A Panel Discussion with With Jane Buckley, Angeline King, James Simpson and Sue Divin (Host)
This dynamic panel brings together four accomplished writers whose journeys intersect at the John Hewitt International Summer School and exemplify the growing legitimacy and impact of independent publishing in our local literary landscape. Through their diverse experiences - from summer school participants to independent publishing to award-winning authors - these writers demonstrate how alternative publishing paths are reshaping the region's literary culture.
Jane Buckley writes with grit, compassion and honesty. Born in Derry/Londonderry, her Stones Corner series lays bare the raw truths of the Troubles. Stories that honour ordinary lives caught in conflict. Her next project, Project Children, shines a light on hope, healing, and the power of small acts of kindness.
Angeline King, curator of the award-winning North Star anthology and author of The Secret Diary of Stephanie Agnew, was Writer in Residence of Ulster University from 2020 to 2023. Having launched her writing career with Snugville Street ten years ago, Angeline was able to draw on her business experiences to establish herself as one of Ireland’s foremost self-published novelists.
David Simpson was a runner-up in the RTÉ Francis McMahon Shorty Story competition and received Special Mention for his Michael McLaverty competition entry. His short story collection, Smokes and Stones was independently published inn2021 and his novel, True Colours, was published by Colmcille Press inn 2024.
Hosted by Sue Divin, a Derry-based writer who has had two YA/crossover novels traditionally published, Carnegie shortlisted Guard Your Heart, winner of the Great Reads Award Ireland, and Truth Be Told, which was shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards. Her work was also published in North Star.
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