SpeakEasy literary event brings award-winning debut novelist to Waterford

SpeakEasy, a literary and open mic event based in Waterford City, is featuring award-winning debut novelist Patrick Holloway at its next event on Friday, March 21, in Phil Grimes Pub at 8pm.

Patrick Holloway's debut novel The Language of Remembering (Époque Press) has just been launched to critical acclaim, with The Irish Times naming him as one of 25 novelists to look out for in 2025.

Patrick completed his Masters in Creative Writing from the University of Glasgow, before moving to Porto Alegre, Brazil, where he completed his PhD in Creative Writing.

Patrick is the editor of the literary journal 'The Four-Faced Liar' and his short stories have won countless awards, including the Bath Short Story Prize, the Allingham Fiction contest and the Molly Keane Creative Writing Award issued by Waterford City and County Council. 

He was also a runner-up in the Waterford Poetry Prize in 2023.

The featured musician at the next SpeakEasy event will be up-and-coming singer-songwriter Stella and the Dreaming (AKA Stella Hennessy).

Stella says of her music: "From behind a garage door, stuffed with duvets and carpet-covered frames, I compose, write, and produce my own songs and soundscapes on a stripped-back piano, distilling all my influences and obsessions into song-making."

The open mic session for local writers is a central part of the SpeakEasy event, with writers of all levels invited to come and share their poetry or short pieces of prose. SpeakEasy provides a warm, encouraging environment for new writers, in particular, to share their work.

SpeakEasy receives sponsorship from the Arts Office, Waterford City and County Council, as well as support from the Granville Hotel and from Phil Grimes' Pub.

Entry is €5 on the door, cash only.