BRIDGET WHELAN writer

for writers and readers….

Opening Pages — A Podcast from Mercia Press

From a cosy bookshop in Cork City comes voices from Ireland’s oldest independent publishing house.  In free podcasts Mercier Press authors read their opening pages, sharing the stories behind their … Continue reading

April 4, 2025 · Leave a comment

A Generous Irish Short Story Competition for Anyone, Anywhere

The Moth Short Story Prize is an international prize, open to anyone from anywhere in the world, as long as their story is original and previously unpublished. The winning story … Continue reading

March 19, 2025 · 1 Comment

Writing History in a Regency Kitchen

Join me in a three week course for fiction writers, historians and absolute beginners Designed for beginners, emerging writers and authors wanting to explore a new field, you will be … Continue reading

February 9, 2025 · 2 Comments

Brilliant Opportunity for Disabled Writers at the Start of their Writing Career

Curtis Brown Creative is offering a free nine-month mentoring programme to four aspiring disabled authors. You can be at any stage of your writing career from just starting to having … Continue reading

October 21, 2024 · 2 Comments

What scares you? Talk, Discuss, Create

Emma Dalrymple, a former psychology lecturer, contacted me recently to ask if she could to use some of the exercises in Back to Creative Writing School at an event she … Continue reading

October 7, 2024 · 5 Comments

The Dragon’s Den for Writers – Ireland’s Novel Fair for Unpublished Novelists

The Novel Fair in Dublin is an annual event that all emerging writers should have in their sights. Entries are welcome from anywhere in the world as long as you can make the February Fair online or in-person.

September 16, 2024 · Leave a comment

International Competition for Novel Extracts

Will 6000 words taken from your unpublished novel win you fame and fortune?
Well no, but it might get you a consultation with an agent and $3000.
But as the old lottery slogan said, you have to be in it to win it…

September 2, 2024 · Leave a comment

Back to School…

It’s September 1st and the start of the academic year is fast approaching. That’s my thin excuse for mentioning my writing guide Back to Creative Writing School. It’s got a … Continue reading

September 1, 2024 · 3 Comments

The Novel Olympics – The Booker Long List

The Booker long list was announced at the end of July. Who is going to win gold?

August 6, 2024 · Leave a comment

If You’re Looking for an Agent…

Here’s a list of nine established literary agents actively seeking clients. All of them work with respected literary agencies and have good track records. They are looking for all genres of fiction as well as nonfiction.

May 25, 2024 · Leave a comment

Free International Writing Competition from an Aussie Author with a Sense of Humour

Free International writing competition for people with a sense of humour. And you’re given the first sentence…

January 16, 2024 · 2 Comments

The Best New Library in the World

I LOVE THE SOUND of the Biblioteca Gabriel García Márquez in Barcelona which has just won the Best New Library award for 2023. In the Exiample district – not far … Continue reading

September 1, 2023 · 12 Comments

A Chance to Write for BBC TV

The Open Call is the BBC’s once a year submission window. It opens at 12 noon Tuesday 7th November 2023 and closes at 12 noon Tuesday 5th December 2023. They … Continue reading

August 24, 2023 · 8 Comments

My Son the Poet…would Byron be rapping if he were alive today?

It may not be your kind of thing, but you might like to try by pressing Watch on You Tube . I’ll be honest and say it is going to … Continue reading

August 21, 2023 · 2 Comments

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