Writers are gathering in Cork this week to launch a monthly event bringing local authors and budding writers together, writes Marjorie Brennan.

Jane Smiley sets much of her epic trilogy in Iowa. She tells Richard Fitzpatrick that how people farm and eat is at the heart of her story.

Gay novelist Edmund White lived in the French capital in the 1980s, but in his new memoir he recounts that local customs were a shock to him, says Richard Fitzpatrick.

One of Britain’s most famous comedians (or his alter ego, Johnny Vegas, that is) will be in conversation with the comedy actress and writer Pauline McLynn as part of the Dublin Writers Festival next week.

William Burroughs’ centenary occurs this month. The West Cork-based photographer John Minihan recalls meeting the controversial author in London