Listowel Writers' Week

I'm going to be reading at Listowel Writers' Week, on Friday 30th of May 2008, at 2pm, in the Arms Hotel. It's a programme packed with some pretty heavy Irish names - Seamus Heaney, Anne Enright, John Banville, and my favourite Irish economist, David McWilliams - as well as the occasional top-quality foreigner, such as Lloyd Jones (author of Mister Pip).

There's also some good films showing in their Film Club. May I most heartily recommend Todd Haynes' astonishing, poetic, jittery, thrilling dream life of Bob Dylan, I'm Not There. In particular, Cate Blanchett's performance is as good as acting can get. It is more alive and true than most of our own lived moments. See it.

If you see me wandering down Church Street, don't be afraid to give me a shout.

Listowel rocks.

Comments

[Patrick Stack]

I was at this year's Writers' Week as I signed up for the Writing a Novel workshop run by Carlo Gebler which was wonderful. Unfortunately I couldn't make your reading as I had to hare back to Ennis on the Friday evening for a prior engagement. I'll catch you next time!

[Julian Gough]

Ah, Carlo Gebler is a top chap. I hadn't met him before Listowel, but I was greatly taken with him Sorry you couldn't make the reading Patrick, but sure life is long.

Best of luck with the novel...

[Patrick Stack]

Thanks Julian.

[Cláir Ní Aonghusa]

Dear Julian
I sat in on the RTE show in Listowel in 2008. Although I didn't get to your reading (sorry, was in the bar in the Listowel Arms), I liked what I heard from you and decided to buy something of yours. Thanks for being more congenial than one of the well-known authors present, who was especially disappointing. I complimented you on your tie on the Saturday night and meant it. It was superb. Try to hang on to your humanity. It's very engaging. Remember, the day you think you're brilliant may be the day you lose it all! Warmest best wishes.Beir bua is beanacht (figure that out!)

[Julian Gough]

Ah go on Cláir, tell us who was grumpy in Listowel...

As for poor suffering Hugh Mannitty. I'll do my best to hang on to him. But if you're trying to set me up with Hugh Millity... we never got on, and I think it's too late now.

Delighted you liked my tie. I shall adjust my will to leave it to you, as agreed.

Slán agus beannacht leat, freisin...

[Cláir Ní Aonghusa]

I'm the soul of discretion, Julian, as I'm not a fan of said writer. However, others were wounded and, alas, deeply disappointed with person. Author has lost potential future sales. Such a pity. Listowel is usually good-humoured.

And, yes, I hope you've got a healthy ego, a second skin.

Donate the tie to the deserving or undeserving poor when you're done with it, or on your last gasp. I'm voluntarily relieved of possessions. Too much clutter.

Adieu and blessings. May your god be with you.

Cláir