Longford Literary Projects
Goldsmith’s Ghost (A collaborative novel)
This is a highly innovative literary exercise developed for the purposes of giving aspiring novelists an insight into the practicalities of writing a novel. It involved the collaboration of eight writers from Longford, Westmeath and Roscommon working under the supervision of the County Longford Writer in Residence, Paul Perry. It tells the story of a hapless butcher Seamus Coyne in Longford town who has recently survived a car crash. When he and his brother come across a letter they believe to have been written by Oliver Goldsmith, the discovery changes their lives forever. An entertaining read with many comic and moving moments.
All Because of a Toothbrush (A children’s collaborative novel) 
"From far away across the galaxy a spacecraft sails silently though space. High fins that shine all the colours of the rainbow top its golden egg shape. These bright sails take in and store the solar energy of the stars......"
As one of Irelands first ever children’s collaborative novels, this project required the coordination and harnessing of the imaginations of over three hundred primary children from almost every primary schools in Longford. Perhaps because of this it remains one of our most satisfying projects to-date. In eight story building sessions each school created plot lines and characters which were developed into a continuous narrative by seven schools. This project was overseen by Chris Thompson who designed it and worked alongside the children.
Heartland (A County Anthology of Creative Writing)
One of the first projects to emerge from the County Council Writer in Residence scheme, Heartland is an anthology of poetry, prose and memoir written by fifty three Longford writers which gives a very clear indication of the level of creative writing in the county . One particularly innovative aspect of this literary project was that it was published in both book and multi-media CD-rom formats, thereby delivering the ancient art-form of storytelling through a 21st century medium. According to the editor, Paul Perry, Longford's first writer-in-residence, the compilation of the anthology uncovered many young and emerging writers of considerable talent including Kathy Rodgers, who is currently working on her sixth novel for Poolbeg.
Describe (An innovative approach to children’s creative writing and storymaking)
The creative process draws on a scribing technique which takes a partnership approach to creative writing. It is a technique that allows very young, reluctant or disadvantaged children to develop literacy skills creatively and enjoyably but it has many other appropriate applications for adults and children working together. Scribing involves one person, acting as active listener and recorder of the author’s orally recounted story. It allows the author the freedom to plan and create stories that are far beyond their ability to write and boosts their confidence in their creative skills. It empowers the child/adult learner as they take charge of the creative process and experience authorship, allowing them to concentrate on story creation and giving their imagination free rein. Although initially developed with children in mind, it has been found to be equally effective when used with adults with special needs or low literacy levels, or with ESOL students
From Beatrix to Harry (The findings of the Co. Longford Focus Group on Children’s Creative Writing) 
In recognition of the unprecedented output of literary creativity from the children of Co. Longford, a focus group was established in November 2005 to inform and guide a strategic programme of development. Its objectives were to explore strategies for children’s creative writing and literary appreciation in partnership with both the education system and the community. The group participants articulated their vision for the development of creative writing in the county and identified the guiding principles which would inform future programmes. Among the themes and issues to emerge from this discussion were the promotion of creative writing as a recreational activity rather than an extension of the school curriculum, the importance of parental and community involvement.
The Awakened Life (A Guide to Creative Writing)
In another innovation which makes full use of twenty-first century technology, the DVD “The Awakened Life”, launched in 2008, addresses important issues that arise in the writing of poetry and fiction. For anyone who has ever wondered how writers find their inspirati
on and what process they go through to produce the finished work, this will provide a wealth of information, suggestions and advice.
In a series of in-depth interviews, two highly acclaimed writers, Longford poet, Noel Monahan and Laois poet and fiction writer, Pat Boran each discuss the rudiments of their art and outline the writing of a poem/short story from inspiration to publication. Suitable both for those who are just starting out on their journey, and those who have already taken the first steps, this DVD explores such topics as finding inspiration, use of metaphor, creating believable characters, handling dialogue in fiction, and many more. Aspiring writers who are confronting a blank page or experiencing difficulty with the technicalities of their poem/short story will be able to draw on the combined experience of two of Ireland’s most well-known practitioners of their craft, and find the guidance they are seeking.