8 Talented Northern Irish Writers You Need to Know About
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Northern Ireland is home to some of the most talented writers in the world, and if you’re a budding writer or reader who gets lost in the pages of a new book, then these Northern Irish writers are ones you should certainly have on your TBR list. We are showcasing eight talented Northern Irish writers that you need to know – and are perfect for summer days when you want to relax with some good reading.
Adrian McKinty
Born and bred in Northern Ireland, Adrian McKinty specialises in crime and mystery novels, best known for his 2020 award-winning thriller The Chain. Adrian has previously written a series titled The Sean Duffy Novels set during The Troubles in Northern Ireland and his most recent book, The Island, became an instant New York Times Bestseller following its release in 2022. For more information, go to officialadrianmckinty.com Photo: Anna McGuire
Anna Burns
Belfast-born Anna Burns won the 2018 Booker Prize, the 2019 Orwell Prize for political fiction and the 2020 International Dublin Literary Award for her 2018 novel, Milkman. The novel is a historical psychological fiction and is set during The Troubles period in Northern Ireland, following an 18 year old girl who is tormented by a married man. For more information, go to goodreads.com/Anna_Burns Photo: The Independent
Sharon Dempsey
Belfast-based author Sharon Dempsey was a journalist and health writer before beginning her career in crime fiction writing, including creating her most recent book The Midnight Killing. Sharon now facilitates therapeutic creative writing classes for people from all walks of life, turning her passion for writing into a way to give back to her local community and help others. For more information, go to harpercollins.com/sharon-dempsey Photo: BelfastTelegraph
Wendy Erskine
Wendy Erskine is an English teacher and writer based in Belfast whose collection of short stories ‘Sweet Home’ was shortlisted for both The Republic of Consciousness Prize and the Edge Hill Prize, as well as being longlisted for the Gordon Burn Prize. Her latest work, Dance Move, features her incredible new collection of stories set in Belfast, the perfect if you’re looking to support a Northern Irish writer by reading truly authentic tales of the country. For more information, go to shortfictionjournal.co.uk/wendyerskine Photo: TheGlossMagazine
Bobby Singleton
Bobby Singleton is a Belfast-based poet, playwright, and novelist best known for his novels ‘The Last Days of Summer’ and ‘The Outskirts of Hope’. His works explore themes of identity, belonging, and the search for home, and are perfect for readers looking to explore Northern Ireland through a unique literary lens. For more information, go to bobbysingleton.co.uk Photo: BelfastLive
Christine Dwyer Hickey
Christine Dwyer Hickey is an Irish novelist and short story writer who has been shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction and the Dublin International Literary Award. Her novels ‘The Cold Eye of Heaven’ and ‘The Narrow Land’ are both set in Ireland and explore themes of family, identity, and love. For more information, go to christinedwyerhickey.com Photo: Irish Times
Glenn Patterson
Glenn Patterson is a Belfast-based novelist, playwright, and short story writer. His works explore themes of identity, family, and the Troubles in Northern Ireland, and his most recent novel ‘The Rest Just Follows’ was published in 2020. For more information, go to glennpatterson.co.uk Photo: Irish Times
Colin Bateman
Colin Bateman is a Northern Irish novelist, playwright, and screenwriter best known for his comic novels ‘Divorcing Jack’ and ‘Mystery Man’. He has written numerous books, plays, and films and is a master of dark comedy and satire. For more information, go to colinbateman.com Photo: The Guardian
If you’re looking to explore the Northern Irish literary scene, then these eight talented writers are a great place to start. From crime fiction to psychological thrillers, there’s something for everyone in this amazing collection of writers. So, grab a book and settle in for a summer of great reading!
