One of the best things about facilitating workshops is the privilege of watching people dig deep and bare their souls. Writing takes great courage, especially that hard-edged writing that sits in your chest bursting to be unleashed. It was wonderful to witness that today while I facilitated a workshop for a bunch of brave (not least because they let me be their facilitator) and talented writers.
So, on the heels of a lovely time teaching a workshop on flash fiction, it is my great pleasure to announce that submissions are now open for the next Flash Fiction Armagh!
In February 2024, the Armagh County Museum is hosting an exhibition inspired by Armagh’s very own, John O’Connor. We are delighted to be there on Saturday the 10th of February 2024 with a Flash Fiction Armagh event based on the theme of “Come Day, Go Day”. Not only was this the title of John O’Connor’s book, but as I learned while at the event planning meeting with the museum curators last week, “Come Day, Go Day” is also a line from a song, Whiskey on a Sunday, which was a number one song in Ireland for Danny Boyle back in 1968 (before I was born… only just!)
Now, when I read O’Connor’s book, I thought the title was about seizing the day, but well, I learn something every time I visit the museum! The consensus is that the phrase “Come day, go day” is actually about wishing the days away until you get to the weekend so you can lie around and do nothing (except drink whiskey, I guess.)
Whatever way you wish to interpret it is entirely up to you – Rachel and I are looking forward to reading your flash fiction pieces however you choose to represent the theme.
The event is on Saturday 10th February 2024 at 7 pm in the Armagh County Museum on the Mall, Armagh. Tickets are £10.00 each which includes a beverage on the night.
Writers selected to read will have free admission and receive a small fee.
To submit your story, email [email protected] with ‘Flash Fiction Submission’ in the header and your flash fiction (max 700 words) in the main body of the email. Please do not send your story as an attachment.
Deadlines for submissions: 31st December 2023
Also, in case anyone would like to do some writing workshops this winter with me, I’m facilitating some one-day workshops in the Market Place Theatre, Armagh as follows:
And speaking of writing for stage… “IMPACT – Armagh’s Rail Disaster” is back in the Market Place Theatre! This time, bigger and better, in the main auditorium, 17th and 18th November 2023. This show has sold out every time we’ve put it on, so get your tickets now to avoid disappointment!
Looks like it’s going to be a busy winter! And I haven’t even begun to tell you about the exciting things afoot for the rest of 2024… so don’t forget to get your submissions in for the next Flash Fiction Armagh – Flash Fiction Saturday Night at the Museum 2024!
Byddi Lee
