Creative Writing – Curraghmore House. Co. Waterford

 

I love Ireland, especially County Waterford

As a reviewer once said, “Ireland leaps from the pages” of my novels. So when I was invited to host a Summer Series of Creative Writing Workshops in historic Curraghmore House Estate, ancestral home of Lord Waterford, the 9th Marquis of Waterford, I was thrilled.karen-power-author-creative-writing-workshop-portlaw-waterford-ireland

All Together Now Festival.

Last summer, Curraghmore House Estate came to national attention when it hosted the award winning All Together Now Festival.

For me, the first time I saw Curraghmore, was from the back seat of our old Ford Cortina. I must have been nine or ten at the time. My Dad loved the family ‘Sunday spin’. We’d all squash in, including my grandparents and even though we complained about who got the window seat, I loved those drives. That particular Sunday, Dad was on a mission. Someone had told him that the Estate was open to visit the Shell House and gardens.

I remember being vaguely interested until Dad said, it was the home of Lord and Lady Waterford, my nine year old brain went into a spin.

“What?” We had an actual “Lord and Lady” living here in Waterford. I was fascinated and to be honest, that fascination never left me.

That day, I remember holding my Granddad’s hand as we walked around the gardens. Granddad regaled us with old stories and folklore about the Lords and Ladies of Waterford. I hung on every word. Granddad had a particularly fondness for Lady Catherine, he told us she was the only woman to inherit Curraghmore and was the last of the Norman Catholic de la Poers. It was she, who had created the Shell House back in 1754, with her own hands.

I’m so glad it’s still there today.

 

On route to The Shell House

“The Staff Halls” in Curraghmore House.  

So in a twist of fate, I will be back in Curraghmore to share some creative writing tips and strategies to new writers and others who may want some editing and independent publishing guidance.

For all you Downton Abbey fans, we are using “The Staff Halls” in Curraghmore House. I was smitten by the idea of us gathering around the original bench table to tap into our creativity.

As a novelist, I value stepping away from the hustle and bustle of life to an historic place with limited phone/internet coverage surrounded by nature, peace and tranquility in a place brimming with stories. I would love you to join me.

Chose from one of our exclusive dates:

Saturday 15th June

Friday 12th July 

Sunday 11th August

The day begins at 9.00 am and ends at 5 pm.
The course content is a follows:
  • Creative writing exercises
  • Finding inspiration
  • Characterisation, point of view, the mechanic of dialogue, narrative arc, exposition, plot, sub-plots, beats, etc.
  • Editing
  • The Publishing Process
  • Resources

Participants are welcome to stay longer to wander around the gardens.

Eircode for directions is X91CH28

The cost is €120 per person including lunch, a private tour of the Curraghmore House, and a gift pack from The Book Centre, Waterford. 

Here is the link to book: https://www.karenpowerauthor.com/workshops/

I look forward to hearing from you,

Best wishes,

Karen

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