Derry Playhouse Writers' Group UPDATE

[Philippa Robinson]

Today's in-house writing topic was "Unsentimental". The homework topic for next month's meeting (Wed 11 March) is "THUMP THE TABLE".  This phrase was inspired by Brian saying how enthusiastic Margie Bernard could be when she liked what someone had written. I personally don't remember Margie thumping the table in approval. Attendance was low today and only I wrote about "Armchair Travel"; I'd also like to hear more writings on that theme. 

Brian and I each brought two items to read to the group today. I presented a non-fiction account of armchair travel vs travelling to Belfast during Storm Chandra, and a very old (2011) DPWG homework story about Musical Chairs which I thought relevant to the homework theme and which I had chosen to read at this week's Tuesday lunchtime Society Street Café (Britannia Hall, 12-2 pm). Brian likewise brought along something new and something he wrote last year.  Both were in the nature of a topical blog and dealt partly with religious issues. He courteously provided print-outs of his writings. 

I had an apology from Heather, not allowed to go out (health issues), and I do know that quite a few people have been getting colds or flu in recent weeks. To anyone this comment applies to - get well soon. To everyone; keep writing, keep in touch, please make an effort to come to the Playhouse on Wed. 11 March. As for April, the plan is to meet a week late, after Easter week, on Wed 15 April.

~ Philippa

 Event and writing competition announcements

Poetry in Motion Community 2025/26 anthology ‘Endure’ – Submissions Now Open – closing 27 Feb 2026 | CAP Arts Centre  https://www.capartscentre.com/2025/12/poetry-in-motion-community-2025-26-anthology-endure-submissions-now-open-closing-27-feb-2026

Poetry In Motion 2026 – POETRY MASTERCLASSES – 8 and 15 Feb – Booking Open Now – (UPDATE NOTICE) | CAP Arts Centre In Belfast, Lisburn Rd. Morning and afternoon options

https://www.capartscentre.com/2026/02/poetry-in-motion-2026-poetry-masterclasses-8-and-15-feb/

https://www.capartscentre.com/2026/02/one-day-digital-and-immersive-arts-showcase-at-the-nerve-centre-18-feb/

Don't forget that Submissions to the weekly WRITERS' CORNER of the Derry County Post newspaper are always welcome. orla....@iconicnews.ie  [max 1000 words (essays and stories), 3 poems - send by word attachment] 

BOOKCLUBS: Waterstones Foyleside:  The next bookclub will be on 26^th February at 7pm. Participants will discuss The Ferryman and His Wife by Frode Grytten.  Derry Central Library: Mon 9 March 2 pm -  Agatha Christie, The Labours of Hercules (go to the front desk this month to request a loan copy, saying it is for the book club). The Irish language book discussion at Little Acorns bookshop, Great James St. has been rescheduled for Sat 21 Feb, 1 pm - the book to read is still Darach Ó Scolaí's  Bódléar.

https://www.gaelicbooks.org/support-for-writers/writing-opportunities - [tick at the top of the webpage for your choice of Gáidhlig or English] A list of competitions and submission calls for people writing in Scottish Gaelic, but most are also open to writers in English and in Scots, while one competition is open to a large variety of languages*. At least one competition is only for people resident in Scotland, but others are open to writers elsewhere.

 

 *   Interpret Magazine   " If you write in a language other than French, Portuguese, Spanish or Italian, your work must be accompanied by a full translation into English. All successful submissions will be published first in their original language, then in English translation."

On 14 March, the Cultúrlann on Great James St. will have an Irish language poetry writing workshop at 2.30 pm and a poetry reading of both Irish and English writing at 7.30 p.m. Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin - Border Lines: A Night of Live Literature for Seachtain na Gaeilge  

I have information about a few more online writing workshops:

https://www.u3a.org.uk/what-we-do/events/educational-events   Among the topics shown, I see talks about "The Ghost in Literature", "Memoir Writing", and "Novel Writing". These talks are open to members of any U3A branch; the "Interest Groups Fair" from 11-13 Feb is open to everyone, whether or not you are a paid up member of the U3A. That includes a talk at 10 am Wed 11 Feb  about two Creative Writing groups - " Let’s Write a Play" and"Read, Write, Discuss". https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/interest-groups-online-fair-creative-writing-tickets-1979874520989  If you watch that in the morning, maybe you can come to the Playhouse that afternoon with a suggestion for a new writing exercise for us to try!
 

Northern Ireland Libraries is hosting two free evening Give It A Go sessions on Journalling.  They are on 24 and 26 February at 7pm on Zoom, and this time we’re looking at Journalling with Ian Megrath. The sessions are as follow:

 

1. Introduction to Journalling: an introduction and overview.

2. Creative Mindful Journalling: how to use your journal as a tool for reflection and expression.

 

You can register for the Journalling sessions by clicking on the registration link below

 

https://librariesni.zoom.us/meeting/register/uYPsrZE8R-uTqqKWZsV6CQ

Cli-Fi  (fiction about climate change and adaptation) next meetings are planned for ,  Mon, Mar 9, 2026 7:00 PM. ,  Mon, Apr 13, 2026 7:00 PM BST. , Mon, May 11, 2026 7:00 PM BST  You can register for the Cli-Fi sessions via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/136272876843   

" if you want to listen to a podcast on how this group came about and the very real and tangible results of future dreaming in my life, check out my interview on Futuring Is with Suzanne Whitby: https://futuringis.com/futuring-is-episode-001-sophia-cheng/ "

 

    

[Philippa Robinson]

Please support your group; next meet up at the Playhouse is Wed 11 March, 1 pm

On Wed, Feb 11, 2026 at 5:22 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Today's in-house writing topic was "Unsentimental". The homework topic for next month's meeting (Wed 11 March) is "THUMP THE TABLE".  This phrase was inspired by Brian saying how enthusiastic Margie Bernard could be when she liked what someone had written. I personally don't remember Margie thumping the table in approval. Attendance was low today and only I wrote about "Armchair Travel"; I'd also like to hear more writings on that theme.
>
> Brian and I each brought two items to read to the group today. I presented a non-fiction account of armchair travel vs travelling to Belfast during Storm Chandra, and a very old (2011) DPWG homework story about Musical Chairs which I thought relevant to the homework theme and which I had chosen to read at this week's Tuesday lunchtime Society Street Café (Britannia Hall, 12-2 pm). Brian likewise brought along something new and something he wrote last year.  Both were in the nature of a topical blog and dealt partly with religious issues. He courteously provided print-outs of his writings.
>
> I had an apology from Heather, not allowed to go out (health issues), and I do know that quite a few people have been getting colds or flu in recent weeks. To anyone this comment applies to - get well soon. To everyone; keep writing, keep in touch, please make an effort to come to the Playhouse on Wed. 11 March. As for April, the plan is to meet a week late, after Easter week, on Wed 15 April.
>
> ~ Philippa
 

>>  Event and writing competition announcements:

 
> Don't forget that Submissions to the weekly WRITERS' CORNER of the Derry County Post newspaper are always welcome. orla....@iconicnews.ie  [max 1000 words (essays and stories), 3 poems - send by word attachment]
 

>> BOOKCLUBS:   Derry Central Library: Mon 9 March 2 pm -  Agatha Christie, The Labours of Hercules (go to the front desk this month to request a loan copy, saying it is for the book club). It is a collection of 13 short stories, so even if you just read a few of them, you could participate in the discussion.  //   Waterstones Foyleside:  The next bookclub will be on Thursday 2 Aprll at 7pm. Participants will discuss The Ghosts of Rome by Joseph O’Connor.

 
>> https://www.gaelicbooks.org/support-for-writers/writing-opportunities - [tick at the top of the webpage for your choice of Gáidhlig or English] A list of competitions and submission calls for people writing in Scottish Gaelic, but most are also open to writers in English and in Scots, while one competition is open to a large variety of languages*. At least one competition is only for people resident in Scotland, but others are open to writers elsewhere.
  
>  *   Interpret Magazine   " If you write in a language other than French, Portuguese, Spanish or Italian, your work must be accompanied by a full translation into English. All successful submissions will be published first in their original language, then in English translation."
 
>> On 14 March, the Cultúrlann on Great James St. will have an Irish language poetry writing workshop at 2.30 pm and a poetry reading of both Irish and English writing at 7.30 p.m. Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin - Border Lines: A Night of Live Literature for Seachtain na Gaeilge  
>>

 ONLINE writing workshops:

[Philippa Robinson]

Once again I have some event announcements to share. But first off, PLEASE COME T0 OUR MONTHLY MEETUP AT THE PLAYHOUSE TOMORROW WED 11 March, 1-3 pm. We need your presence; we appreciate your voice.  /////////////// ///// Repair & Share Foyle, Rathmore Business Park,  Unit 9E/1  Blighs Lane Derry  BT48 9PW  Thurs. 12 March 7-9 pm    https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-poetics-of-waste-creative-writing-workshop-tickets-1983432811933

"Join writer and facilitator Katherina Maria Kalinowski for an imaginative workshop exploring waste as a source of creative inspiration. Rather than seeing discarded things as useless or forgotten, we’ll rediscover their hidden stories and poetic possibilities. Through guided writing prompts, discussion, and playful exercises, participants will experiment with language and form to reimagine our relationship with the material world.

"This session invites curiosity, creativity, and reflection — transforming what’s been thrown away into something newly seen and celebrated."

    BUT FIRST OFF, PLEASE COME T0 OUR MONTHLY MEETUP AT THE PLAYHOUSE TOMORROW WED 11 March. We need your presence; we appreciate your voice.

Repair & Share Foyle, Rathmore Business Park,  Unit 9E/1  Blighs Lane Derry  BT48 9PW  Thurs. 12 March 7-9 pm    https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-poetics-of-waste-creative-writing-workshop-tickets-1983432811933

"Join writer and facilitator Katherina Maria Kalinowski for an imaginative workshop exploring waste as a source of creative inspiration. Rather than seeing discarded things as useless or forgotten, we’ll rediscover their hidden stories and poetic possibilities. Through guided writing prompts, discussion, and playful exercises, participants will experiment with language and form to reimagine our relationship with the material world.

"This session invites curiosity, creativity, and reflection — transforming what’s been thrown away into something newly seen and celebrated."

    BUT FIRST OFF, PLEASE COME T0 OUR MONTHLY MEETUP AT THE PLAYHOUSE TOMORROW WED 11 March. We need your presence; we appreciate your voice.

 https://artscouncil-ni.org/news/new-creative-writing-programme-supporting-the-health-and-wellbeing-of-omagh-communities RAINBOW WRITES, OMAGH  Workshops with Cat Brogan, " Although the project centres on LGBTQ+ stories and visibility, participants do not need to identify as LGBTQ+ to take part. The space is welcoming and supportive and accessible to all levels of experience and to anyone across Tyrone and Fermanagh who is interested in writing, storytelling or trying something new. "
🪶 No writing experience required — just an open mind and a willingness to explore.  Presentation Fri 27 March 7-9 pm  Strule Arts Centre,  Townhall Square, Omagh  BT78 1BL    For information on Rainbow Writes, there is a contact form at https://omaghpride.com/contact-us

• Sat 14 March Waterstones Book shop, Foyleside Shopping Centre, 3 p,m.  Author Gary Wade in conversation with Gary McKeown re Séamus Heaney and Catholicism 
•  events repeated from previous email will be found below

The next meeting of the bookclub at Central Library will be on Mon 13 Apr 2-3 pm. The book to be discussed is Frankie by Graham Norton. I already started my loan copy last night; it is a good read.     

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// On Wed, Mar 4, 2026 at 12:15 AM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

Please support your group; next meet up at the Playhouse is Wed 11 March, 1 pm

On Wed, Feb 11, 2026 at 5:22 PM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Today's in-house writing topic was "Unsentimental". The homework topic for next month's meeting (Wed 11 March) is "THUMP THE TABLE".  This phrase was inspired by Brian saying how enthusiastic Margie Bernard could be when she liked what someone had written. I personally don't remember Margie thumping the table in approval. Attendance was low today and only I wrote about "Armchair Travel"; I'd also like to hear more writings on that theme.
>
> Brian and I each brought two items to read to the group today. I presented a non-fiction account of armchair travel vs travelling to Belfast during Storm Chandra, and a very old (2011) DPWG homework story about Musical Chairs which I thought relevant to the homework theme and which I had chosen to read at this week's Tuesday lunchtime Society Street Café (Britannia Hall, 12-2 pm). Brian likewise brought along something new and something he wrote last year.  Both were in the nature of a topical blog and dealt partly with religious issues. He courteously provided print-outs of his writings.
>
> I had an apology from Heather, not allowed to go out (health issues), and I do know that quite a few people have been getting colds or flu in recent weeks. To anyone this comment applies to - get well soon. To everyone; keep writing, keep in touch, please make an effort to come to the Playhouse on Wed. 11 March. As for April, the plan is to meet a week late, after Easter week, on Wed 15 April.
>
> ~ Philippa
 
>>  Event and writing competition announcements:
 
> Don't forget that Submissions to the weekly WRITERS' CORNER of the Derry County Post newspaper are always welcome. orla....@iconicnews.ie  [max 1000 words (essays and stories), 3 poems - send by word attachment]
 

>> BOOKCLUBS:   Derry Central Library: Mon 9 March 2 pm -  Agatha Christie, The Labours of Hercules (go to the front desk this month to request a loan copy, saying it is for the book club). It is a collection of 13 short stories, so even if you just read a few of them, you could participate in the discussion.  (update, Apr 13, book to read is Frankie by Graham Norton) //   Waterstones Foyleside:  The next bookclub will be on Thursday 2 Aprll at 7pm. Participants will discuss The Ghosts of Rome by Joseph O’Connor.

[Martin]

Hi Philippa hope this finds you well. Jane and I would love to come to the workshops but we just don’t have the time nowadays with Jane away in Belfast each week doing her MA. We always appreciate the information you share and the very great effort you put in on everyone’s behalf, though. 

Martin Malone

Sent from the all-new AOL app for iOS

[Philippa Robinson]

Because of Easter week, in April we will meet on the third Wed of the month, rather than the second Wed; 15 April. The homework prompt is "The Mirror on the Wall." Last week the Playhouse assigned us the Dance Studio as a meeting space. One wall is covered in mirrors.  //  We had a fufilling meeting and it was nice to welcome some old-timers whom we hadnt seen in some months - Edwin, who is out of Derry so much of the time and Heather, who has long-standing health issues - and also Cora, who hadnt been to the Playhouse since before our founder Margie Bernard died. Cora didnt realise the group was still meeting. // /Everyone brought one or two items to read, including the most recent homework, "Thump the Table". In both the 10 minute writing exercise and the homework, Edwin and Cora emphasized the need for positive action. Sometimes instead of acquiesing in the status quo one needs to thump the table in dissent. So we did have some discussion of frightening current events, without straying too far from the practical business of writing. / /My homework was more of a satire, inspired by a frog having come into my house one day in mid February when I had the back door open. So in the story, Eric Trump is visiting the family resort in Co Clare and he rings his da to tell him that the flight home will be postponed because of the widespread heavy snow storms in N America. Describing the balmy, if wet, weather in Ireland at the time, Eric told how the latest guests arrived from N Ireland (outside the EU) with tales of Frogs in the house. Thumping the table,  Donald threatens the French with higher tariffs and proposes to send a boat the patrol the north coast of Ireland.// Brians way of fulfilling the assignment was to read a very old homework piece which he said Margie had responded to positively by thumping the table! But he also brought along a new composition, a play review of a recent production of Arthur Millers The Crucible mixed with a personal report of his trip to visit family in Co Meath, the occasion of the trip to the theatre. Two comments on the play stood out for me - 1. the observation of how times have changed, that just a woman being able to read could in the 16th century be taken as evidence that she was a witch and 2. Brians comparison of a way Daniel Day-Lewis  delivered a  line in his portrayal of John Proctor in the 1996 film of the Crucible and the way the actor in the recent Irish stage production delivered the same line. Day-Lewis made a strident proclamation, but Brian says John Proctor would have been dejected and that a low-key speech was more appropriate. 

Hoping for a good turnout and contributions to the 15 Apr. meeting   ~   Philippa

  
>>  Event and writing competition announcements:
 
> Don't forget that Submissions to the weekly WRITERS' CORNER of the Derry County Post newspaper are always welcome. orla....@iconicnews.ie  [max 1000 words (essays and stories), 3 poems - send by word attachment]
 

>> BOOKCLUBS:   Derry Central Library: Mon 13 Apr 2 pm -  Frankie by Graham Norton. Ask at the main desk for the loan of a book club copy to read beforehand   //   Waterstones Foyleside:  The next bookclub will be on Thursday 2 Aprll at 7pm. Participants will discuss The Ghosts of Rome by Joseph O’Connor.

 
>> https://www.gaelicbooks.org/support-for-writers/writing-opportunities - [tick at the top of the webpage for your choice of Gáidhlig or English] A list of competitions and submission calls for people writing in Scottish Gaelic, but most are also open to writers in English and in Scots, while one competition is open to a large variety of languages*. At least one competition is only for people resident in Scotland, but others are open to writers elsewhere.
  
>  *   Interpret Magazine   " If you write in a language other than French, Portuguese, Spanish or Italian, your work must be accompanied by a full translation into English. All successful submissions will be published first in their original language, then in English translation."
 

 ONLINE writing workshops:
   Cli-Fi  (fiction about climate change and adaptation) next meetings are planned for  Mon, Apr 13, 2026 7:00 PM BST. , Mon, May 11, 2026 7:00 PM BST  You can register for the Cli-Fi sessions via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/136272876843  
>>>
>>> " if you want to listen to a podcast on how this group came about and the very real and tangible results of future dreaming in my life, check out my interview on Futuring Is with Suzanne Whitby: https://futuringis.com/futuring-is-episode-001-sophia-cheng/ "   // NEW: Writing Eco-Fiction - One day online course, 6 June,  10:30 - 16:30 Tutor Laura Baggaley  Fee £40 concession, £79 full  https://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/writing-eco-fiction/hw709-2526  "

What is the course about?

What is the role of fiction in a time of climate emergency? Why are stories so important in tackling the environmental crisis?

We will unpack the mythologies that underly modern assumptions about humankind’s relationship with nature and challenge the traditional ‘hero’s journey’. We will create new characters and draft fresh story outlines, explore contemporary eco fiction models, and leave invigorated and inspired to continue writing beyond the session.

What will we cover?

- Defining the genre ‘Eco Fiction’ and how it intersects with other writing genres

- The ‘hero’s journey’ and alternative story structures

- Generating plot ideas that address environmental issues

- How to avoid ‘info-dumping’ or ‘preaching’

- Reading and discussing short extracts from contemporary eco fiction"   

COMPETITION:  Globe Playwriting Prize

"  One for the playwrights among you! The Globe Theatre has just launched a climate playwriting prize for 2026, which it says will harness the skills of storytellers and artists to “inspire societal shifts towards a restorative relationship with nature”. Submissions will open in June and close on 1 September, with winners announced in the autumn. The winning playwright will receive £15,000 and support to develop their play. More information here." https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/jobs-and-opportunities/climate-playwriting-prize-2026/

[Philippa Robinson]

Wed, 8 Apr • 19:00 - 20:30 BOOK LAUNCH: Few and Far Between by JAN CARSON

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/book-launch-few-and-far-between-by-jan-carson-tickets-1985521798147 

An céad Dronuilleog eile do scríbhneoirí. Scaip an scéal, le do thoil.

Aoine, 27ú Márta, 2026, 11-12, Cultúrlann Dhoire - Great James St. - Friday, 27^th March. Discussion group for people who write in Irish or would like to. Facilitated by Dave Duggan https://ramhaille.blogspot.com/2026/03/dronuilleog-scribhneora.html

Essay Competition for students in third level education who can write in Irish: closes 5 p.m. 10 April  Choice of two topics, both concerning Irish language dictionaries.

Aiste 2,000 focal faoi cheachtar den dá theideal seo a leanas:
• An fhadhb is mó le foclóirí na Gaeilge ná...
• Idir mhín agus gharbh: níl áit i bhfoclóir Gaeilge don droch-chaint nó don ghraostacht.
Le haistí i nGaeilge amháin a ghlacfar. Ní ghlacfar le haistí atá foilsithe in áit éigin eile cheana féin

further details at:  https://www.teanglann.ie/news/aisti2026-bileog.pdf

aisti2026-bileog.pdf 

ADULT STORY-TELLING at Central Library, Mon 30 March, 6.30-7.30, presented by Madeline McCully. Booking advised. Please contact library staff for details. I don't know whether there are opportunities for people in the audience to also tell stories, as there are at Yarnspinners meetings. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I forgot to write that our impromptu writing exercise on 11 March was "The Knock on the Door". Most people took the topic seriously, but Heather and I made reference to Knock Knock jokes.  The rest of the report and some events listings are repeated below. 

Please come to our next meet-up on Wed 15 March.

~ Philippa

[Philippa Robinson]

We delayed this month's get together by a week because of Easter holidays (Feis competitions were taking place at the Playhouse). PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do attend if you can. 

Heather can't walk well and says she probably won't be able to attend. I've seen Patrick around the town a number of times in the past month or so; he's been keeping okay but busy with house repairs and renovations and not attending any clubs, events etc. I hope he does pay the writers' group a visit again, but can't count on it. So we need YOU to fill the seats at the discussion table.

I have updated the Bookclubs information on the events listing below. 

Tonight at 7 pm, Kevin Hippsley will talk at Derry Central Library Foyle Street about the history of local publisher Guildhall Press. 

When I write an e-mail to report on this week's DPWG meeting, I will also give some information about Ballyscullion Book Festival (16-17 May) and other writing workshops in Bellaghy, both at Ballyscullion House and at the Seamus Heaney Centre.

best wishes

Philippa

On Fri, Mar 20, 2026 at 12:18 AM Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote:

Because of Easter week, in April we will meet on the third Wed of the month, rather than the second Wed; 15 April. The homework prompt is "The Mirror on the Wall." Last week the Playhouse assigned us the Dance Studio as a meeting space. One wall is covered in mirrors. 

 

We had a fulfilling meeting and it was nice to welcome some old-timers whom we hadn't seen in some months - Edwin, who is out of Derry so much of the time and Heather, who has long-standing health issues - and also Cora, who hadn't been to the Playhouse since before our founder Margie Bernard died. Cora didnt realise the group was still meeting.

 

Everyone brought one or two items to read, including the most recent homework, "Thump the Table". In both the 10 minute writing exercise and the homework, Edwin and Cora emphasized the need for positive action. Sometimes instead of acquiesing in the status quo one needs to thump the table in dissent. So we did have some discussion of frightening current events, without straying too far from the practical business of writing..

 

My homework was more of a satire, inspired by a frog having come into my house one day in mid February when I had the back door open. So in the story, Eric Trump is visiting the family resort in Co Clare and he rings his da to tell him that the flight home will be postponed because of the widespread heavy snow storms in N America. Describing the balmy, if wet, weather in Ireland at the time, Eric told how the latest guests arrived from N Ireland (outside the EU) with tales of Frogs in the house. Thumping the table,  Donald threatens the French with higher tariffs and proposes to send a boat the patrol the north coast of Ireland.

 

Brian's way of fulfilling the assignment was to read a very old homework piece which he said Margie had responded to positively by thumping the table! But he also brought along a new composition, a play review of a recent production of Arthur Miller's The Crucible mixed with a personal report of his trip to visit family in Co Meath, the occasion of the trip to the theatre. Two comments on the play stood out for me - 1. the observation of how times have changed, that just a woman being able to read could in the 16th century be taken as evidence that she was a witch and 2. Brian's comparison of a way Daniel Day-Lewis  delivered a  line in his portrayal of John Proctor in the 1996 film of the Crucible and the way the actor in the recent Irish stage production delivered the same line. Day-Lewis made a strident proclamation, but Brian says John Proctor would have been dejected and that a low-key speech was more appropriate. 

 

Hoping for a good turnout and contributions to the 15 Apr. meeting   ~   Philippa

  
>>  Event and writing competition announcements:
 
> Don't forget that Submissions to the weekly WRITERS' CORNER of the Derry County Post newspaper are always welcome. orla....@iconicnews.ie  [max 1000 words (essays and stories), 3 poems - send by word attachment]
 

>> BOOKCLUBS:      Waterstones Foyleside:  The next bookclub will be on Thursday 7 May at 7pm. Participants will discuss Pretenders by Jo Harkin

   Derry Central Library: Mon 11 May at 2 pm -  Close to Home by Michael Magee. Ask at the main desk for the loan of a book club copy to read beforehand   // 

[Hilary McCollum]

I’d love to see some of you at the launch of my new novel at Sandinos on 6 May at 6pm. Details attached. 

Thanks

Hilary 

Sent from my iPhone

On 13 Apr 2026, at 15:51, Philippa Robinson <caillea...@gmail.com> wrote: