From short stories and mystery novels to books on self improvement and colorful tales about the magic of fairies - these are just some of the literary accomplishments by participants to ‘Ireland Writing Retreat’ over the years.
And as part of our 10th year anniversary this year, we are proud and honored to help celebrate our participants' successes by promoting their works - in alphabetical order.
Here’s your chance to kindly support the efforts of your fellow writers, some of whom may have been on our retreats with you.
WHO - Caroline Thonger
WHERE - Miège, canton of Valais, Switzerland
WHEN - Ireland Writing Retreat Southwest France, March 2025
BOOK - Take Two, by Caroline Thonger and Vivian Thonger
What happens when siblings revisit shared memories? Journeying from childhood to adulthood with two sisters, 'Take Two' is an innovative collage of contrasting voices. A jigsaw of stories, letters and objects exposes fractures; revelations cast new light. Playful and disquieting, the writing itself aspires to be a form of healing.
WHO - Emma Frances Simpson
WHERE - Dorking, England
WHEN - Ireland Writing Retreat in Donegal, June 2024
BOOK - Breaking Waves: Discovery, Healing and Inspiration in the Open Water, by Emma Frances Simpson
An inspiring memoir that weaves together voices of women from across the globe, celebrating the elemental connection between femininity and water. From the taste of an iceberg to a kiss from a baby whale, this is a love letter to womanhood, water and the freedom of going with the flow.
WHO - Dr. Guyla Greenly
WHERE - Casper, Wyoming, USA
WHEN - 2015 and 2017 Ireland Writing Retreats in Donegal
BOOKS - Knock it Off! How to Quit Being a Jerk @ Work, by Guyla Greenly
Guyla has created a comprehensive guide that starts with self-awareness, covering personality types and strengths, moves on to mastering first impressions, offers advice on workplace success and concludes with navigating toxic environments and quitting gracefully.
A heartwarming children's book about Hazel, a house whose family has retired and moved away. With the help of a local Realtor, Hazel searches for a new family. The story includes engaging interactive activities for young readers.
WHO - Jackie West
WHERE - Brussels, Belgium
WHEN - Ireland Writing Retreat in Paris, 2022
BOOK - Shade of Violet, by Jackie West
This quirky mystery takes a wry swipe at characters with manipulative charisma, namely Maximus Biggs-Dickson, a thrusting politician, and Verena Crookham, a murderous femme fatale. Will meddlesome Violet, who didn’t believe in ghosts until she found out she was one, manage to thwart their dangerous ambitions before it’s too late?
"'Shade of Violet' is an ingeniously constructed and highly readable ghost story, with a difference. Among its many delights is Maximus Biggs-Dickson, a politician of dubious charisma who will feel familiar to anyone observing the antics of several leading figures – present and departed." Melissa Benn
WHO - Jeannie Mackenzie
WHERE - Johnstone, Scotland
WHEN - Ireland Writing Retreat in Donegal, June 2024
BOOK - Adults and How To Survive Them, by Jeannie Mackenzie
Danny is embarrassed by his dad, worried about his mum and puzzled by his grandfather’s behaviour. He’s upset about the events of last summer, and despairs of ever getting a girlfriend.
Meanwhile, the coolest girl in school is taking an unexpected interest in him. Will Danny survive his summer holidays?
WHO - Maria O’Rourke
WHERE - Carlow, Ireland
WHEN - Ireland Writing Retreat in Donegal, 2021
BOOK - Defying the Curse, by Maria O'Rourke
'Defying the Curse' tells of Arthur Kavanagh’s triumph over profound disability in the 1800's. Born without limbs, he defied his challenges, and also an ancient curse which was placed on his family. In childhood he mastered the pastimes of a noble birth, while in adulthood he became an Member of Parliament, sailing his yacht to the English Parliament.
WHO - Mary Heeran White
WHERE - Ennis, County Clare. Ireland
WHEN - Ireland Writing Retreat in Donegal, 2023
BOOK - Wild Atlantic Anthology: Characters Along Ireland’s Majestic coast Volume 1, by Mary Heeran White
This anthology of short stories offers a whirlwind exploration of moral quandaries, professional dilemmas, love, and loss interwoven through the lives of a diverse range of individuals populating The Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland. Tied by landscape, each narrative captures the distinctive identity of various counties, unseen by a mere glance at the map.
Spanning nine uniquely diverse counties along Ireland's majestic coastline, these stories confront the human condition through gripping real-life challenges. They delve into the extraordinary resilience and personalities of their inhabitants, shaped by their landscapes and heritage, often encountering twists of fate that induce both uproarious laughter and profound heartbreak.
WHO - Su Bristow
WHERE - Exeter, Devon, England
WHEN - 2018 Ireland Writing Retreat, Donegal
BOOK - Sealskin, by Su Bristow
Set in the Western Isles of Scotland, Su’s book is based on the selkie legend in which a fisherman, seeing seals shedding their skins to become human maidens, hides one of the skins and takes its owner as his wife. Described by Allan Massie as ‘Accomplished and intelligent…a pleasure to read.’ Winner of the Exeter Novel Prize.
8-year-old Felicity meets fairies in the woods in 1950s Britain and they shape her life. What is their true nature and what do they want from her? Woven with traditional tales from all over Britain. ‘A fairytale with teeth and truth to it’ (Jane Johnson).
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