Seamus Heaney is often seen as a poet who wrote about the land, not just as a political entity but also a living physical organism, containing the material history of Ireland. In the present day when writers are thinking about how to address concerns about the climate and navigating the space between material reality and the imagination, in Northern Ireland we still have that additional question of the concept of land ownership.
This relaxed showcase of thoughts and reflections on the theme of Land will bring together young people from the Fighting Words project among others, and adults associated with the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen’s. Children’s Writing Fellow, Shirley-Anne McMillan, will share her thoughts on how physical place has given rise to her own novels for young people.
If you are a young writer, email sh*@****ac.uk to get involved in this showcase.
Shirley-Anne McMillan is a Young Adult novelist from Co. Down. Having previously worked as a school-teacher and Online Writer in Residence for the Irish Writers Centre in Dublin, Shirley-Anne now teaches creative writing at the Crescent Arts Centre, Belfast, and offers mentoring through the Irish Writers Centre. In 2024 she took the role of Children’s Writing Fellow at the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen’s University. Shirley-Anne has published four novels for young adults, all set in Northern Ireland. Her latest novel, Grapefruit Moon, was published by Little Island in 2023.
Since 2003 the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen’s has been home to some of the UK and Ireland’s foremost poets, novelists, scriptwriters and critics. Building on a literary heritage at Queen’s that stretches back to the 1960s ‘Belfast Group’, the Centre is dedicated to excellence and innovation in creative writing and criticism. The Seamus Heaney Centre hosts readings and performances throughout the year, and regularly showcases new writing through live events, broadcasting and publishing projects.
Fighting Words NI is a Northern Ireland-based youth charity dedicated to empowering children and young people aged 6-18 through the transformative power of creative writing. Fighting Words believes that every young person has a unique story to tell, and their mission is to provide them with the tools, support, and inspiration to express themselves confidently and creatively. Through an inclusive and welcoming approach, Fighting Words ensures that everyone feels valued and supported, regardless of their background or abilities.
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