Creative Writing Project at Killagoley Training and Activation Centre
The Creative Writing programme at Killagoley Training & Activation Centre is currently in its 5th year. Facilitated by writer Sylvia Cullen, the programme involves an average of 28 writers.
Work Method:
The creative writing programme is participant-led; goals and aims are developed in conjunction with the writers. Their ideas and input affect everything from the content of the weekly workshops, to annual plans for large-scale projects and publications.
Publications:
From the Hill of the Wild Berries, an anthology of new work by the K.T.A.C. writers, was published in 2008. A lively mix of poetry, prose and monologues, the book was very well received and selected work from it has since been recorded on CD. These audio recordings were made possible through a collaborative project with Shine, and they feature 29 authors, each reading their own work.
The book is available in bookshops and public libraries, ISBN 978-0-9549165-5-8.
The CD is available from K.T.A.C. on 053 9233002.
Readings:
Some of the K.T.A.C. writers gave their first public reading as a group, in April 2009. Enniscorthy Library was a wonderful host venue for the evening and 13 authors read from the book. For most of them, it was their first time facing the challenge of reading in public.
Arts Alive! workshops:
Two writers facilitated workshops as part of the 2009 Arts Alive! Festival. John Yates ran a poetry workshop where he read from his own work and introduced participants to his unique approach to creating poetry. Ger Morrin, a member of the Slaney Writers Group, led an insightful prose workshop based around the art of memoir writing.
Future Development:
K.T.A.C. Film group, consisting of eight writers, was successful in its application for a Film Bursary and will now write and produce a new short film during 2010. Further public readings are being planned in a couple of venues, and the writers also hope to foster links with similar Creative Writing groups at home and abroad. In addition, the group also has plans for a second publication of new writing, including original work by many of the new members.
Comments:
“The most important thing about the programme is that it is interesting. We look forward to it. It inspires us to write poetry and stories. We enjoy it and like the variety… We felt we had made progress with our writing and that we had success with the book. Everyone had a part and contributed to the book.” K.T.A.C. Writers commenting on the Creative Writing programme and the anthology From the Hill of the Wild Berries.
“Writing for this anthology was something unique and different. It showed what people could do as a group effort.” Philip Priestly commenting on the process leading to the CD.
“When I listened to the CD, what struck me was how fulfilling it was to listen to my friends and to have these voices forever.” John Yates commenting on the CD.
“All I went down for was the cup of tea!… I wanted to have a look around the Opera House building as well and see what it was like. I never realised Wexford was so big.” Kevin Doyle comments on the CD launch.
“I found the library reading a positive formula because I know in the future what I am able to achieve. Standing up in public, in front of everybody – I found it very challenging… It was very nice to be able to read from my book.” Maureen O’Connor comments on the public reading at Enniscorthy Library.
“When you read something as poignant and powerful as the book From the Hill of the Wild Berries, the hair on the back of your neck stands to attention, goose pimples colonize your skin, the joy, hope and sorrow in which the poems were written come to life, and the writings speak in a way which enlightens our understanding of living this life… Whilst listening to a private reading by the authors of their own various pieces, it suddenly struck me how privileged I was, to hear those words spoken in the wonderful Wexford accent in which they were written. I realised, I wasn’t listening to someone just reading but I was listening to someone who had put their heart and soul into their pieces and spoke with such a reverence, it could not fail to move the listener.” Shine’s Regional Officer, Martin Matthews, commenting on what led to the CD being produced.
