Masterclass

Teaching: ‘That Killer First Page’, Lewes. 17 March – St. Patrick’s Day

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We are thrilled to have award-winning novel and short story writer Paul McVeigh join us on Saturday 17 March in Lewes for a two-hour session exploring ‘that killer first page’. Many of you will know Paul from his novel ‘The Good Son‘, from his hugely popular website sharing writing advice and opportunities, and from his work with organisations like London Short Story Festival and Word Factory.
About the Session
We will explore what goes into writing that perfect first page to keep readers (and judges, agents and editors) hooked. How can we create emotional impact? What works and what doesn’t? We’ll find out what competition judges and journal editors look for in a short story. How can we keep their attention and avoid the rejection pile? We will look at editing techniques, from how to know where to begin your story to taking it to the depths it needs. Finally, the session will also look at submission opportunities; how to find them and where you should be sending your work.
Note: Paul’s masterclass starts at 2pm, but we are opening the room from 1pm for anyone who would like an hour working on their first pages (or any other work) in preparation for the session.
About Paul
Paul McVeigh’s short fiction has appeared in journals, anthologies and on BBC Radio 3, 4 & 5. ‘Hollow’ was shortlisted for Short Story of the Year at the Irish Book Awards 2017. Paul’s short story blog, which shares writing opportunities and advice, is about to reach 2 million visits. His debut novel, The Good Son, has won 2 awards in the UK and his writing has been translated into 7 languages. He is the co-founder of London Short Story Festival, associate director at Word Factory, the UK’s national organisation for excellence in the short story, and he judges international short story competitions. Paul interviews short story writers such as Kevin Barry and George Saunders for The Irish Times.
Practicalities
The masterclass will be held in the Quaker Meeting House in Lewes, by the Library. Some of you will know this from our Thursday writing sessions. There is a kitchen in the room and refreshments will be available. The venue is a short 5-10 min walk from both Lewes Train Station and Bus Station. You can park for two hours in the car park behind Premier Inn, or three hours for free in Tesco (10 min walk). There are plenty of cafes and shops around if you need anything before we begin. The room has wheelchair access – let us know in advance so we can make sure the ramp is down.

Any other questions don’t hesitate to email us lewesshortstoryclub@gmail.com or visit our website www.lewesshortstory.co.ukWe look forward to seeing you there!

Date and Time: Sat 17 March. 2pm – 4pm.

Location:  The Classroom, Quaker Meeting House, 8-15 Friars Walk, Lewes, BN7 2LE, View Map

PaulMcVeigh short story

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Winner of The Polari Prize
“Pungently funny and shot through with streaks of aching sadness.” Patrick Gale
“I devoured it in a day, but I’ve thought about it for many, many more.” Lisa McInerney
“Funny, raw and endlessly entertaining.” Johnathan Coe

SOLD OUT: Cork World Book Festival

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I’ve made no secret about how much I love Cork. I’ve been to the Cork World Book Festival for the last 3 years (and the Cork Short Story Festival).  I’m delighted to be returning again this year to teach. Details below;

Writing Workshop with Paul McVeigh –
That Killer First Chapter
April 28th | 10am to 12pm | €30

In association with Cork World Book Festival 2018

Have an idea for a novel and don’t know where to start? Have you finished your novel and want to make sure you avoid the rejection pile?

Writer Paul McVeigh will help you write a first chapter that grabs the attention of agents, editors and readers. With lots of no-nonsense advice and practical exercises this course sold out in London with Felicity Yap’s ‘Yesterday’ selling for 6 figures just 2 weeks later.

You will learn

how to grab the attention of readers, agents & editors
what a first chapter needs
how to introduce characters and themes
how to write fiction with emotional impact
how to use dialogue to reveal character and further the plot

About Paul McVeigh

Paul McVeigh’s debut novel, ‘The Good Son’, won The Polari First Novel Prize, The McCrea Literary Award, was Brighton’s City Reads 2016 and part of the UK’s World Book Night 2017. His short stories have appeared in journals and anthologies, on BBC Radio 3,4 & 5 and ‘Hollow’ was shortlisted for Irish Short Story of the Year 2017. He is associate director at Word Factory and co-founder of London Short Story Festival. His work has appeared on TV, on stage in London’s West End and has been translated into 7 languages.

The Good Son: Winner of The Polari Prize
World Book Night Choice 2017

‘A triumph of storytelling. An absolute gem.’ Donal Ryan

The Good Son 3rd Editon

Buy Here

Winner of The Polari Prize
“Pungently funny and shot through with streaks of aching sadness.” Patrick Gale
“I devoured it in a day, but I’ve thought about it for many, many more.” Lisa McInerney
“Funny, raw and endlessly entertaining.” Johnathan Coe

Social Media Class, London

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The Author and Social Media

by London Writers’ Eclective

Paul McVeigh has become well known on social media as a go to person for other writers, and for juggling an online presence with his own work. He has over 4,000 followers on Facebook, 12,500 on Twitter and a blog that gets over 40,000 hits a month internationally – his blog is fast approaching 2 million visitors.

In this class you’ll find out how to build a social media platform, how to use that platform to help you get published, get reviewed and endorsed, access to high profile authors, and get paid work. Paul’s online presence has led to him being invited to establish the hugely successful international London Short Story Festival, become Associate Director of Word Factory the leading short story salon in the UK and being judge of prestigious literary prizes such as the Edge Hill Short Story Prize and The Dylan Thomas Prize. It has also gotten him invites to teach and read in Australia, Bali, Ireland, Malaysia, Singapore, Switzerland and Poland and access to interview authors such as Kevin Barry, and George Saunders from The Irish Times.

Paul set up and ran social media platforms for London Short Story Festival and Word Factory.

Paul’s short stories have been published in The Stinging Fly, commissioned by anthologies in the USA & Faber UK and by BBC Radio 3, 4 & 5. He debut novel ‘The Good Son’ won two awards and was shortlisted for a further four selling stage and multiple foreign rights.

This class has sold out in Belfast London and Melbourne..

DATE & TIME: Thu, March 15, 2018. 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM GMT

Location: Irish Cultural Centre, 5 Black’s Road, London, W6 9DT  View Map

Masterclass followed by A Novel Affair at the ICC at 19:00 – four novelists (Martina Evans, Paul McVeigh, Aoibheann McCann and Alan McMonagle) read from and discuss their work. Chaired by Conor Montague.

ICC

Join Me in Athens for Flash Fiction Course

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Athens – Flash Fiction with Paul McVeigh  4–8 June 2018

  • Designed for aspiring and accomplished writers alike who want to enhance their skills for writing flash fiction and short fiction
  • Participants will explore and discuss flash fiction and micro literature from a variety of authors and consider their sources of inspiration, and will also have the opportunity to experiment with voice and style
  • Workshops will centre on exercises, constructive feedback, experimentation and discussion in a supportive and friendly atmosphere

In partnership with the Kingston Writing School and Kingston University & The British Council is pleased to announce the courses that comprise our sixth annual International Creative Writing Summer School in Athens and Thessaloniki.

international-creative-writing-summer-school-passionate-about-writing

The Summer School provides opportunities for writers from across the world to develop their critical and analytical skills, enhance their writing abilities, and work intensely in an inspiring and creative workshop environment with experienced writers associated with the Kingston Writing School, Kingston University, London. Among the writers and professors who have taught at the Summer School in the past are: Ed Docx, Ahren Warner, Ann Fischer Wirth, Norma Clarke, Rachel Cusk, Adam Baron, Aimee Parkinson, KJ Orr and Maurice Walsh.

This year, the Summer School offers students the opportunity to enhance their writing skills through writing fiction, flash fiction and/or poetry, and to extend their knowledge of publishing, editing and writing for the web under the supervision and guidance of highly accomplished writers and academics.

Students can choose from seven one-week courses in Athens and a one-week course in Thessaloniki. Workshops in each course will be scheduled from Monday to Friday between 18.30 and 21.00, with extra-curricular activities such as readings and tutorials taking place throughout the week.

Courses will be held in English and are suitable for writers at all levels. See here for dates and course details.

31 May – 2 June, Listowel Writers Week, Ireland

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I’ll be teaching a three day short story course next May. Here’s a little more about it…

Workshop Theme:

Find out how to write ‘That Killer First Page’ and get the attention of editors and competition judges.  Get feedback on your writing of that crucial opening and explore how to write complex and engaging short stories.  You’ll also take a detailed look at using dialogue to further action and reveal character and the power of emotion to hook the reader.

You can pop over to their website to find out what else is on and book tickets.

Listowel

 

 

Sold Out – Nov 2, Singapore Writing Workshop

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WRITING WORKSHOP WITH PAUL McVEIGH

by The Singapore Writers’ Group

 

I’m very excited to be teaching this workshop, hosted by The Singapore Writers’ Group, just before my appearance at the Singapore Writers Festival.

At the moment 12 of the 25 spaces have already been filled before any promotion – so grab your tickets quick!

Here’s the blurb…

That Killer First Page

You’ll find out what competition judges and journal editors look for in a short story and how to avoid the rejection pile. In a form where every word counts, get tips on where to start your story and how to keep the reader glued to the page. You’ll also look at submission opportunities; how to find them and where you should be sending your stories.

Focus:

How to get the attention of competition judges and editors
Writing fiction with emotional impact
Writing that killer first page
How to edit your story
Where to send your work

Paul McVeigh’s short fiction has appeared in journals, anthologies and on BBC Radio 3,4 & 5. Paul’s short story blog which shares writing opportunities and advice is about to reach 2 million visits. His debut novel has won 2 awards in the UK. He is the co-founder of London Short Story Festival, associate director at Word Factory the UK’s national organisation for excellence in the short story and he judges international short story competitions. Paul interviews short story writers like Cate Kennedy and George Saunders for The Irish Times and has represented the short story form for the British Council in Mexico and Turkey.

Reviews for Paul’s writing:

“A work of genius.” Pulitzer Prize-winning short story writer Robert Olen Butler.

“A wildly important new talent.” Laura van den Berg.

“One of Ireland’s most exciting and talented writers.” BBC Radio 4
PaulMcVeigh short story

 

Extra Date in Melbourne Added

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What Every Debut Novelist Needs to Know

Prepare for your upcoming publication and give your debut the best chance for success.
In this workshop, you’ll discuss how to keep momentum going once your book is out in the world. This talk will give you the key do’s and don’ts from a master communicator and award winning novelist.
You will learn
how to make that debut stand out
how to plan ahead for the day they get that book contract
how to prepare for publication day and
how to kickstart new interest in your novel

About Paul McVeigh
Paul McVeigh’s debut novel, ‘The Good Son’, won The Polari First Novel Prize, The McCrea Literary Award, was Brighton’s City Reads 2016 and part of the UK’s World Book Night 2017. His short stories have appeared in journals and anthologies, on BBC Radio 3,4 & 5 and he is the founder of London Short Story Festival. His work has appeared on TV, on stage in London’s West End and has been translated into 7 languages.
This workshop is made possible with the generous assistance of Culture Ireland and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Cancellation Policy
Venue:

176 Little Lonsdale Street
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Australia

Date: 20 November 2017 – 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Rating: Emerging

The Good Son 3rd Editon

Buy Here

Winner of The Polari Prize

“Pungently funny and shot through with streaks of aching sadness.” Patrick Gale
“I devoured it in a day, but I’ve thought about it for many, many more.” Lisa McInerney
“A triumph of storytelling. An absolute gem.” Donal Ryan

 

Appearing at Ubud Festival in Bali

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Ubud

I’ve always wanted to go to Bali and I’m excited to be travelling there this October for the Ubud Writers and Readers Festival.

My first event is a workshop: A Competitive Edge on October 26th.

“How do you get the attention of agents and editors? How is a story selected from hundreds of competition entries? Paul McVeigh has been on both sides – a writer who now judges international competitions. In this workshop, find out what judges and editors look for and how to avoid the rejection pile.”

My main event, Dazzling Debuts, in on my birthday – October 27th.

“You get one chance to make a first impression, and these authors did so with a splash! They take us on the journey from unpublished hopeful to bestseller lists, film deals and award ceremonies, and dare to take a look ahead at meeting the expectations that come with a dazzling debut.”

I’ll also sit on a panel on class The Last Taboo? on October 28th.

“Why is class such a taboo topic in the 21st century? It remains deeply embedded in most societies, yet many of us deny its existence with rhetoric around equal opportunity or meritocracy. Three writers who dare to speak its name take stock of how class plays out in their writing lives, both on and off the page.”

This trip is with the help of…Print

Print

 

Melbourne Here I Come!

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I’m excited to be returning to Australia in November. I’m teaching two classes at Writers Victoria, Australia.

‘That Killer First Chapter’ – all day workshop on Sunday Nov 19th

&

‘Everything a Debut Novelist Needs to Know’ – an evening talk on Monday Nov 20th.

The last time I visited the Writers Centre Melbourne my class sold out in 30 mins – the fastest in their 10 year history.

I hope to visit my good friend, Australian author Cate Kennedy, while I’m there and maybe visit Adelaide or Perth. I’ll keep you posted on any new details.

Hope to see some of you there…  The Good Son 3rd Editon

Buy Here

Winner of The Polari Prize
“Pungently funny and shot through with streaks of aching sadness.” Patrick Gale
“I devoured it in a day, but I’ve thought about it for many, many more.” Lisa McInerney
“Funny, raw and endlessly entertaining.” Johnathan Coe

 

 

 

 

Teaching: Cork World Book Festival April 21

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Turning a short story into a novel.

In association with Cork World Book Fest 2017

Triskel Project Space

€50 per person. Spaces limited. 11am to 4pm
Have you a short story that is crying out to be a novel?

Paul McVeigh developed one of his short stories into his award-winning debut novel ‘The Good Son’. He will share his process and give lots of feedback on your ideas.

Come prepared to work hard.

I hope to see some of you there.

Cork World Book Festival