Evening of Creativity!

Culture Night Movie
Mark your calendars for the Write-on Anthology 2025 launch on Culture Night, Friday, 20 September on YouTube! 

This is our chance to share the result of all our hard work with the world.Before that, join us for an exclusive preview of our Culture Night film at the Pálás Cinema on Thursday, September 19, at 6pm.

Come watch yourself and fellow writers on the big screen! Seats are limited, so arrive early and bring friends – it’s going to be a fantastic evening!

We’re all set for another engaging Write-on session this evening. We have a fantastic lineup of short stories and poems to enjoy, but as always, time is limited, and we may not get to everything on the agenda. Don’t worry—anything not covered tonight will be pushed forward to our next session.Please , however, that there will be no Write-on session next week, as we will be attending the Culture Night Movie Preview at the Pálás Cinema. This special event will give us a sneak peek at our Culture Night film, A Literary Kaleidoscope, and promises to be a night to remember! As for tonight’s session, here’s what we have in store: Joyce Butcher will present her short story, It All Happened So Long Ago, taking us on a journey through the past. Joanne Dowling shares Salthill, a story sure to evoke vivid imagery of the seaside. Insomnia, by Frances Dermody, will bring a thoughtful exploration of sleepless nights. Anne McManus introduces Bride and the Guards, a tale filled with intrigue. Frank Fahy’s Aunt Nora and Dangerous Dan promises lively characters and great fun. On the poetry front, we have:Bray Seafront, a reflective piece by Thomas MacMahon. Seamus Keogh will present Arise, sure to stir deep emotions.

We’ll wrap up with a group discussion on volunteering for future Write-on tasks. With such a rich selection of work, tonight’s session is sure to be inspiring.Looking forward to seeing you all this evening!

29 August 2024, 7.00 – 9.00pm

We’re delighted to welcome you to the opening of our new season of online Zoom meetings. It’s hard to believe that this is already the eighth year in which the Write-On Group of aspiring and ambitious writers will be gathering every single Thursday evening between September and June to present their works to each other. Whether short stories, poems, memoirs, songs, extracts from longer works – all genres are received with keen attention, and then discussed by the members online on Zoom. This generally results in a wide spectrum of comments which highlight different aspects of the work in question, so that its creator is rewarded with ample stimuli to help them to review, fine-tune or proceed triumphantly to their next work! The atmosphere is very informal, yet disciplined, and (almost) every second of our two-hour session is aimed at listening, contributing constructively, and learning. It’s incredible how fast these 120 minutes pass!

Highlights of the year are the annual publication of the best of the past season’s contributions. Our amazing 371-page Write-On Anthology 2025 was issued in July of this year. In addition, Write-On published two further works by single authors during the year: a captivating collection of short stories by founding member Mary Rose Tobin, The Life and Times of Jimmy Mullins, and Olga Peters’ page-turner novel, A Normal Couple. Details about these and other publications can be found on this web-site.

Write-On also participates in Culture Night every year. For 2024, a fascinating collection of individual video contributions produced by the members has been assembled into an exciting full-length film, which can be viewed on Culture Night, Friday, September 20. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! You’re invited to an exclusive pre-view of our Culture Night event at the Pálás Cinema, Galway, on Thursday, September 19, at 6pm. This unusual showing is open to all members, their families and friends. A unique event which should not be missed! And last but not least, Culture Night will also see the formal launch of our Anthology 2025 on YouTube, showcasing the culmination of our collective efforts to a global audience.

Write-On offers even more activities – the AGM in our Zoom session on September 5, the monthly Mug of the Month competition, special sessions for Christmas and other holidays. Join us this coming Thursday to learn more about all the creativity, entertainment and inspiration provided by this successful and vibrant group.

Whether you’re a returning member or dropping in for the first time, we can’t wait to see your smiling faces and to hear your brilliant voices.

Programme

Short Story TV or the Sea? Mary Rose Tobin

Short Story A New Story Helena Clare

Short Story Extract from A Normal Couple 2 Olga Peters

Short Story Bridie and the Guards Anne McManus

Poem Venice Thomas MacMahon

Poem White Roses Thomas MacMahon

Poem Bray Seafront Thomas MacMahon

Poem Arise Seamus Keogh

Poem A Gibbous Moon’s Lament Ciara Keogh

Discussion Write-On Anthology 2025 All Members

Penultimate Session of the Season: Join Us for an Engaging Finale!

As we approach the end of our current season, we invite all Write-on members to join us for our penultimate session this Thursday, May 30th. Our meetings will take a brief hiatus over the summer, resuming in the last week of August. During this break, Mary Rose and Frank will be diligently editing the Write-on Anthology. Remember, the final date to submit your work for consideration is Friday, May 31st. If you’ve received early page proofs, please return your comments to Frank promptly—don’t delay! As always, authors are responsible for any mistakes in their work, so ensure your pieces are polished and ready for publication.

Now, let’s dive into the exciting lineup for this Thursday’s session:

Creative Chronicles

St Stephen’s Green by James Conway
Journey back in time with James Conway’s historical narrative, “St Stephen’s Green.” Discover the transformation of Dublin’s cherished park from a desolate field to a vibrant public space, enriched by notable events and figures that have shaped its history.

Breaking Altitude by Frank Fahy
Prepare for a suspenseful ride in Frank Fahy’s “Breaking Altitude.” Follow a pilot’s gripping journey through a critical flight, where skill and survival are put to the ultimate test. This story promises tension and unexpected twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

A Bond Through Time by Mary Rose Tobin
Explore the depths of enduring friendship in Mary Rose Tobin’s touching short story, “A Bond Through Time.” Through vivid memories and poignant reflections, the narrative delves into themes of loss, resilience, and the intricate bonds that shape our lives.

The White Cliffs of Dover by Deirdre Anne Gialamas
Embark on a quest for freedom and self-discovery in “The White Cliffs of Dover.” Follow Candice as she leaves her home and boyfriend Max, navigating inner turmoil and ultimate realization. Deirdre Anne Gialamas masterfully captures themes of love, identity, and belonging through evocative descriptions.

A Delicate Bond by Mary Hawkshaw
Mary Hawkshaw’s introspective poem, “A Delicate Bond,” explores the fragile nature of love and truth. Through nuanced verses, she ponders the interplay between words and emotions, emphasizing the power of silence over empty promises.

Coming Home by Deirdre Anne Gialamas
In “Coming Home,” Deirdre Anne Gialamas tells the poignant story of an elderly couple returning to their homeland after fifty years abroad. Facing disappointment and isolation, their journey culminates in a somber reflection on belonging and the passage of time.

Writer’s Block by Deirdre Anne Gialamas
Experience the transformative journey of a struggling writer in the narrative poem, “Writer’s Block.” After a fire forces him to relocate, he finds hope and inspiration in a new environment, overcoming his creative block and rekindling his passion for writing.

Merry Masked Christmas by Deirdre Anne Gialamas
Reflect on the unique challenges of celebrating Christmas during a pandemic with “Merry Masked Christmas.” This timely poem emphasizes resilience and collective effort in combating COVID-19, urging readers to stay vigilant and hopeful for a safe and merry holiday season.

Join us for an enriching session filled with captivating stories and thought-provoking poetry. Let’s make this penultimate meeting a memorable one!

Our session this Thursday opens with a discussion about the new ChatGPT4o and the opportunities, inspiration and creative processes it offers writers. Once again our Write-On Zoom meeting allows our members to experience revolutionary new technology and techniques which they might not encounter at first hand otherwise.

In our third last session for this Write-On season, Deirdre Anne Gialamas shows her prolific creativity with four short stories. Laced with humour and mystery, they are all sure to captivate and entertain her listeners; nonetheless, she can also expect constructive comments and helpful feedback, an essential component of our Write-On community.

Frank Fahy‘s beautifully crafted stories are always a pleasure to read. Human nature, its weaknesses and strengths are what moves his characters, allowing us all to identify with them. Not to be missed.

Kathleen Phelan‘s and Elizabeth Hannon‘s poems this evening are characterised by special sensitivity to the passing of time and how this affects us and our memories.

Seamus Keogh‘s poem opens our eyes and senses to a wider view of war in Palestine as contrasted with the tranquility of life in Ireland, a poignant reminder of what it means to lose one’s home.

Finally, by careful proofreading all members can participate in the shaping of our Anthology 2025, the collection of the past writing season’s best offerings. Hints and help will again be offered in this session.

For all our members and guests: have an enjoyable, entertaining and instructive two hours in our Write-On zoom meeting this Thursday!

Programme

Discussion Launch of ChatGPT4o All Members

Short Story Breaking Altitude Frank Fahy

Short Story Mrs O’Donovan’s Dublin Delight Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story The Shiny Red Couch Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story A Long Hot Summer Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Marine Blue Sky Seamus Keogh

Poem Blessing Kathleen Phelan

Poem The Stolen Kiss Elizabeth Hannon

Discussion Proofreading Write-On Anthology 2025 All Members

The themes of this evening’s submissions cover universal themes touching on friendship and rivalry, nature and war, family connectedness and dissension – an impressive showcase of our group’s talents!

Deirdre Anne Gialamas has provided no fewer than three short stories as well as a poem!

‘Millicent’s Dilemma’ and ‘Mrs O’Donovan’s Dublin Delight’ are centred around individual characters who prove their resilience and daring in very different settings: one in a city morgue, the other in a Dublin deli.

By contrast, Deirdre’s short story ‘The Shiny Red Couch’ harks back to childhood memories of the excitement of Christmas mornings, something everyone can relate to.

Deirdre’s poems often depict an unusual perspective on individuals, and are usually highly poetic. ‘What IF?’ playfully examines alternate realities and whimsical possibilities of life’s different choices and their impact on familiy and society.

Anne McManus is a master of subtle psychological portrayal. In ‘New Girls’, the unexpected reunion of two former schoolmates with very different careers and life experiences opens the set for revelations of shared secrets and past grievances.

‘New Jerusalem’ by Kathleen Greaney tells the tale of Isaac, a Jewish butcher in Dublin, whose tranquillity is shattered by the invasion of Poland, where his daughter lives, at the outbreak of World War 2. The poem reflects on themes of family, fear, and hope.

Very different is Póilín Brennan’s ‘Beith Geal’. Here, a birch tree serves as a symbol of love and connectedness between the poet and the natural world.

A further poem by Póilín, ‘Hearth’, focusses on the hearth as the centre of traditional Irish family life and as a keeper of folklore.

Last but not least, Seamus Keogh‘s poem, ‘Marine Blue Sky’, carries the poet on a journey between the beauty of Ireland’s landscapes and the sorrow of brutal conflict in the world.

A further discussion of the simplicities and complexities of proof-reading, and its importance for an immaculate Write-On Anthology 2025, round up this Thursday’s offerings. We wish all of our participants and viewers a lively, profitable and enjoyable evening.

Programme

Short Story New Girls Anne McManus

Short Story New Jerusalem Kathleen Greaney

Short Story Mrs O’Donovan’s Dublin Delight Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story The Shiny Red Couch Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Millicent’s Dilemma Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem Marine Blue Sky Seamus Keogh

Poem Beith Geal Póilín Brennan

Poem Hearth Póilín Brennan

Poem What IF? Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Discussion Proofreading Write-On Anthology 2025 All Members

Objective: Each member will select their favourite poem or short story from Anthology 2025 and create a video highlighting a place that is personally significant or relevant to the selected piece. The final product will be a short film that combines visual and auditory elements to enhance the audience’s experience during the Culture Night event.

Instructions:

1. Selection of Piece

   – Choose a poem or short story from Anthology 2025 that resonates with you.

   – Consider how the themes or settings within your chosen work could be visually represented.

2. Video Recording

   – Location: Select a location that reflects the themes or settings of your chosen piece.

   – Camera Orientation: Use a smartphone or camera to record your video. Remember to hold your device horizontally (landscape mode) to avoid black bars on the sides of the screen.

   – Visual Focus: Capture the essence of the location. You can include scenes of you walking or interacting with the environment, but do not speak directly to the camera.

3. Audio Recording

   – Environment: Record your audio separately in a quiet, indoor environment to avoid background noise such as wind or waves.

   – Content: The audio can be a reading of the selected poem or story, or a reflection on the themes, recorded clearly without background interference.

4. Combining Video and Audio

   – Do not attempt to synchronise your lips with the audio in the video.

   – Think of the audio as a voiceover or soundtrack that enhances the visual experience, such as narrating the poem while the video shows you looking contemplatively at the sea.

5. Submission Guidelines

   – Submit both the video and audio files to Frank by 30 June 2024. Ensure that the files are clearly labeled with your name and the title of the selected work.

   – Frank will handle the technical aspect of merging the audio with your video to ensure clear sound and seamless integration.

Reminder

Holding the camera horizontally and recording the audio separately are crucial for creating a professional-quality video. Let’s make sure to adhere to these guidelines to improve upon last year’s submissions.

Join us for an enriching session filled with important discussion, evocative stories and cretive exchanges. An essential gathering for all members to discuss and select pieces for our pre-recorded presentation at Culture Night in September 2024.

New Girls by Anne McManus is a story about the complicated reconnection between Tracey and her former schoolmate, Emily, now a successful actress in London. This tale explores the nuances of old friendships revisited under new circumstances.

In Edward by Kathleen Greaney, we find a heart-warming narrative of Sheila, a retiree who discovers new purpose and companionship in Edward, a dog whose unexpected entry into her life brings about change and new friendships.

Home by Joanne Dowling brings us back to Galway, where Jamie, after returning from London, navigates the complexities of belonging and identity as he catches up with old friends and confronts the notion of home.

In New Jerusalem, also by Kathleen Greaney, we are set against the backdrop of WWII as Isaac, a Jewish butcher in Dublin, faces the dire implications of the war on his family in Poland. This gripping story captures fear, hope, and the desperate measures taken in times of crisis.

Vertical Ridges by Jutta Rosen takes us through Connemara’s haunting landscapes where the narrator encounters remnants of famine-era potato ridges, weaving a connnection between Ireland’s tragic past and the present’s transient abundance.

Marine Blue Sky by Seamus Keogh offers a stirring poem where vivid images of Ireland’s landscapes contrast with the brutal realities of conflict, reflecting the poet’s journey through a world marked by beauty and sorrow.

The essay Flowers of the Rarest explores the significant cultural and communal role of the song performed by Canon Sydney McEwan in Ireland, particularly as a herald of
summer. Traditionally played on RTE Radio by legendary broadcaster Gay Byrne on
the 1st of May, this song united households across Ireland, from bustling
Dublin streets to remote Atlantic edges. The essay delves into the era before
digital fragmentation, highlighting how this tradition was more than a song—it
was a communal ritual that marked the start of summer, resonating deeply in
rural areas and symbolizing the transition from spring to the lushness of
summer. The piece reflects on the changing landscape of media and the enduring
need for shared experiences and rituals in society.

All members are also requested to carefully review the page proofs of their entries for our upcoming Write-On Anthology 2025. It’s crucial to provide corrections to ensure our collective work is error-free and polished for publication. Instructions and help on how best to accomplish this are posted on a separate page of the NEWS section on this website.

We look forward to seeing everyone on Thursday, 2 May, for a session full of lively discussions and enriching literary contributions. Be sure to bring your ideas and enthusiasm to help make our upcoming events a success!

Programme

Discussion Preparing for Culture Night 2024 All Members

Short Story New Girls Anne McManus

Short Story Edward Kathleen Greaney

Short Story Home Joanne Dowling

Short Story New Jerusalem Kathleen Greaney

Essay Vertical Ridges Jutta Rosen

Essay Flowers of the Rarest Inky

Poem Marine Blue Sky Seamus Keogh

Discussion Proofreading Write-On Anthology 2025 All Members

Our session this evening will open with the popular and enjoyable Mug of the Month competition, for which members have produced texts of no more than fifty words containing the keywords LIE and WALK. We can expect a wide variety of themes around these two words, a compact example of our group’s creativity. The winner of the contest will have the honour of housing Mugsy until the end of May, which will be our last Zoom session before the summer break.

Deirdre Anne Gialamas puts her knowledge of Athens to good use in her contribution, ‘Circles‘. We are introduced to Dimitris, a former CEO turned street-dweller, whose sharp descent from opulence to destitution lets us reflect on the twists of fate that can befall all of us.

A special welcome of Anne McManus, one of our original members, who is presenting two short stories this evening. In ‘No Regrets’, we follow the thoughts of a woman at the bedside of her dying ex-husband – life choices, regrets, and promises fulfilled and unfulfilled pass through her mind. In a different vein, Anne’s story ‘New Girls’ reconnects us with Tracy, who is drawn back into her schooldays by a phone call, reviving memories of past friendships and unresolved conflicts.

Old age and the onset of Alzheimer’s are the themes of Eileen Miller‘s story: as Christy’s vibrant past, his identity and memory gradually fade, we are confronted with the complexities of aging and the deep connection to one’s roots.

Jutta Rosen‘s ‘Vertical Ridges’ takes us on a contemplative journey through Connemara, contrasting today’s opulence with the stark hardships of the Famine era, which is captured in the enduring scars of the landscape.

Our Editor and Publisher Frank Fahy will shortly be sending members page proofs of the Write-On Anthology 2025. The deadline for submissions to this fascinating collection of works from the past year is Friday, 31 May 2024. Any members who have not yet entered written examples of their talent should not miss this opportunity to have their work published in a professional volume containing writing of the highest standard. Happy writing and good luck to all our participants!

Programme

Competition Mug of the Month April 2024 All Members

Short Story Circles Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story Gone the Heather, Gone the Hawthorn Eileen Miller

Short Story No Regrets Anne McManus

Short Story New Girls Anne McManus

Essay Vertical Ridges Jutta Rosen

Discussion Proofreading Anthology 2025 All Members

This Thursday’s session of the Write-On Group offers three short stories and three poems. Our two-hour meetings take place every seven days, and usually there are more items on our programme than can be presented in the limited time – praise-worthy evidence of the productivity and creativity of our members! Congratulations to all active writers, and to those who are still ruminating!

Deirdre Anne Gialamas features twice tonight. Her short story, ‘Circles’, is set in Athens and introduces us to Dimitris, a former CEO turned street-dweller, a plot which promises strong emotional developments.

Ireland’s peat bogs are the setting for Anne’s poem, ‘Burdened Bog’. In it, she explores this hauntingly beautiful landscape, which is bound up with the history of those who worked in it and the struggles they endured.

Kathleen Greaney’s short story, ‘Spanish Doll’, also brings us to sunny foreign parts. A mysterious doll dressed in flamenco attire leads Maria to Madrid, and ultimately reveals secrets about her ancestry. We can expect an intriguing tale!

‘Breaking Altitude’, by Frank Fahy, promises daring and adventure as he transports us to higher spheres!

Mary Hawkshaw’s poem ‘A Broken Dove’, paints a vivid picture of despair and hopelessness driven by global indifference to suffering, a topic very much of our time.

Josephine McCann’s verses on ‘If the Prom Could Talk’ explore the conversations witnessed by the Salthill prom over the years, where the locals unwind, sharing their woes and joys, hopes and failures. The prom’s therapeutic values are celebrated here in Joephine’s sensitive words.

Finally, preparation of this year’s Anthology 2025 is well under way, and has reached the stage where members are being encouraged to proofread their contributions. This will be the subject of a discussion this evening.

We wish all member and guest participants an enjoyable and fruitful session!

Programme

Short Story Circles Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Short Story The Spanish Doll Kathleen Greaney

Short Story Breaking Altitude Frank Fahy

Poem A Broken Dove Mary Hawkshaw

Poem Burdened Bog Deirdre Anne Gialamas

Poem If the Prom Could Talk Josephine McCann

Discussion Proofreading Write-On Anthology 2025 All Members