Elizabeth Rose Murray

Writers always strive to improve. It’s in their nature. It has to be as otherwise there would be no ideas to indulge in or inner editor to perfect the form.

It’s also true that writing is a lonely occupation and it’s difficult to find people who can help you develop your craft. There are always people willing to read your work, waiting to be wowed by your genius or overly criticise so they can rewrite your storyline for you (never asked loved ones or friends. They’re loved ones and friends, not editors or writers). So, one of the main ingredients for successful writing is often lacking.

Luckily, I recently discovered Inkwell Writers who are based in Dublin. On Saturday I attended their Commercial Literary Fiction workshop, with experienced speakers/instructors/advisors: Vanessa O’Loughlin, Noelle Harrison (morning) and Ivy Bannister (afternoon).

There were only eight people on the course which allowed for an amazing amount of attention to be given. What struck me most, however, was that the experience and expectations of the attendees was blissfully similar. Many writing courses or workshops are so intent on filling the spaces for financial reasons; they forget that the quality of the attendees is all important. This was certainly not the case. Everyone on Commercial Literary Fiction was writing seriously.

The course consisted of correct balance of practical and theory sessions. Think; starting the morning off with advice on publishing and story boards, moving on to techniques such as how to use landscape to reflect your character/story, before finishing off with writing erotic scenes.  The afternoon continued with titles, using a sensory approach, scene setting and character.

The important thing about this course is that there was no pretension, no division and no imbalance. Everyone got ideas and technique tips that they could take away and work with. They also enjoyed the course and went away with a sense of achievement. Now, it’s completely up to each person what they do with the knowledge and skills they gained. But to have such a resource available is invaluable.

Personally, I gained the idea for a memoir style short story which I will enter into a competition in the next few months. I also gained a first draft of a poem and belief in the title I’ve chosen for what will be my breakout novel: Nine Lives.

I will be attending the Writing the Breakout Book workshop on April 18th. I’ve even cut my holiday to Spain short by a weekend to attend, so you know I mean business. If you’re serious about writing, maybe I’ll see you there?