Waterford-Writers-Weekend

Waterford Writers’ Weekend will take place from March 21st to 24th 2013.

The festival promotes the craft of writing and celebrates creativity in all ages. Running over the weekend of March 21^st to 24th 2013, this lively and engaging festival is filled with workshops, discussions, and debates designed to engage and delight audiences. Creativity in youth is of special significance to the festival, and events for students, children and families serve to inspire the imagination. History and heritage form the core of the 2013 programme as we take a look at the past and examine how it influences where Ireland is at present.

Gathering Ireland 2013

“I have always been fascinated by the emotional lives of my grandmother’s generation - so strictly confined by religious values and the fiscal restraints of marrying into land. Young Irish women left Ireland in their droves throughout the 1920’s and some used emigration as an excuse to avoid the prospect of being matched to a toothless old farmer! Many became so seduced by the glamour and the freedom that they never came back”

Waterford Writers Weekend welcomes Kate Kerrigan, author of the Ellis Island Trilogy who will talk about her research and writing life. Her work explores the realities of emigration to America and its effects on communities. Continuing with the theme of emigration, Waterford author Derek Flynn will discuss the encounters he had while researching his first novel in Newfoundland, and how strong the connections between Waterford and Newfoundland still are. Renowned genealogist John Grenham takes us through the often confusing but ultimately gratifying topic of “Tracing your Irish Ancestors” in a three hour workshop.

Visit www.waterfordwritersweekend.ie for further information