Direct from the screening – guest post

First official guest post from Tom Donegan – CBI’s intrepid Programme Officer

I’ve Just been to see a preview of the new ‘Secret of Kells’ animated movie, written and directed by the Cartoon Saloon’s Tomm Moore. A small but select crowd was in attendance, including members of the band Kila (who provide much of the music in the film), representatives of Trinity College (who can expect a tourist boom when it hits the screens next March) and Disney who are handling the promotion/ distribution side of things.

Not going into full critical mode here but the in summary the film is absolutely breathtaking – really stretches the boundaries of what might be considered ‘conventional’ 2D animation techniques. The narrative is simple yet powerful and features some great moments of humour, whilst the exhilarating score completes the experience perfectly. This beautiful and affecting film is the combination of over 12 years hard graft across three countries (Belgian and Brazilian animation teams were also heavily involved) and deserves to be shouted about from the top of every round tower in the country – another Irish Oscar anybody?

NB. The O’Brien Press are due to publish two complimentary titles in the coming months – a picture book  and illustrated novelisation. Tomm is currently looking for a publisher for a Graphic Novel version as well – any takers?

teenagers and tiredness and tonight in Cork

Cathy Hopkins and Jenny Valentine were excellent on Monday night in Pearse Street. They both shed considerable light on their own journeys as authors and how they both found a voice writing for young adults and teenagers. Sarah Webb has some great notes from the session here. Cathy also appeared with Oisin McGann on The Arts Show on RTE radio 1 on monday evening. You can listen back here -

Flip Flop slam in DunLaoghaire was also a resounding success – a remarkable level of talent on show not least fellow bloggers David Maybury and Monster Kids Rampage.

Yesterday was the day of launches with Cois Life launching Dialann Sar Runda, Amy ni Chonnchur by Siobhan Parkinson and O’Brien launching Move by Conor Kostick. Both good fun and well attended.

A reminder for everyone that Joe Craig is speaking in Cork Libraries this evening -

Author of the popular Jimmy Coates series Joe Craig will be visiting Cork city libraries to advise parents and teachers on ways to encourage boys to read books. Joe believes that as much emphasis should be placed on when boys read as what they are reading. Joe will recommend ways to embed books into a routine.

Cork City Libaries, Grand Parade, 7.30pm – All welcome and admission free http://www.corkcitylibraries.ie

VHG will be there with matchsticks propping my eyes open!

Monday Monday mirth

Hello to everyone I met at the Irish Pen event last week – I really enjoyed it.  Host Sarah Webb has a good rundown of the event over on her blog. My fellow panelist Helen Carr from O’Brien Press discussed how to prepare submission letters for publishers and very good advice it was to. Coincidentally over on stony river there is a brilliant and funny list of submissions don’ts and do’s for anyone needing more info.