The Irish Writers’ Centre has been running The Lonely Voice series since 2010 affording emerging short story writers the opportunity to read their work in front of a live audience in the wonderful Georgian setting on Parnell Square.
They have now just launched a website/blog which not only gives a detailed history of the series with links to a lot of the stories and biographical information on the writers, but also has up to date information on current writers in the series. Each month a new judge picks four stories from those submitted. All the details on how to submit are here.
I was lucky enough to read twice in the series in 2010 and 2011, and it’s a wonderful experience – very different to reading poems in that you have to sustain your voice over ten to fifteen minutes, and hold the interest of the audience. Still, for the normally desk-bound writer it’s a great opportunity to get out there and meet your future readers.
Why not browse the site and read a few of the stories – the quality is excellent.
Thanks goes to Jack Harte, Chairman of the Writers’ Centre, and to all of the volunteers who give their time so generously to keep this wonderful resource for writers going from strength to strength.
A brilliant platform which means so much to emerging writers – they’re doing a fantastic job at the IWC.
They sure are Louise!