June Caldwell
@junec.bsky.social
Moth Short Story Prize 2024 & 2014 | 'Somebody' expo 2020 | Room Little Darker 2018 | Stinging Fly; gorse; The Moth; Winter Papers; Galway Stories; Orca; Irish Times; Lonely Crowd; BBC4; Paper Visual Art; The 32; L'Esprit; Globe & Scales; Long Gaze Back +
Pinned
June Caldwell
@junec.bsky.social
· Nov 12
Stoked to have a #ShortStory 🌀Night Of The Big Wind🌀 in #TheClimateIssue of @stingingfly.bsky.social Huge thanks to Editor Lisa McInerney. I'm also super grateful to @artscouncilireland.bsky.social for a 2025 Literature Bursary Award. I'll be reading this story at #DoolinWritersWeekend in January.
Rafael Mendes & Aisling Walsh on representation and ethics in writing. Is being close to, enough? How do you write about identities, sexualities, lived experience that are not your own? Where are the lines drawn for/at appropriation against a canon that were 'writers' without an added 'other' label?
January 18, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Rafael Mendes & Aisling Walsh on representation and ethics in writing. Is being close to, enough? How do you write about identities, sexualities, lived experience that are not your own? Where are the lines drawn for/at appropriation against a canon that were 'writers' without an added 'other' label?
The Blessing of the Rags and Happy Stigmata at an alternative #Mass at #DoolinWritersWeekend "We'll heal what ails you"...
January 18, 2026 at 12:35 PM
The Blessing of the Rags and Happy Stigmata at an alternative #Mass at #DoolinWritersWeekend "We'll heal what ails you"...
Crazy display of [free] food here for #SundayMass at the utterly brilliant #DoolinWritersWeekend The programme is 100% kickass this year, trying my best to get to as much as I can before collapsing into bed every night. Feels like part freaky wedding, part fab festival.
January 18, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Crazy display of [free] food here for #SundayMass at the utterly brilliant #DoolinWritersWeekend The programme is 100% kickass this year, trying my best to get to as much as I can before collapsing into bed every night. Feels like part freaky wedding, part fab festival.
The interview/chat with Roddy Doyle & Elizabeth Reapy was so chill and enthralling. Roddy is so down to earth and sensible, but his honesty is unusual in this lit-climate. He laughed at a terrible review of his first book, spoke about writing as 'labour' and dissed too much editorial interference.
January 17, 2026 at 11:19 PM
The interview/chat with Roddy Doyle & Elizabeth Reapy was so chill and enthralling. Roddy is so down to earth and sensible, but his honesty is unusual in this lit-climate. He laughed at a terrible review of his first book, spoke about writing as 'labour' and dissed too much editorial interference.
Here at THE LOOK, Ian Maleany's workshop on Filmic Techniques in Written Narrative. #DoolinWritersWeekend
January 17, 2026 at 2:14 PM
Here at THE LOOK, Ian Maleany's workshop on Filmic Techniques in Written Narrative. #DoolinWritersWeekend
Mary read an incredible essay (a meditation on the state of the world) at #DoolinWritersWeekend last night; the entire audience held its breath. Can't wait for this novel.
A story of captivation, marriage and betrayal, this highly anticipated novel by Mary Costello is due to be released on March 12th.
January 17, 2026 at 11:26 AM
Mary read an incredible essay (a meditation on the state of the world) at #DoolinWritersWeekend last night; the entire audience held its breath. Can't wait for this novel.
Thank you Joyce! I'm reading this story tomorrow night at #DoolinWritersWeekend
From The Stinging Fly - The Climate Issue - a short story of brilliance - Night of the Big Wind by @junec.bsky.social - Quick witted, sharp as a tack. Writing like this is hugely inspiring. 🙏🏻
January 16, 2026 at 10:27 PM
Thank you Joyce! I'm reading this story tomorrow night at #DoolinWritersWeekend
Wife on the rocks, instead of whiskey. Proper giant surf waves 🌊 in #Doolin today. Looking forward to kickoff for the writer's festival later. Mary Costello will be reading from new work, a spoken word performance with Abby Oliveira and séance in the attic! #DoolinWritersWeekend
January 16, 2026 at 2:57 PM
Wife on the rocks, instead of whiskey. Proper giant surf waves 🌊 in #Doolin today. Looking forward to kickoff for the writer's festival later. Mary Costello will be reading from new work, a spoken word performance with Abby Oliveira and séance in the attic! #DoolinWritersWeekend
Arrived safely; survived the curly roads. Forgot how gorgeous Hotel Doolin is, and we even got a complimentary bottle of prosecco and Wilde chocolate 🍫 😋
January 15, 2026 at 6:10 PM
Arrived safely; survived the curly roads. Forgot how gorgeous Hotel Doolin is, and we even got a complimentary bottle of prosecco and Wilde chocolate 🍫 😋
Reposted by June Caldwell
I have been scooped! The very exciting news is that my first novel, Prestige Drama, is preened and prepped and will be coming out in May.
I'm biased but I think it's really good and you should buy it.
www.thebookseller.com/rights/fleet...
I'm biased but I think it's really good and you should buy it.
www.thebookseller.com/rights/fleet...
Fleet scoops Séamas O’Reilly’s debut novel
Fleet has scooped the debut novel from Observer columnist and author of the memoir Did Ye Hear Mammy Died?, Séamas O’Reilly.
www.thebookseller.com
January 15, 2026 at 10:14 AM
I have been scooped! The very exciting news is that my first novel, Prestige Drama, is preened and prepped and will be coming out in May.
I'm biased but I think it's really good and you should buy it.
www.thebookseller.com/rights/fleet...
I'm biased but I think it's really good and you should buy it.
www.thebookseller.com/rights/fleet...
So looking forward to this; delighted to be taking part. I was at the first festival in 2013 - helped shape it - and diligently attended every year up to 2020. So happy it's firmly back on the calendar. A nice scenic drive through the burren today on the way. www.doolinarts.ie/about-1
ABOUT | Doolin Arts
www.doolinarts.ie
January 15, 2026 at 10:38 AM
So looking forward to this; delighted to be taking part. I was at the first festival in 2013 - helped shape it - and diligently attended every year up to 2020. So happy it's firmly back on the calendar. A nice scenic drive through the burren today on the way. www.doolinarts.ie/about-1
Reposted by June Caldwell
Ahah! Doolin Writers Weekend is back!
Line-up features: Roddy Doyle, Belinda McKeon, Ian Maleney, Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, Abby Oliviera, June Caldwell, filmmaker Tadhg O’Sullivan, comedian Aoife Dunne and musician Branwen.
www.tickettailor.com/events/hotel...
Line-up features: Roddy Doyle, Belinda McKeon, Ian Maleney, Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, Abby Oliviera, June Caldwell, filmmaker Tadhg O’Sullivan, comedian Aoife Dunne and musician Branwen.
www.tickettailor.com/events/hotel...
Select tickets – Doolin Writers' Weekend – Hotel Doolin
Doolin Writers' Weekend – Hotel Doolin, Fri 16 Jan 2026 - Sun 18 Jan 2026 - Where Words Go Wild!
After a few years’ hiatus, Doolin Writers’ Weekend is back. Words have always found a home in Doolin an...
www.tickettailor.com
January 10, 2026 at 2:52 PM
Ahah! Doolin Writers Weekend is back!
Line-up features: Roddy Doyle, Belinda McKeon, Ian Maleney, Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, Abby Oliviera, June Caldwell, filmmaker Tadhg O’Sullivan, comedian Aoife Dunne and musician Branwen.
www.tickettailor.com/events/hotel...
Line-up features: Roddy Doyle, Belinda McKeon, Ian Maleney, Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, Abby Oliviera, June Caldwell, filmmaker Tadhg O’Sullivan, comedian Aoife Dunne and musician Branwen.
www.tickettailor.com/events/hotel...
Reflected vegetation in the guard light:
January 12, 2026 at 10:39 PM
Reflected vegetation in the guard light:
In the woods of Göttingen, where my friend Annette lives (Germany):
January 11, 2026 at 4:01 PM
In the woods of Göttingen, where my friend Annette lives (Germany):
Reposted by June Caldwell
My very first piece of cnf today in the wonderful @frazzledlit.bsky.social . Please have a read about my cousin, Ashton & if you don't feel like reading, there's an audio of me narrating the piece.
Thanks to brilliant editors, Jen and Laura. Check out the issue!
www.frazzledlit.com/p/shooting-s...
Thanks to brilliant editors, Jen and Laura. Check out the issue!
www.frazzledlit.com/p/shooting-s...
Shooting Stars
Creative non-fiction by Barbara Byar
www.frazzledlit.com
January 11, 2026 at 10:44 AM
My very first piece of cnf today in the wonderful @frazzledlit.bsky.social . Please have a read about my cousin, Ashton & if you don't feel like reading, there's an audio of me narrating the piece.
Thanks to brilliant editors, Jen and Laura. Check out the issue!
www.frazzledlit.com/p/shooting-s...
Thanks to brilliant editors, Jen and Laura. Check out the issue!
www.frazzledlit.com/p/shooting-s...
Reposted by June Caldwell
This film based on my story from Dance Move is now BAFTA longlisted. There was such an incredible group of people, all playing their parts, so that this project actually happened. Just brilliant.
January 9, 2026 at 9:25 PM
This film based on my story from Dance Move is now BAFTA longlisted. There was such an incredible group of people, all playing their parts, so that this project actually happened. Just brilliant.
Reposted by June Caldwell
In the 80s I accepted a very generous offer to write an original short story. Only then did I learn that a condition was to include mention of Schweppes Bitter Lemon somewhere in the tale. I pulled out; I was told that Jeffrey Archer then took on the gig
I don't know a single writer who has been asked to do product placement in their work, or at least, if they have, they have not admitted so to me. Nor have I ever been approached with an offer for product placement of any sort. I would be unlikely to entertain such an offer. I don't need the money.
@scalzi.com is this true? Do brands pay the big bucks for product placement in books?
January 8, 2026 at 11:48 AM
In the 80s I accepted a very generous offer to write an original short story. Only then did I learn that a condition was to include mention of Schweppes Bitter Lemon somewhere in the tale. I pulled out; I was told that Jeffrey Archer then took on the gig
LOVE the sound of this quirky 3-weeker, especially future cake.
Check out playwright and author Monica Byrne as she chats through her upcoming course: 'A Writing Workshop for the Age of Emergency' coming to the Irish Writers Centre! ✍️
Book your spot: irishwriterscentre.ie/courses/a-wr...
Book your spot: irishwriterscentre.ie/courses/a-wr...
January 7, 2026 at 10:42 AM
LOVE the sound of this quirky 3-weeker, especially future cake.
Reposted by June Caldwell
Can't believe it is nearly 10 years since David Bowie died and the world started falling apart.
January 7, 2026 at 10:40 AM
Can't believe it is nearly 10 years since David Bowie died and the world started falling apart.
Reposted by June Caldwell
Found the playlist I made around the time A Shock came out, and put it on Tidal. Extraordinary how long ago that was, and how weird that time, how scrambled. Strange years. I should be dead.
Going to do one for Dooneen soon. It's the only reason I write to be honest - to do the playlists.
Going to do one for Dooneen soon. It's the only reason I write to be honest - to do the playlists.
A Shock // a playlist
Playlist - A Shock // a playlist - 11 items
tidal.com
January 5, 2026 at 9:41 PM
Found the playlist I made around the time A Shock came out, and put it on Tidal. Extraordinary how long ago that was, and how weird that time, how scrambled. Strange years. I should be dead.
Going to do one for Dooneen soon. It's the only reason I write to be honest - to do the playlists.
Going to do one for Dooneen soon. It's the only reason I write to be honest - to do the playlists.
I haven't forgotten my homemade double pesto palmiers or marmite cheddar twists at Xmas, now that I'm on a diet and back [with atrophy] in the pool 🏊♂️. The warm crunch, the tanginess, and collapsing filth, will be welcome in my mouth in 50 weeks time.
January 5, 2026 at 11:18 PM
I haven't forgotten my homemade double pesto palmiers or marmite cheddar twists at Xmas, now that I'm on a diet and back [with atrophy] in the pool 🏊♂️. The warm crunch, the tanginess, and collapsing filth, will be welcome in my mouth in 50 weeks time.
Reposted by June Caldwell
If anyone wants to read along with me this year, am reading all of Hilary Mantel and Flannery O’Connor in chronological order (roughly 2 books per month) The reading order is up on my blog www.jancarson.co.uk and I’ll be using hashtags #MyYearWithFOC and #MyYearWithHM
January 4, 2026 at 10:47 PM
If anyone wants to read along with me this year, am reading all of Hilary Mantel and Flannery O’Connor in chronological order (roughly 2 books per month) The reading order is up on my blog www.jancarson.co.uk and I’ll be using hashtags #MyYearWithFOC and #MyYearWithHM
Niece-in-law and nephew-in-law having fun in the snow (up North). Here's hoping it makes its way here! ❄️
January 3, 2026 at 3:55 PM
Niece-in-law and nephew-in-law having fun in the snow (up North). Here's hoping it makes its way here! ❄️
Great start to the #2026 New Year with this bunch of women in Drimnagh (and an *honourable mention* in the 2026 Calvino Prize for Fabulist Fiction); all that's missing is a cat trying to get into my head. Luck & love to you all. X
January 1, 2026 at 11:23 AM
Great start to the #2026 New Year with this bunch of women in Drimnagh (and an *honourable mention* in the 2026 Calvino Prize for Fabulist Fiction); all that's missing is a cat trying to get into my head. Luck & love to you all. X
So, this year we're doing the 'from scratch' #CornucopiaCookbook #Vegetarian Xmas dinner of *Sweet potato, Spinach & Hazelnuts En Croûte on Parsnip Mash with Red Wine & Juniper Gravy* The Gravy alone took 2 hours yesterday, which was Step 1! Tastes very restaurant-y, with layers of intense flavours.
December 25, 2025 at 12:31 PM
So, this year we're doing the 'from scratch' #CornucopiaCookbook #Vegetarian Xmas dinner of *Sweet potato, Spinach & Hazelnuts En Croûte on Parsnip Mash with Red Wine & Juniper Gravy* The Gravy alone took 2 hours yesterday, which was Step 1! Tastes very restaurant-y, with layers of intense flavours.