Aspiring writers, quiet scribblers and anyone with a story, poem, memoir or manuscript waiting to be shaped are being invited to take part in two free writing-focused workshops at this year’s Mullingar Literary Festival.

Taking place on Saturday 4th July 2026, the workshops will offer practical encouragement for writers at different stages of the creative journey — from those taking their first steps in creative writing to those hoping to bring a completed work towards publication.

The first event, the Self Publishing Workshop, led by author Anthony Viney, will take place at 10.30am in Mullingar Library. The workshop is designed for aspiring authors who would like practical guidance on how to bring their work from first draft to finished publication.

It will be especially useful for anyone who has written, or is thinking about writing, a novel, memoir, family history, poetry collection, local history book or personal project and wants to better understand the steps involved in publishing independently.

During the session, Anthony Viney will guide participants through the key stages of the self-publishing journey, including preparing a manuscript, understanding the publishing process, managing costs, and exploring practical ways to promote a finished book. The workshop will also look at the importance of marketing and social media, offering clear and accessible advice on how authors can reach readers and build awareness around their work.

With practical advice, audience participation and plenty of encouragement, the session aims to demystify self-publishing and give emerging writers the confidence to take the next step.

Anthony Viney is the author of On the Road to Damascus, a debut novel inspired by his love of thrillers and his real-life journey through Syria as an independent traveller in 2011. He has also published academic papers and texts and is a regular contributor to his local newspaper. His varied career has included work in the defence industry, the BBC, teaching, the Traveller community in London, and social work in Northern Ireland. He now lives in Mullingar with his wife, Kathy.

Later that day, the Inklings Creative Writing Taster Session will take place at 12.00pm in the Annebrook House Hotel, Mullingar. Led by Brian McLoughlin and members of Inklings Writing Group, the session is designed as a welcoming introduction to creative writing for adults of all levels.

This session is especially suited to people who have ideas, memories, characters, poems or stories in their heads but may not know how to begin shaping them on the page.

Participants will get a friendly taste of how an Inklings writing session works, with creative prompts, relaxed exercises, encouragement and space to explore ideas. No previous writing experience is needed.

The session will appeal to anyone interested in writing fiction, poetry, memoir, storytelling, performance pieces, personal reflections or humour, as well as those who may have been writing privately for years but have never shared their work with others.

Brian McLoughlin is a writer, performer and one of the founding members of Inklings Writing Group, which was established in September 2016 and contributes a weekly column to the Westmeath Examiner. He has facilitated and been involved with several creative and performance groups, including Emper-Milltown Writing Group, Scribblers Mullingar, Poetry in the Park Athlone, Shannon Storytellers and Mullingar Toastmasters. His work spans plays, poetry, fiction, humour, stand-up comedy, stand-up poetry and humorous speeches.

A spokesperson for Mullingar Literary Festival said:

“Many people carry stories, memories, images or lines of poetry with them, while others may already have a manuscript they hope to publish one day. These workshops are about opening the door at both stages of the journey. They give people a relaxed, supportive space to begin writing, develop confidence, and learn practical steps towards sharing their work with readers.”

Both workshops are free to attend, but places are limited. The Self Publishing Workshop is limited to 10 adults, while the Inklings Creative Writing Taster Session is limited to 15 adults. Places will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and early booking is advised.

The workshops form part of Mullingar Literary Festival 2026, which runs from Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th July 2026, bringing a weekend of books, writing, poetry, workshops, children’s events, competitions and community creativity to Mullingar.