‘Quite simply, I know that without The Stinging Fly I would never have had a single thing published. I attended the six month workshop in 2015–2016 and it was a transformative experience. That sounds a little excessive, but it was. It changed quite profoundly the way I think about what I read, and it made me an infinitely better writer.’—Wendy Erskine 

Our workshop programme includes our annual summer school and our six-month fiction workshops.

The principal aim of the programme is to allow writers to develop their writing practice through engagement with similarly motivated individuals. We bring groups of writers together – in-person and online – so they can learn to engage more deeply with their own work and the work of others.

We aim to offer all our workshops at an affordable rate. Concession rates are offered to writers who are unwaged or on low income. We also make at least one free place available on every workshop.

***

2024–25 Writing Workshops

Our 6-month workshops allow writers to focus on developing their craft over an expanded period of time.

We are offering three 6-month fiction workshops this year.

Online Workshop with Danielle McLaughlin (all workshops held online via Zoom)

Hybrid Workshop with Mary Morrissy, Jan Carson and Colin Barrett (mix of online and in-person workshops)

Both of the above are intended for writers looking to take their work more seriously and to develop their craft while working with a group of like-minded individuals.

NEW: Advanced Fiction Workshop with Sean O’Reilly (in-person and online)
This is intended for fiction writers already working to complete a specific writing project and who are seeking to be challenged and inspired to push forward with their writing.

Applications for all three workshops are now closed.

– – — — – – — — – –

2024 Summer School

Applications are now closed for our 2024 Summer School. A big thank you to everyone who applied.

– – — — – – — — – –

‘The Stinging Fly’s 6-month fiction workshop is a game changer; challenging, exhilarating, and unforgettable, it completely alters the way you read and write fiction… At the end of the course I had completed a short story collection I was proud of that went on to be critically acclaimed. If I could Groundhog Day this course, I’d do it again and again for every book. Magic.’ —June Caldwell 

‘I attended the Stinging Fly summer school in 2018, and I thought I knew what to expect because I’d attended a few writing workshops before this, but the Stinging Fly school was different—the discussions were more rigorous, more challenging, more frank and generous in spirit; it was joyful. The class completely changed the way I think about the fiction I read. It pushed me to investigate what I’m interested in, in my own writing, with more commitment and care.’ —Chetna Maroo

‘It is a rare privilege to be in the company of people who understand the insecurities and anxieties that arise when you are struggling to create fiction out of all the embarrassing stuff that’s inside your head. The Stinging Fly continues to create a space where writers can learn to support and champion each other’s aspirational worlds.’ —Louise Nealon

– – — — – – — — – –