iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

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Claire Wade @clairerwade.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

It’s that time of year again… do apply if you’re a #disabled #writer looking for mentoring. It’s a great program and I love being a mentor and seeing the progress the writers make. www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/course/break... @cbcreative.bsky.social

curtisbrowncreative.co.uk

Breakthrough Mentoring Programme for Disabled Writers

Two talented disabled writers will receive nine months of mentoring from a published author, plus a tutorial with a literary agent.

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John Self @john-self.bsky.social · 29/08/2026

F-shaped blurbs, seducing chatbots, nicking quotes off GoodReads and paying BookTokers: in today's Guardian I investigated the book world's tricks of the trade.

theguardian.com

How to make a bestseller: insiders reveal the tricks of the book trade

From cover design to shelf placement and influencer partnerships … how publishers will persuade you to buy their books this autumn

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Bernie McGill @berniemcgill.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

I have a new short story on BBC Radio 4’s Short Works series on 26th June, available afterwards on BBC Sounds. Titled ‘The Day of the Papering’ it is set at Fort Dundee in Donegal, read by Amy Molloy and produced by Michael Shannon. www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m...

bbc.co.uk

BBC Radio 4 - Short Works, The Day of the Papering by Bernie McGill

An artist tries to complete her latest work.

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Bernie McGill @berniemcgill.bsky.social · 26/03/2026

I'm taking a short story writing weekend at Yarn, Ballycastle, 11th & 12th April with food supplied by award-winning Ursa Minor Bakehouse & Cafe. Sea air, salt water, short stories, speciality bakes. Maybe even sunshine. See you there? www.yarnballycastle.com/event-detail...

yarnballycastle.com

Short Story Writing Weekend with Bernie McGill | Yarn Ballycastle

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Blackstaff Press @blackstaffpress.bsky.social · 11/02/2026

The Black Dreams: Strange Stories from Northern Ireland This anthology of specially commissioned short stories brings together some of the best of Northern Ireland’s literary talents to explore the weird, surreal and dream-like. bit.ly/39yWneu #irishfiction #shortstories #dreams

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Bernie McGill @berniemcgill.bsky.social · 10/02/2026

This is coming up soon: writing workshop at Ballyscullion Park, Bellaghy, Northern Ireland for those within travelling distance. Grateful for shares: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/writing-wo...

eventbrite.co.uk

Writing Workshop with Bernie McGill - 'Setting and Place'.

Join novelist Bernie McGill at Ballyscullion Park for a Writing Workshop that will spark your creativity and storytelling skills.

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Bernie McGill @berniemcgill.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Resharing this, now that we’re in December.

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Bernie McGill @berniemcgill.bsky.social · 23/11/2025

If you're looking for a Christmas present for the writer in your life (or fancy treating yourself) you might like the Ballyscullion Park Writing Workshops (Bellaghy) on offer in 2026. I'll be there on Saturday 28th February. Full details on Eventbrite. www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/writing-w...

eventbrite.co.uk

Writing Workshops at Ballyscullion Park

To complement Ballyscullion Park Book Festival (May 16 and 17), our spring 2026 programme features inspiring workshops with novelists Bernie McGill and Mary Farrell, and poets Niamh McNally and Maura ...

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Bernie McGill @berniemcgill.bsky.social · 09/11/2025

Posting some photos from Friday's archive launch event at The Linen Hall Library. Feeling very privileged and extremely honoured to have been granted Honorary Membership. Thank you to all who came. Here's to libraries, the backbone of civilisation, and to more days like this.

Writer Bernie McGill with moderator Hugh Odling-Smee and Linen Hall Librarian Samantha McCombe with audience members at The Linen Hall Library, Belfast.

Writer Bernie McGill with moderator Hugh Odling-Smee and screen showing Bernie’s book titles: Sleepwalkers, The Butterfly Cabinet, The Watch House, This Train is For.

Items from Bernie McGill’s archive at The Linen Hall Library, Belfast: audio book of The Butterfly Cabinet, a copy of a short story from The Ulster Tatler, photo clippings from newspapers.

Bernie McGill with family members at the launch of her writing archive at The Linen Hall Library.

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Bernie McGill @berniemcgill.bsky.social · 01/11/2025

Thanks to @martindoyle.bsky.social for this piece in today’s @irishtimes.com, ahead of Friday’s event at The Linen Hall Library, Belfast. Here’s to libraries everywhere, all the time. @librariesni.bsky.social

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Seamus Heaney HomePlace @shhomeplace.bsky.social · 16/06/2025

The upcoming Writing Workshop with Bernie McGill is now SOLD OUT! 📅Saturday 28th June ⏰10.30am 📍Moyola Hall and Sensory Garden We look forward to welcoming all of those who secured a place. Don't forget to bring your writing materials and an open mind, ready to create! @berniemcgill.bsky.social

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BookwormVaught - Dr Anna Vaught @bookwormvaught.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

On Sunday 1st of June the three 2025 #curae prize winners are announced. May I ask you to share and support on that day, during the week and all through the coming year. It’s a unique literary prize for unpaid carers. Share posts across socials too. #carers

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Bernie McGill @berniemcgill.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

Giving this a little boost - just 3 places left.

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Zoë Comyns @zoecomyns.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Am so happy that this new series starts this weekend. Thanks so much to all the writers who submitted - we were blown away by the quality & precision of the work. The Prompt on @rteradio1.bsky.social Sunday 7.30pm. Info on here on the first ep w/ Mike McCormack: www.rte.ie/culture/2025...

rte.ie

The Prompt - RTÉ Radio 1's new showcase for fresh Irish writing

The first episode of The Prompt presented by Zoë Comyns airs on Sunday 7.30pm on RTÉ Radio 1.

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Bernie McGill @berniemcgill.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

Lovely to bump into @rosieschaap.bsky.social today in No Alibis Books, Belfast, as we signed copies of our books (while accidentally colour-coordinating with the covers).

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Bernie McGill @berniemcgill.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

Just got my hands on this - my first short story collection, Sleepwalkers, newly republished by No Alibis Press. The original launch was twelve years ago on a boat on the Lagan (picture attached). Available from the most splendid No Alibis Bookstore Belfast.

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Bernie McGill @berniemcgill.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

Thank you for the invitation @bridgebooksdromore.bsky.social and all the very best with the rest of the festival.

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Bernie McGill @berniemcgill.bsky.social · 26/04/2025

Booking is now open for this writing workshop in the Sensory Garden at @shhomeplace.bsky.social on Saturday 28th June (10.30 am - 1.30 pm).

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The Grand Drawing In @theauldsthretch.bsky.social · 21/04/2025

Today is 2025-04-21, the sun sets at 19:36:32 (20:36:32 with DST!) and the grand auld stretch tonight was 3 hours, 30 mins and 49 secs. #GrandStretch #SpringStretch

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Bernie McGill @berniemcgill.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Looking forward to being back at Seamus Heaney HomePlace, Bellaghy on 28th June for a writing workshop in the Sensory Garden. Full details in the link. Check out the Summer Programme of events: seamusheaneyhome.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/...

seamusheaneyhome.ticketsolve.com

Ticketbooth

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ALCS @alcs.co.uk · 24/03/2025

Happy #ALCSDay to our members! We’re so proud to have once again paid more money, to more members than ever before.

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The Grand Drawing In @theauldsthretch.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

Today is 2025-03-24, the sun sets at 18:45:44 and the grand auld stretch tonight was 2 hours, 40 mins and 1 sec. #GrandStretch #SpringStretch

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Nuala O'Connor @nualaoconnor.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

Short Story Workshop at The River Mill a beautiful place run by @pmaddern.bsky.social FINE TUNING THE SHORT STORY: one day workshop with Leone Ross Location: The River Mill (43 Ballyclander Road, Co Down, BT30 7DE) Date: Sat, April 19th Email inforivermill@gmail.com to book www.the-river-mill.co.uk

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Irish Literary Times @irishlittimes.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

"Children’s Books Ireland are currently looking for two young readers to help select the next KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards shortlist, longlist and winners 2026." childrensbooksireland.ie/news-events/...

childrensbooksireland.ie

We're looking for Young Judges for the KPMG Children's Books Ireland Awards! | Childrens Books Ireland

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Bernie McGill @berniemcgill.bsky.social · 04/03/2025

The first Dromore Book Festival, hosted by @bridgebooksdromore.bsky.social is happening this year from 5th-10th May. I’ll be taking a writing workshop on Monday 5th (2pm-4pm). Booking for all events here: www.ticketsource.co.uk/bridge-books

ticketsource.co.uk

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Bernie McGill @berniemcgill.bsky.social · 21/02/2025

Fabulous night at the Edge Hill awards at London Review Bookshop. Congratulations to Alma Lilja, winner of the PGR Prize, Malachi McIntosh, winner of the Debut Collection Prize, and Tessa Hadley, 2024 winner of the Edge Hill Prize.

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A. J. Ashworth @ajashworth.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

Delightful evening listening to @berniemcgill.bsky.social read from her @edgehillprize.bsky.social winning collection This Train Is For at Edge Hill tonight. Looking forward to whatever comes next ❤️

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Scratch Books @scratchbooks.bsky.social · 08/02/2025

We’re opening Scratch A4 competition in March so wanted to give writers a chance to get Reverse Engineering in readiness! These brilliant two books explore HOW the best authors wrote their stories. Use COLD20 at the checkout for 20% off! www.scratch-books.co.uk/shop

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Kate Bielinski @katebielinski.eurosky.social · 06/02/2025

Second surprise pick from @bridgebooksdromore.bsky.social and I’m loving it. I know not everyone likes short stories but I’m a fan and these are beautifully written. Stories of love and loss with the occasional dark twist and a very strong sense of place. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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Scratch Books @scratchbooks.bsky.social · 01/02/2025

We’re in Manchester this Wednesday 5th Feb to give a workshop on writing shit-hot short stories. We gave it a better title than that I’m sure. Details here… happening.altogetherotherwise.com

happening.altogetherotherwise.com

As It Happens – ALTOGETHER OTHERWISE

We are reading and writing our way into the year with a celebration of the more bookish corners around the NOMA neighbourhood

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The Random Coyle @randomcoyle.bsky.social · 01/02/2025

Liverpool folks, treat yourself to hearing Bernie read from her excellent, Edge Hill prize winning short story collection 'This Train is For' (and / or buy a copy!)

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The Grand Drawing In @theauldsthretch.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Today is 2025-01-31, the sun sets at 17:06:24 and the grand auld stretch tonight was 1 hour, 00 mins and 41 secs. #GrandStretch #NewYearNewStretch

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Limerick Literary Festival @limericklitfest.bsky.social · 18/01/2025

Don’t forget the 21st-23rd February is The Limerick Literary Festival in Honour of Kate O’Brien. We have fantastic speakers coming to join us. Our full programme will be announced on 23rd January in O’Mahony’s Bookstore at 5.30pm launched by celebrated Limerick Actor Myles Breen. Come and join us.

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Martin Doyle @martindoyle.bsky.social · 17/01/2025

Books newsletter: Kate O’Brien Prize shortlist revealed. a preview of tomorrow’s pages and round-up of the latest news. Naoise Dolan is inaugural IPUT writer in residence in Dublin; Corn University Press centenary www.irishtimes.com/culture/book...

irishtimes.com

Kate O’Brien Prize shortlist revealed

Books newsletter: a preview of tomorrow’s pages and round-up of the latest news

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Seamus Heaney HomePlace @shhomeplace.bsky.social · 13/01/2025

Join us for an inspiring film screening of Mrs Robinson, a powerful documentary about the remarkable life of Mary Robinson - from her groundbreaking presidency to her role as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and her ongoing advocacy for climate justice. 📅 Sunday 16th February 🕑 2pm

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Tin House @tinhouse.bsky.social · 10/01/2025

We can't wait to read your debut novels! ✨ Our submission period opens tonight Friday 1/10/25 at midnight PT (technically Sat 1/11/25 @ 12:01 am PT) and stays open until Sunday 1/12/25 @ 11:59 pm PT. See full guidelines, FAQ, and how to submit your work at the link! tinhouse.com/book-submiss...

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BookwormVaught - Dr Anna Vaught @bookwormvaught.bsky.social · 03/01/2025

Please share and share again - the demise of twitter definitely stops us getting the word out more. The second #curae literary prize - a special literary award for unpaid carers - has just opened for a second time. thecuraeprize.uk You’ve got until 1/03 to enter!

thecuraeprize.uk

The Curae Prize

A writing prize - just for writers who are also carers

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lauravandenberg.bsky.social @lauravandenberg.bsky.social · 02/01/2025

Wrote about the advice I give but don’t take, coming back to a project after a long break, & all the different versions of ourselves we run into when we go home substack.com/home/post/p-...

substack.com

Home Is Where We Run into All Our Past Selves

new year, new book

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Bridge Books Dromore @bridgebooksdromore.bsky.social · 28/12/2024

Hello. If you subscribe to my newsletter, you should have received an email giving you a code for 20% off most products on the website. If you don't, the code is NEW20. Why not spend this weird post-Christmas/pre-New Year period browsing for a new book? www.bridgebooksdromore.co.uk

bridgebooksdromore.co.uk

Bridge Books - Book Store Dromore Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland's number one book store is the perfect place for gift ideas with a big selection of the latest releases and old favourites.

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The Grand Drawing In @theauldsthretch.bsky.social · 14/12/2024

The Grand Stretch is Back baby!

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John Self @john-self.bsky.social · 14/12/2024

A priest who gets a man to impersonate him at mass while he shags his wife; a man who needs a haircut so badly he’s outgrown his only hat—and a novel of brassy blondes and leprechauns. I picked some of the best reissued classics of 2024, from Appelfeld to Zweig, via Colwin, Frame, Montale and more.

thetimes.com

The best books of 2024 — reissued classics

A jazz age Bridget Jones, leprechauns and the Marquis de Sade’s Gothic Tales feature in our guide to the year’s finest rediscovered fiction

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Bernie McGill @berniemcgill.bsky.social · 12/12/2024

There’s a whole stack of newly-signed copies of This Train is For (2023 Edge Hill winning collection) at No Alibis Bookstore Belfast. Someone you know might love one for Christmas. (If not, they have a lot of other books. And booksellers who really know their stuff.)😄

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Angela T. Carr @angelatcarrpoetry.bsky.social · 11/12/2024

Over 160 calls for submissions of poetry, fiction, flash, non-fiction, art, photography & more - competitions, literary journals, residencies, bursaries etc - open or with deadlines in December 2024. Best of luck & pls share! www.thisiswordbox.com/wordbox-blog...

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