Building worlds at the Crawford

A pair of acclaimed writers will discuss their distinct approaches to world-building in historical fiction and biofiction in Cork city next week.

Offering unique insights into their craft, Dr Laura McKenna and Dr Éibhear Walshe will deliver their thought provoking talk in the Lecture Theatre at Crawford Art Gallery on 8 March at 1 pm.

Child psychiatrist and writer of fiction and poetry, Dr Laura McKenna’s 2021 novel ‘Words to Shape My Name’ was shortlisted for The Kerry Group Irish Novel of the Year Award, and was also the creative element of her PhD in Creative Writing. Her work has been featured in various publications such as 'The RTÉ Guide', 'Southword', 'Banshee', and 'New Irish Writing'.

Dr Éibhear Walshe, senior lecturer in English and Director of Creative Writing at UCC, is the author of novels, ‘The Diary of Mary Travers’, ‘The Trumpet Shall Sound’, and ‘The Last Day at Bowen’s Court’, all of which were longlisted for the Dublin Literary Award. He has also authored a memoir titled ‘Cissie’s Abattoir’, as well as books on Kate O’Brien, Colm Tóibín, and Oscar Wilde.

Next Wednesday’s talk runs in conjunction with the exhibition, ‘OTHER WORLDS: Harry Clarke Watercolours’, which runs at the Crawford Art Gallery until 19 March.

The event is free of charge and can be pre-booked on eventbrite.ie. Availability is limited.