Critically acclaimed short story writer Lucy Sweeney Byrne will reveal what she wishes someone had told her at the start of her journey, looking both at the craft of writing short stories and the every day realities of being a published writer.
Lucy will share insight into her own process and compare her very different ways into her two short story collections Paris Syndrome and Let's Dance. Looking at the two texts she'll discuss the short story from conception to finished piece, with a particular eye on how to make sure the structure of your story reflects its tone.
Lucy will also delve into the day to day practicalities of being a short story writer, from the physical space that you write in to the fiscal side of writing. She'll debunk common myths around what it means to live as a writer, and encourage you to find a writing practise that works for you. She'll also tell you how she got published, and offer her thoughts on the role of an agent in a writer's life.
The session will end with a brief Q&A, so come ready with your questions!
This masterclass will take place online via Teams. It will also be recorded so if you are unable to attend live, you'll be able to catch-up and access the recording for up to two weeks after the event has taken place.
Lucy Sweeney Byrne's first short story collection Paris Syndrome (2019, Banshee Press), was met with critical acclaim and shortlisted for a number of awards. Her second collection, Let's Dance (2024, Banshee Press), was published in October 2024. Lucy’s short fiction, essays and poetry have appeared in The Dublin Review, The Stinging Fly, Southword, AGNI, Litro, Grist, 3:AM magazine, and numerous other literary outlets. She also writes book reviews for The Irish Times.
The workshop fee of £20 (incl. VAT) is payable in full online. Please note that payment instalment plans are available for all W&A events, writing courses and editing services. Contact W&A Admin on events@writersandartists.co.uk so that we can find a payment schedule that works for you.
This is a live online event which will be presented using video conferencing software. Joining instructions and full guidance will be provided by the W&A Team a week before the event start-date. Please note, all event timings are in UK time.
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Accessible to All
- It’s of real importance to Writers & Artists that our events and courses remain accessible to all.
- Writers & Artists has made one bursary place available for this event as part of our accessibility scheme. Please visit our bursaries page to find out how to apply for a bursary to the event.
- Payment instalment plans are available for all W&A events, writing courses and editing services. Contact W&A Admin on events@writersandartists.co.uk so that we can find a payment schedule that works for you.
- At the speaker's discretion, event materials will be made available to attendees after the masterclass.
- A link to a recording of the masterclass will be circulated after the event. This will be made available to event attendees only, and for a time-limited period.
- If you'd like to receive a transcript of the session, please do let us know and we can circulate following the session.
- This event will include written text and visuals. Please contact us in advance so that we can make arrangements to be sure all documents appear in a format that works for you.
- If you’d like to attend but have any questions or concerns regarding accessibility, then please email AccessWA@bloomsbury.com
