Mayo Author launches creative writing workshops with a Halloween twist

Mayo author Martin JP Devaney is set to hold creative workshops nationwide, including one in his home county.

Mr Devaney is ‘thrilled’ to return to Mayo to kick off a series of nationwide creative writing workshops. 

This initiative begins fittingly with a Halloween-themed event, a free workshop titled ‘Killer Openings’ at Books at One in Louisburgh on Saturday, November 2, at 3 pm. 

_{His newest book, ‘How to Murder Your Dear Wife (and Get Away with It)’}

The workshop is aimed at those interested in creative writing, other writers and even readers; and if it's just an excuse for people to get together for a coffee, that's okay, too.

The author will outline the tips and pitfalls when writing the opening chapter of any novel. He will discuss what publishers like and the errors that can send a submission to the reject pile by page two. 

Not just an accomplished author, Mr Devaney is also a respected broadcaster with credits from RTÉ and BBC. 

His extensive experience includes penning the ‘RTÉ Writer’s Guide’ and facilitating workshops that have launched the careers of numerous writers, including the Booker Prize shortlisted, Claire Keegan. 

Mr Devaney’s own novel, ‘How to Murder Your Dear Wife (and Get Away with It)’, has recently hit shelves in Ireland after a successful UK release. 

Described as a comic crime romp, the story follows a financially-strapped protagonist whose desperate circumstances lead him to contemplate a darkly humorous solution to his marital woes. 

The main character complains about a Trocaire box in Africa with his face on it, and that he has a sub-prime mortgage that burdens him with terms and conditions even loan sharks would be ashamed to be associated with. 

He realises he’d be entitled to a healthy payout should anything happen to his dear wife. Unfortunately, she’s remarkably uncooperative in his quest for widowerhood, and it is he who experiences a bizarre series of accidents. 

Could it be that she was out to murder him? Other suspects include The Taliban and even Ed Sheeran.

Mr Devaney believes many readers will resonate with his main character’s struggles, particularly in today's climate of rising living costs and financial pressures. 

"While my character's solution is extreme, it reflects a sentiment many can understand," he noted.

The Mayo author recently had the opportunity to read from his novel during the Wild Atlantic Words Literary Festival at Castle Bookshop. 

Reflecting on his return to Mayo, he expressed pride in seeing his books stocked nationwide in independent shops, highlighted in a 2018 Irish Times article, ‘35 Top Independent Bookshops in Ireland’.

“I’m pleased that Mayo punches above its weight, boasting four bookshops on that list: Books at One in Louisburgh, The Bookshop and McLoughlin's in Westport, and The Castle Bookshop in Castlebar,” Devaney said. 

“It’s a testament to the dedication of these shop owners and their loyal customers that they continue to thrive despite competition from online giants. The Bookshop in Westport celebrates 31 years of business, which shows that they must be doing something right.” 

You can now book your place for the free workshop. 

The workshop is free, but places are limited, and it is not suitable for children. 

Contact louisburgh@booksatone.ie or secure a place by dropping into books@one.