New imprint on block:Always great to see a new imprint on the Irish publishing block and this year's newcomer is Londubh Books. Based in Dublin its proprietor and publisher is Jo O'Donoghue who has quite a track record in the business. She's been with Poolbeg Press, Mercier Press/ Marino Books and Currach Press. Londubh's mission is to publish Irish non-fiction and ebooks in biography, memoir, history, travel, health and lifestyle. Spring titles include Battles Fought on Irish Soil, by Sean McMahon; a new version of Write and Get Paid for It, by Terry Prone, and a travel book The Savvy Travellerby Eoghan Corry. Their website londubh.ie – as well as details of their books and authors and a blog – has advice on their house style for writers who may want to submit MS.
Unitarian bash
Poetry Ireland Review, the journal of record of poetry in Ireland, launches its 100th issue – guest edited by poet Paul Muldoon (pictured below) – with a bash in Dublin next Thursday at 6.30pm in the Unitarian Church, 112 St Stephen's Green. The review can trace its various incarnations back to the inaugural issue of Poetry Irelandedited and founded by David Marcus in 1948. The current journal has been in continuous quarterly production since 1981. Initially edited by John Jordan and founded by John F Deane, it has had lots of high profile editors over the years due to its policy of rotating editors.
Issue 100 has new work by a wide cast of poets including Seamus Heaney, Eiléan Ní Chuilleanáin, Derek Mahon, Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill, John Montague, Caitríona OReilly and Mary ODonnell, as well as emerging poets. Some of the contributors and previous editors will read at the upcoming event to which all are welcome.
Literary workshops
Workshops on various topics such as writing crime, with Alex Barclay, and short fiction with writer/poet Nuala Ní Chonchúir are part of this year’s West Cork Literary Festival in Bantry from July 4th to 10th. Celine Kiernan will conduct another on the graphic and fantasy novel; novelist Peter Cunningham on fiction; and James Harpur on poetry. Novelist Catherine Dunne moderates a session on writing for women with lecturer and agent Jonathan Williams giving a workshop on being published. Ursula Rani Sarma’s subject is writing for the stage, Julie Feeney’s on Song Writing. Limited to 15 participants and first-come first-served, bookings are now open. It costs €175 for five days and all workshops run concurrently at Ardscoil Phobal, Chapel Street, Bantry from July 5th to 9th. Booking on 027 55987 or info@westcorkliteraryfestival.ie.
Michael Palin, Eavan Boland, Anthony Horowitz and John Boyne are among the writers appearing at this year’s festival. westcorkliteraryfestival.ie
Exile in Dublin
Novelist Hugo Hamilton will read and talk about his new novel, Hand in the Fire,on the complex relationship between a Serbian immigrant in Dublin and an Irish family, on Thursday at 8pm in the United Arts Club, 3 Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2. The Irish Pen event is €5 for non- members, €3 for members. Booking at info@irishpen.com
