TUTOR: Maria Hoey is an author and poet. Her poetry has appeared in Ireland’s foremost poetry publication, Poetry Ireland and has been shortlisted in several competitions. Her short story, Reading Brother Boniface, was shortlisted for the Michael McLaverty Short Story Award, and a number of other short stories and flash fictions pieces have been published in various journals. In July 2017, Maria’s debut novel, THE LAST LOST GIRL, was published by Poolbeg Press. The book went on to be shortlisted for the Kate O’Brien Debut Award 2018 and the Annie McHale Debut Award 2018. Maria’s second novel, ON BONE BRIDGE was published in July 2018, also by Poolbeg Press. Her third novel, BAD SWEET THINGS, a Crime Thriller/Police Procedural was published in 2021. Maria has also published a children’s book, The Little Book of Irish Saints, with Poolbeg Press, and has been teaching creative writing for several years. Maria hails from Swords, Co Dublin, and now lives in Leitrim with her husband, Garrett. She has one daughter, Rebecca.
Start Date: 5th November, 2025
Duration: 6 Weeks
Fee: €190
Course Outline
The Intermediate Creative Writing Course is designed for participants who have some experience with writing or who already completed our Beginner’s Writing Course. It guides the participant through some more complex forms of creative writing, such as flash fiction and non-linear narratives. Over six weeks, it provides several exercises to improve and chances to write fiction of your own!
Lesson 1: Building on Beginner
The first lesson guides the participant through an overview of some basic creative writing tips. It also informs them how to improve their work more generally. There is also a chance to improve a piece of work you have already written.
Lesson 2: Different Perspectives
The second lesson focuses on improving character in creative writing. It guides the participant through writing from multiple perspectives.
Lesson 3: Writing Time
The third lesson guides the participant through non-linear storytelling. We define what this term means, discuss examples, and try writing in this style yourself.
Lesson 4: Writing Symbolically
The fourth lesson guides the participant through creating compelling symbols in their work. We define what a symbol is and look and examples of symbolism in fiction before creating a short story centred around a symbol yourself.
Lesson 5: How to Adapt
The fifth lesson guides the participant through adapting their favourite story. We discuss the adaptation process and have a go at adapting something yourself.
Lesson 6: Flash Fiction
The sixth lesson guides the participant through another challenging form of writing: flash fiction. We define what flash fiction is and try writing it yourself.