Fun Time in Dublin by Gill Stewart

The Liffey, Dublin

Writing is a solitary occupation, isn’t it? And writers are quiet, reserved people, right? Well, it’s true that we do spend an awful lot of time alone – or alone with our characters. But occasionally we get together and when we do it’s a treat. To meet other writers! To talk – and I mean TALK – about writing. And about lots and lots of other things too. And eat. And drink. Yes, writers certainly know how to party.

This was proved yet again on the amazing mini-cruise organised by my agent, Kate Nash Literary Agency. Ten of us, some with partners, set off from Liverpool docks on Friday. We started with a Very Important Business Meeting (of course). Then had a fantastic meal that we enjoyed so much we had to be gently encouraged to leave the restaurant … Then some of us took a walk around the deck. Going along those narrow bits in the dark was surprisingly scary. Definite plot possibilities for those who write crime and horror. And while a few of us then faded, others went on to join the quiz and enjoy the midnight buffet. As someone who had never been on a cruise before, I didn’t even know midnight buffets existed!

Naomi Morris outside the magnificent GPO

 Saturday morning was spent wandering around Dublin with the lovely Naomi Morris. It’s a lovely compact city centre, very busy this close to Christmas, and with some great traditional buildings (the GPO, above) and quite peculiar new monuments (the spire, below). Then, in the afternoon, it was party time again when we met up with the RNA Irish Chapter and talked some more about … writing.

The spire (or spike) which we managed to miss on first walking past!

 I can’t believe the whole experience lasted less than 48 hours. It was like being in another world, meeting old and new friends, having everything done for you, eating and drinking loads. Oh, and talking. Did I mention the talking?

What made this a particularly fun experience was not just being with other writers but learning from them – how and when they write, their genres, their dealings with publishers, their successes (and tribulations). I arrived home just a little tired but also very enthused. Thanks to Kate Nash, Sue Fortin, Bella Osbourne, Terri Nixon, Louisa Heaton, Jane Lovering, Nina Kay, Virginia Heath and Naomi Morris.