Workshops & Events

Sue is an inspirational speaker, with extensive experience in delivering author talks to a range of audiences within Northern Ireland, Ireland, the wider UK and internationally. She is also a competent panel facilitator/chair for literary events, loves to be on literary panels and is a registered mentor via the Irish Writers Centre. She is regularly booked for post-primary schools, university or adult talks about her books and/or for readings and discussion about being an author.

With a background in peace-building, and a Masters in Peace and Conflict Studies, Sue is particularly effective at (and passionate about) weaving the fields of literature and peacebuilding together in dialogue. Her novels are often used by international students to grasp an understanding of conflict, identity, peace and the intergenerational legacy of ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland.

She also occasionally facilitates one-off creative writing workshops. All of the above can be tailored to adult or teen participants/audiences.

If you are interested in booking Sue for author talks, workshops, panel discussions or literary events, please contact her via this website to check availability and costs.

Book Sue for an Event
Book Sue for an Event

Particular Areas of Expertise/Interest

  • This is a flexible format, online or in person, based on any or all of Sue’s novels. Can be tailored to adult or teen audiences (advisory 12+). Usually lasts around an hour. Includes a selection of lively readings and, dependent on interests of the group, some discussion of characters, themes, places, Northern Irish current and historical context, journey to become an author, some writing tips etc. Suitable to local, national or international groups. Can also be tailored to include peace-building content/awareness if wished. Ideal if a group have lots of questions to ask as Sue loves interaction with readers. Will often include an opportunity for book purchases/signings.

    Can be tailored to any size of group. With larger groups the talk is more formal and definitely requires a screen and laptop link for visuals. With smaller groups (up to 25) this can be more informal and may have more interaction.

  • Sue loves being a panel member on literary panels at festivals and events. An experienced speaker, she’s particularly interested in conversations linking to literature and peacebuilding, literature and Northern Ireland, Young Adult Fiction, routes into publication, and conversations on any themes raised in her writing including borders, identity, post-conflict society, culture and much more!

    Sue is also an experienced facilitator who has chaired literary panel discussions for literary festivals, community, book launches and other events.

  • This is a schools-based workshop for pupils in Ireland studying Truth Be Told from the Junior Cycle list. Usually this is facilitated online and lasts around 30 minutes. Pupils should prepare questions they would like the author to answer about anything related to the novel and its context. Can include readings from the text if wished and, if a longer session is requested, a powerpoint about themes, context and characters.

  • ‘The harder I work, the luckier I get.’ Samuel Goldwyn. Is getting a traditional publication deal just about pure luck? Can you make your own luck? This course, whilst useful for all writers, is ideal for emerging prose, novel or short story writers aiming to publish their writing.

    Through discussion and activities, this course aims to help writers be purposeful, focused and active on working to breakthrough. It covers 2 key areas:

    1.           Connect, submit, compete: How to get your writing noticed.

    2.           Polish until it shines: How to lift your work to the next level through self-editing, mentoring and pitching.

    Can be delivered online or in person. Depending on level of detail, breadth of topics, and level of interaction with practical exercises, can be adjusted from 1 - 4 hours. Ideal for 8-12 participants. Maximum 20 participants.

  • This is usually a 2-hour workshop, most suited to beginner or emerging writers, adults or teens. Requires access to a projector and screen for visual prompts. The workshop guides participants through some ‘top tips’ for writing, interspersed with short activities/writing prompts. Finishes with one longer, guided creative writing activity.

  • Sue may be available for online or in person (depending on location) discussion with book groups who are reading one (or more) of her books. Usually this is a Q&A session with all discussion led by the interests of the readers and their reactions to and curiosity about the novel.

For guidance on fees please see Society of Authors advice here.

And Words Ireland advice here.