Artistic Licence
I spent much of my 22nd year writing a 400-page supernatural thriller set in a fictionalised version of my secondary school
All writers start out bad. This is one of those immutable laws against which there can be no appeal. James Joyce, aged 18, wrote a dismal pastiche of Henrik Ibsen called A Brilliant Career, which – with a Dedalian flourish – he dedicated “to my own Soul”. Gustave Flaubert, before he embarked on Madame Bovary, devoted five years to the composition of a chaotic 800-page historical fantasia called The Temptation of St Anthony.
And,...
Subscribe from just €1 for the first month!
Exclusive offers:
All Digital Access + eReader
Trial
€1
Unlimited Access for 1 Month
*New subscribers only
Annual
€200
€149 For the 1st Year
Unlimited Access for 1 Year
Quarterly
€55
€42
90 Day Pass
2 Yearly
€315
€248
Unlimited Access for 2 Years
Team Pass
Get a Business Account for you and your team
Related Stories
TV review: Detecting the dead hand of De Valera in old traumas
A new RTÉ documentary shed light on the involvement of Éamon de Valera’s son in the illegal adoptions of the past
Appetite for Distraction: our home entertainment picks
Your weekly guide to the best podcasts, streamed TV and video games
Radio review: A sobering reminder of the devastating effects of Covid on the arts world
The unique challenges faced by those who work in the live arts emerged this week, as well-known figures such as Rory O’Neill and Celine Byrne described the losses they have suffered
Appetite For Distraction: this week’s home entertainment picks
Your weekly guide to the best TV shows, podcasts and video games