Laois has a rich literary tradition, with talented writers whose stories, poetry and ideas continue to inspire readers both locally and beyond.
To celebrate this, Laois writers Frances Harney and Helen Moorhouse are back in Preston House, Abbeyleix, on September 5th 2026, following on from their hugely successful 2025 writing workshops as part of the Lovely Laois Homecoming Festival.
These workshops shine a spotlight on the established creativity within our county, and aim to encourage and inspire new writers to explore their passion for storytelling.
At 10am, author Helen Moorhouse, will host a workshop exploring how to create rich, memorable characters in fiction. Participants will look at areas like voice, relationships, point of view and backstory, mixing practical exercises with enjoyable discussion and idea sharing and discover how to create characters with depth, motivation and distinct voices, Perfect for both new and experienced writers, this workshop will provide tools to create characters that come to life on the page.
At 12.30pm, celebrated playwright Frances Harney will explore the fundamentals of visual, verbal and physical comedy, making it ideal for aspiring writers, performers, or anyone looking to develop their creative skills.
Whether you’re interested in writing for the stage, page or simply want to discover how comedy works, this workshop promises an enjoyable and inspiring afternoon with one of Ireland’s respected literary voices.
WRITER PROFILES:
Mountmellick native, Helen Moorhouse, is the author of five critically acclaimed novels – The Dead Summer, The Dark Water, Sing Me To Sleep, Ever This Day, The Gallery of Stolen Souls (Poolbeg Press) and numerous short stories which have been published in anthologies and magazines. In 2018 she was commissioned to write the Christmas ghost story for the RTE Book Show (The Night Nurse). With a passion for storytelling in all forms. Helen weaves tales that blend suspense, mystery and the supernatural. Her stories, with their themes of the unknown, have featured in numerous magazines and anthologies.
From Ballyfin, Frances Harney is a prolific playwright, author and actor with a long and illustrious career in the arts. Author of over 50 plays for children and teenagers, she has also written and directed 10 large-cast full length plays the Ballyfin Players which she established in 2012.
She has also produced successful shows for Laois County Council and her
commemorative 1916 drama has been recorded by the National Archives. In 2023 she wrote, directed and successfully produced her first musical ‘To the Dome’. and In January 2025 she completed a sell-out, eleven show, run of Jack and the Beanstalk which she wrote and directed for the Portlaoise Pantomime Group.
Frances has won numerous acting awards, runs a successful speech and drama school and is an examiner with the Leinster School of Music and Drama and is delivering TAP+ and ‘Creative Cluster’ initiatives with Laois Education Support Centre.
Frances is also a writer of short stories. Her memoir piece, “Keeping in Touch”, is published
in A Page from My Life, and “Roundy” in Forever Young. Her short stories have also frequently
been published in The Leinster Express.
EACH WORKSHOP HAS LIMITED PLACES SO BOOK NOW TO GUARANTEE PARTICIPATION!
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/lovely-laois-homecoming-festival-literary-event-day-with-frances-harney-tickets-1990317668725
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/writing-workshop-with-acclaimed-author-laois-native-helen-moorehouse-tickets-1990078310799
