Writing Workshops

"Not every inspiring author is an inspiring teacher – but Niall Williams teaches with the same combination of sensitivity and precision with which he writes."
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Next Workshop: March/April 2026 (TBC)
Waiheke Island, New Zealand
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The most recent Kiltumper Writing Workshop took place in The Old Ground Hotel Ennis County Clare on Friday November 14th to Monday November 17th.
The three-day workshop began with a Meet & Greet on Friday evening.
Each session was devoted to a different aspect of the craft of fiction, Character, Setting, Plot, Dialogue, Point-of-View, and Style, and divided into three parts. In the first part of each session, Niall gave a directed talk on the chosen topic, using examples from classic literature, and outlining his understanding of how this aspect of fiction works, and why. In the second part, he assigned a writing exercise, tightly focused on the topic, and gave participants 30 mins to complete it. In the third part, some participants were asked to read their exercise assignment, and Niall gave directed feedback. 
If you would like to register your interest for the next workshop in Ireland click the link below:
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A writer who attended one of the workshops in Kiltumper, secured an agent, got a publishing deal and was nominated for the Costa Awards for debut novel! 
"I’ve just got back from an extraordinary three days of deep learning at one of Niall Williams’ workshops for writers. Not every inspiring author is an inspiring teacher – but Niall Williams teaches with the same combination of sensitivity and precision with which he writes. Over the carefully planned sessions, his insight into the craft of writing penetrated sharply, giving us the tools with which to sculpt our own work. Niall gave tirelessly of himself in every session, creating an atmosphere of profound acceptance and respect into which we wrote and critiqued with clear and transformative goals. He and his wife, Christine, provided a backdrop of warm hospitality, peppered with delicious convivial meals in their home. You will come away changed as a writer."

Joanna Glen, London
Bestselling author of the Costa Nominated The Other Half of Augusta Hope

Workshop Testimonials

"Imagine if your favourite writer walked into your book, opened its windows, baked some cinnamon buns in its kitchen, re-hung its paintings so you saw them afresh, laid a turf fire and set it a-smoulder, lit all the candles and dusted all its hunched-up corners with a goose-wing. Imagine if your favourite writer then took your elusive protagonist for a walk in the snow and came back with all the secrets you never knew, even though you made that character, plus a bunch of hellebores. That’s what it’s like bringing a work-in-progress to Niall at Kiltumper. Except it’s also uproariously funny and touching. And that doesn’t even touch on the grace and kindness that Christine brings to it all. It’s actually quite hard to write this, because frankly I’d prefer for Niall and Christine were there exclusively for me and my book. But I fear the secret’s out, so I’m rising above my natural begrudgery to advise anyone who cares about their writing to take their book to Kiltumper as soon as possible."
Michelle Lovric, London
Author of several bestselling novels
"I have just arrived home from a magical three days in Kiltumper and feel that my writer self is utterly rejuvenated. Through the insights, encouragement and care of Niall and Christine, I feel I will now return to the page a more conscious writer. I am so much more aware now of my own writerly habits, able to see my own blind spots, and to hear my own writing with clearer ears. Even more importantly, however, than this newly refined ability to spot my own weaknesses, I also feel hugely strengthened in my potential to overcome them. After just these few days, I know my next book will be a stronger work as a result of my time there. I could not recommend this workshop more to writers at any stage in their writing lives - it will illuminate your craft in the most inspirational of ways."
Helen Cullen, London
Author of the acclaimed debut novel 'The Lost Letters of William Woolf'
"Writing has been my career for nearly 30 years, but in just three days with Niall I learned more than I would ever have thought or dreamed was possible. He is, quite simply, a genius at imparting how a book could be better, and more importantly, helping you to believe that it will"
Lucy Coats
Bestselling Children's & YA author
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