Readings

Prairie Schooner invites you to the Irish Issue Launch Party! The two-day event at the Sheldon Museum of Art, takes place on Thursday, February 9, and Friday, February 10. This free and open-to-the-public event features award-winning Irish writers included in Prairie Schooner’s Winter 2011 Special Irish Issue, along with other exciting, Irish-themed festivities.

Thursday, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Irish authors Deanie Rowan Blank and Nuala Ni Chonchuir read and give on-stage interviews in Sheldon’s Ethel S. Abbott Auditorium, followed from 3:30 – 5:00 p.m. with a panel focusing on contemporary Irish literature. (Hear Nuala Ni Chonchuir read from her story "Peach".)

Last week we hosted a few events in celebration of Prairie Schooner Book Prize winners Shane Book, James Crews, and Greg Hrbek. There was a meet-and-greet/q-and-a on Monday. Tuesday evening featured collaborative performances by the three prize-winners with UNL’s photography and dance departments.

According to Trey Moody, our events guru, the collaboration came off well.

"Peach" appears in the current issue of Prairie Schooner, the 2011 Winter edition.

Also, please note that Nuala Ní Chonchúir will take part in the official Launch Party of the Winter issue next week in Lincoln. On Thursday, February 9, at 2pm, she will participate in a reading and interview at the Sheldon Museum of Art. On Friday, February 10, there will be a reception at the Sheldon from 7-8pm (with Irish-themed food and beverages!), following by readings from Nuala, Sandra Bunting, Aiden Rooney, and Deanie Rowan Blank. It's going to be a good time.

Born in Dublin in 1970, Nuala Ní Chonchúir lives in Galway county. Her début novel You (New Island, 2010) was called ‘a heart-warmer’ by The Irish Times and ‘a gem’ by The Irish Examiner. Her third short story collection Nude (Salt, 2009)) was shortlisted for the UK’s Edge Hill Prize. Her second short story collection To The World of Men, Welcome has just been re-issued by Arlen House in an expanded paperback edition.