Writers in the Community: A Showcase

Derry Central Library Thursday 5th February 7.30pm

On Thursday 5th February at 7.30pm Central Library, Foyle Street, is delighted to welcome three renowned local writers, Claire Allan, Brian McGilloway and Garbhan Downey who will talk about their writing and what inspires them.

Claire Allan has worked as a reporter with the Derry Journal since 1999 and has been writing a weekly column called Skirting the Issue since 2003. She lives in Derry, is married to Neil and has a young son called Joseph. She has written two novels Rainy Days and Tuesdays and Feels Like Maybe. She is working on a third at the moment, which has a working title of Jumping in Puddles. She is hailed as brand new talent from those who discovered Marian Keyes, Cathy Kelly and Patricia Scanlan.

Garbhan Downey has worked as a journalist, broadcaster, and newspaper Editor and literary editor. He lives in Derry with his wife Una and Children Fiachra and Bronagh. Now writing full-time, Garbhan has published five books, including The Diary of a Suspended MLA which was described by the Sunday Times as 'the best Northern Ireland political novel of the century'. His latest title Yours Confidentially was published by Guildhall Press in April 2008 and he is currently researching a political biography. He has also completed an advanced draft of a sequel to Running Mates, called Across The Line, in which the Taoiseach and British Prime Minister are compelled to join forces to prevent gold-digging northerners from redrawing the border.

Brian McGilloway is author of the critically acclaimed Inspector Benedict Devlin series. He was born in Derry in 1974. After studying English at Queen’s University, Belfast, he took up a teaching position in St Columb’s College in Derry, where he is currently Head of English.
His first novel, Borderlands, published by Macmillan New Writing, was shortlisted for the CWA New Blood Dagger 2007 and was hailed by The Times as ‘one of 2007’s most impressive debuts'. The second novel in the series, Gallows Lane was published in April, with the new Devlin novel, Bleed a River Deep, due next year. Brian lives near the Irish borderlands with his wife and their three sons.

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This is sure to be an entertaining and interesting evening and if you are an avid reader, a budding writer or just want to sit back and enjoy listening to three local talented writers then come along to Central Library on Thursday 5th February at 7.30pm.

All are welcome and light refreshments will be available.

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