Tags
I had a wonderful time at the Cork International Short Story Festival 2014. Thanks to all at Munster Literature Centre who helped to keep everything on track. Special thanks to Patrick Cotter, festival director, for inviting me to read, and to Jennifer Matthews for all her hard work too. They were both very kind and helpful to us all and acted as MCs for various events. The full line up is here.
It’s always such fun to meet Twitter, Facebook and blogging pals in real life and most of us resembled our social media pics which made introductions a bit easier. I met and chatted with some lovely folk during the days and evenings and into the wee small hours. We had fine sunny days, the Irish ‘Indian’ summer that often arrives in autumn and only had a few showers as we went from venue to venue. I read in the Central library on Grand Parade, with Orfhlaith Foyle, a writer whose work I admire, and we both got a great welcome from the audience.
Patrick Cotter interviewed us both after the reading and we discussed, among other things, whether we see ourselves as predominantly Irish (or female) writers, whether writing poetry has influenced our short stories, how important language is to us, and how literary fiction writers fare in a commercial market. We also discussed Richard Ford’s controversial statement the night before: that the short story is ‘lesser’ than the novel. We were lucky to have John Minahan, photographer of Samuel Beckett and Seamus Heaney, as festival photographer and I hope to see some of his photos soon.
Many thanks to the generous Paul McVeigh for sharing his photos of our readings.
Me, discussing writing
Orfhlaith Foyle, reading
Me with Orfhlaith Foyle discussing short stories, writing, and microphones…
We were well looked after …
Some of the generous festival tokens for food and drinks
My festival book buys:
Can’t wait to get stuck into these!
Valerie Sirr 
Sounds like a great event, Val – and the photos nearly make you think you’re there!
LikeLike
It was a brilliant few days, Sue – lots of excitement and new faces and conversations. Back to the grindstone now with writing and classes etc…hope the new job is going well!
LikeLike
Great stuff, Valerie. I have a pic of you among mine on my blog. I think R Ford disturbed us all with his assertions!!
LikeLike
Cheers, Nuala. My phone’s on its last legs so no pics taken. R Ford certainly discombobulated us!
LikeLike
Sounds like a great festival and what a topic for a debate!
Hope we meet there next year. Meanwhile, enjoy the books.
LikeLike
It’s usually the opposite that’s said, isn’t it, Jean i.e.that the novel is the lesser art form, the story the higher form, and poetry the highest form. Of course those generalisations don’t always prove true either. I’ve read many a flabby poem and lots of beautifully realised intense poetic novels, and stories, like Alice Munro’s that read like novels…Would be lovely to see you there next year!
LikeLiked by 1 person