Free Six-Week Creative Writing Course with Bestselling Author Lucy O’Callaghan at Clare Museum

Beginning during Heritage Week, on Thursday, August 20, this series of workshops will start with an exploration of the museum's collections, using the objects, stories and history they hold as a springboard for your own writing.

Heritage is more than the past - it's the memories we treasure, the traditions we inherit, the places we call home, and the stories that shape who we are.

Lucy O'Callaghan is a self-confessed people watcher; stories that happen to real people have always fascinated her and this motivated her to write contemporary women’s fiction. Her writing has been described as pacy, human, moving, and very real. Her debut novel, ‘The Lies Beneath’, was published in April 2024 and was an instant Irish Times Bestseller.

Her second novel, ‘Obsession’, a story of stalkers, secrets and second chances, was partly inspired by her own experience of being stalked. Her third novel is due out next year. Lucy also writes a weekly ‘Really Useful Links’ column for writing.ie, aimed at helping writers with various aspects of writing, and writes regular feature interviews with literary agents. She also teaches creative writing and works as an editor and mentor to writers.

Over the six weeks of this course, participants will learn the craft of writing a compelling short piece in a welcoming and supportive environment. They will receive constructive feedback on their work, and at the end of the course, will have the opportunity to see their writing compiled and published in a commemorative booklet - a lasting celebration of our shared heritage and individual voices.

The course takes place over six consecutive weekly workshops beginning Thursday, August 20 from 7pm to 9pm at the Clare Museum. The course is free but places are limited. To book a place, please email claremuseum@clarecoco.ie

As the workshops build on one another each week, places are reserved for participants who can commit to attending all six sessions. These workshops are funded by the Night-Time Economy Unit of the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and Clare County Council.