We always love to help our programme participants and guests share their knowledge with you, and we’ve got a great line-up of workshops and talks for you again this year! Whether you’re a writer or worldbuilder or crafter or just curious, we have something for you!
All workshops and talks last for about an hour. Start times are Irish Summer time (UTC+1).
Saturday in-person
As Many Goes as It Takes Upon a Time…
Talk, 11:30, Arena room
Ideas are story-seeds, but they need a lot more than wishful thinking to help them germinate, grow and blossom into actual stories that later can be harvested. In this talk, writer Michael Carroll will cover the common problems with growing ideas into stories; please bring your own questions too.
No sign-up required.
Out of the Gutter: Writing Comics 101
Workshop, 13:00, Arena room
There’s no one path in comics that fits all, but the building blocks are all the same. Join comic writer and award-winning editor Paul Carroll in an hour-long journey to demystify the process of writing comics and getting a start in the industry.
Sign-up required at the registration desk by 12:30pm. Maximum of 15 participants.
Build a Book with Ruth Frances Long
Workshop, 16:00, Arena room
What does it take to make a book? Ruth Frances Long will take you through the physical process of making your own blank book from paper and board, thread and glue. And you’ll even be able to take it home with you!
You are welcome to bring your own paper or thin fabric to make the book cover. All other materials, including cover material if needed, will be provided, and there is a charge of €5 for each participant to cover the cost of materials, payable on sign-up.
Sign up at the registration desk by 3pm on Saturday. Maximum of 10 participants.
Saturday online
Not the Usual Tricksters: Starting with the Middle Ages
Talk, 11:30, Gamma room (Zoom)
Gillian will introduce people to medieval tricksters such as Fulke Fitzwarin and Eustace the Monk and Renart the Fox and talk about their known lives (where they had lives) and how some of their stories morphed into Robin Hood. Then there is Ashmodai, who Gillian uses in her fiction, and who was well-known in quite different circles in the Middle Ages. Friend of Solomon, studier of Talmud… and trickster. After this, the floor will be open to everyone present to talk about these people (two of whom definitely existed) and any other tricksters from Western Europe. Irish tricksters from the Middle Ages will be particularly welcome, though possibly not in person.
The Journey of a Book: From Submission to Publication
Workshop, 13:00, Gamma room (Zoom)
The road to publication might feel a bit daunting, especially if it is your first time. In this workshop, Francesca T Barbini will guide you through the fascinating and at times overwhelming journey from submission to release, shedding light on what to expect at every step of the process. Fear not, there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
No sign-up required.
The Power of Comics to Start the Conversation
Talk, 14:30, Gamma room (Zoom)
How can comic books support early intervention and prevention in youth mental health? This session explores how sequential art opens essential conversations by combining storytelling, visual processing, and emotional insight. Created in response to teachers concern over lack of support and confidence in supporting children and young people and their mental health, the Uberheroes® draws on real-world examples using multiple psychological approaches. We will explore how comics support mental health education using dual coding, narrative psychology, empathy development, and trauma-informed practice. Comics create a safe, accessible space for to explore difficult emotions, recognise early signs of distress, and develop healthy coping strategies. With over 16 issues, Uberheroes® has reached more than 50,000 young people across Northern Ireland. Discover how we reduce stigma, promote resilience, and empower young people to talk, feel understood and become their own heroes.
Would You Walk Away from Omelas? An Ursula Le Guin Themed Creative Writing Workshop
Workshop, 16:00, Gamma room (Zoom)
In this workshop, led by science fiction writer, poet, and philosophy lecturer Dr Rachel Handley, you will be invited to explore Le Guin’s short stories and related themes. There will be opportunities to respond to writing prompts based on Le Guin’s and other’s work throughout the workshop. The workshop will be very interactive, and writers at all levels are very welcome to attend. You’ll also have the chance to read out what you’ve written during the workshop.
No sign-up required.
Sunday online
Cosplay Awareness (and How to Make It Sustainable)
Talk, 11:30, Gamma room (Zoom)
Cosplay is a great hobby – everyone should know that! Unfortunately, the way we have fun with it today is far different from when it first started. A few tricks and habits can make cosplaying far more affordable and sustainable. During this talk we’ll look deeper into the impact that cosplay has on the environment and society, learn something about fast fashion, and find out how to save €€€ on our fabrics and materials.
What is Sequential Art and Why Study It?
Talk, 13:00, Gamma room (Zoom)
Animation, comic books, GPS, the weather forecast and a paper jam.
What do all of the above have in common?
Answer; sequential art! Images in deliberate sequence are used to convey the illusion of life in animation, the sequence in our beloved comicbooks, direct us using our Sat Nav, let us know if the sun will visit us or if we should dress for the rain and instruct us on how to unblock our printer.
Sequential art is not just intended for entertainment purposes but, at one stage in the human story, was our primary means of communication and record keeping.
Join Eoin McAuley, President of Tallaght Academy of Sequential Art (TASQ Art) as he discusses the importance of sequential art in terms of cultural experience, educational process and non-verbal communication.
Do We Need a Better Fantasy?
Talk, 14:30, Gamma room (Zoom)
Grimdark fantasy has dominated the genre for over a decade, constantly mirroring the worst parts of our reality. When did fantasy stop giving us worlds into which we’d like to escape? Indie author Bear Wiseman explores the current state of the genre and offers an alternative with ‘The Vitmar Chronicles’ – a new series that proves kinger worlds can still host epic tales, and you don’t need to save the world to be the hero of your own story.
Crochet Your Own Octo
Workshop, 16:00, Gamma room (Zoom)
Do you have your own Octo collective yet? If you do, why not add to it – and if you don’t, it’s time to start
Join us as we teach you how to crochet your very own Octo. You will need about 25g of yarn (DK if possible, but any scrap yarn will do) and a crochet hook between 3mm and 5mm or one to match the weight of the yarn you use.
Get the pattern in advance.
Learn to Protect Your Author Rights
Workshop, 17:30, Gamma room (Zoom)
To protect your intellectual property rights, you need to understand the essentials of publishing contracts, from grants of rights to termination clauses and severability. Be not afeared! The language of legal contracts only seems daunting: remember, words are your superpower! This introductory workshop, with plenty of time for Q&A, will give you the confidence to evaluate, discuss, and negotiate contract terms.
(Disclaimer: No part of this session should be construed as legal advice. It is designed to be informative and will include information on how to connect with resources that provide specific legal advice.)
No sign-up required.