Author Danielle McLaughlin features at SpeakEasy Writers' Weekend event

Danielle McLaughlin, an award-winning short story writer and novelist from Cork, is the special guest at Waterford's forthcoming SpeakEasy literary event, which takes place in Phil Grimes Pub in the city, at 8pm on Friday, October 25. The event is part of Waterford Writers’ Weekend.

Danielle will read from her novel, The Art of Falling, and other works, and will be joined by classical violinist Natalya O’Neill, who is currently studying violin at the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

In the acknowledgements for her novel, Danielle reveals that her inspiration came from a workshop she attended with the author Nuala O’Connor at Waterford Writers’ Weekend in 2012. Passing the inspiration on, Danielle herself will give a workshop on Saturday, October 26, in Waterford Gallery of Art, from 10am to 1pm.

McLaughlin's short stories have appeared in the New Yorker, Irish Times, the Stinging Fly, and various anthologies. She has won many awards, including the Sunday Times Audible Short Story Award, and the Merriman Short Story Competition in memory of Maeve Binchy, among others. The Art of Falling, her first novel, was described by author Roddy Doyle as: "A gripping novel and a sharp, entertaining examination of the nature of art and its power to inspire and corrupt."

SpeakEasy is a poetry, prose and open mic event, which takes place six times a year. Local writers are invited to come and read their poetry and short prose during the open mic session. Entry on the night is €5 at the door, cash only.

SpeakEasy is supported through grant assistance from the Arts Department of Waterford City and County Council, and also thanks to the generous support of the Granville Hotel and Phil Grimes Pub.