Storytelling project to be launched in Donegal inspired by writer Frances Browne

Donegal Library Service and the Frances Browne Literary Festival are inviting blind and vision-impaired storytellers, resident in Ireland, to get involved and submit pieces for inclusion in a digital anthology to be launched in the autumn, funded through Creative Ireland.

Frances Browne (1816 - 1879), the Blind Poetess of Ulster, is the most important writer ever to emerge from Donegal's Finn Valley, in the North West of Ireland. The Annual Frances Browne Literary Festival celebrates the legacy and spirit of Frances Browne. We work to bring not only Frances's writing and astonishing life story to new generations but to celebrate the works of contemporary and modern writers who continue in her tradition.

The hope is to create an eclectic collection of work that’ll include all genres of writing: from simple stories to song lyrics, from spoken word poetry to slice-of-life non-fiction.

Submissions can:

• Be inspired by the life and works of Frances Browne
• Reflect the lived experiences of the storytellers
• Be drawn from the storytellers’ imaginations
• Submissions can even be an original mix of all three!

For more information on the project email Francesbrownestorytellers@outlook.com

READ NEXT: Creative February 2025 inspires young people to 'Make your Mark' in Donegal today

Online info sessions will be scheduled to introduce blind and vision-impaired writers to Frances Browne's life-story and body of work, provide an overview of different creative writing styles and offer tips on establishing a writing practice.

The project facilitator will also be available via email, during the submissions window, to respond to queries.