop with writer Eileen Casey

Following on from the overwhelming success of writer Eileen Casey’s recent memoir workshop, the Laois Arts Office has invited Eileen back to conduct four short-story workshops at Laois Arthouse, Stradbally, Co Laois.

The workshops will cover the various fictional elements employed when writing a short story.

Eileen Casey is originally from Offaly and is currently based in South Dublin. Her poetry, prose and short fiction are widely published in anthologies by Dedalus, Crannóg, New Island, Arlen House, Faber & Faber, The Nordic Irish Studies Journal, Ireland of the Welcomes, among others.

A Hennessy Award Winner (Emerging Fiction) and a Patrick and Katherine Kavanagh Poetry Fellowship recipient, her short stories have received numerous awards including The Maria Edgeworth, The South Tipperary and The Cecil Day Lewis. Memoir pieces are anthologised in ‘A Fascination with Fabric’ (Arlen House), The Irish Times, ‘Portrait of a County’ (New Island) and broadcast on Sunday Miscellany (RTÉ).

She received a number of Arts Council bursaries together with commissions from County Offaly Arts and South Dublin County Arts. She holds an M.A. (Creative Writing) from The Oscar Wilde Centre, The School of English, Trinity College, Dublin.

The short story, mainly because of its brevity, is generally regarded as being one of the most challenging forms.

Yet, completing a fully-fledged narrative gives tremendous satisfaction.

Fleshing out the bones of an idea, working through plot lines, creating memorable characters, building towards a satisfying ending; results in creative treasure.

Monday, September 11 – Sourcing ideas and nurturing the ‘flow’ is an integral part of creative experience. Where and how to discover narrative sources. What are the benefits of writing Flash Fiction?

Monday, October 2 – Characters and viewpoint. Who will tell your story? How will it be told? Portraiture – colourful, memorable characters. The telling detail. Beginning, Middle (avoiding the Muddle) and End. Shaping a storyline.

Monday, November 6 – Anecdote or gritty storyline? Developing ‘layers’ so that they speak to physical and emotional spaces. How to write dialogue.

Monday, December 4 – Writing Style. Language. Figurative, lyrical, or simple, sharp, clean lines. A discussion focused on participant’s unique approach to ‘voice’. Taking a line for a walk. Outlets for short story publication.