Writers Workshop :)

Yesterday we had the pleasure of a visit from Irish writer Oisin McGann who came to do a workshop with us :) Ms. B had informed us of his visit and had given me one of his books to read called 'The Gods and Their Machines'. It was a novel for young adults set in an alternative world, about war and conflict and the struggle that young people have against prejudice. I thought it was really good and thoroughly enjoyed reading it, so I had been looking forward to meeting the writer behind the ideas.

Oisin came in the morning and talked with us about coming up with ideas and the process of writing. He was very enigmatic and passionate about the english language and writing. He is also an illustrator and he illustrates for most of his books. He did a quick sketch for us and signed it 'to the girls at st. wolstans'. It was amazing to see his creation come to life before us in a matter of minutes.
After the talk we could ask him questions, and I asked if when he began writing a novel did he always know how the ending would be? He answered by saying that usualy there are two kinds of writers, those who plan out everything in the plot and those who write spontaniously. He admitted he liked to plan his endings and have a general direction in which to write.
It was a very interesting workshop and I would love the oppurtunity to meet with another writer sometime.
Here is a link to Oisin McGann's website: