CRITICALLY acclaimed novelist Fíona Scarlett has been appointed Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Limerick for the coming academic year.
Her debut novel ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ was published by Faber & Faber in 2021 and was an instant Irish Times bestseller. It was shortlisted for ‘Newcomer of the Year’ in the Irish Book Awards and the Kate O’Brien first novel award.
At the start of the new academic year in September, she will join a teaching team that includes Donal Ryan, Kit de Waal, Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, Emily Cullen and Eoin Devereux.
The Dublin native holds an MLitt in creative writing from the University of Glasgow and is currently completing her year as Writer in Residence at Maynooth University.
Commenting on her new appointment, she said it was a privilege to be working alongside the renowned UL creative writing team, a faculty not only known for its talent and excellence, but for its compassion, empathy, and dedication to craft.
“I am incredibly excited for the year ahead, and especially looking forward to meeting with all the wonderful students and getting to know them and their work.
Creative Writing programme Director Professor Sarah Moore Fitzgerald said: “Not only is Fíona Scarlett one of Ireland’s most exciting new writers, she’s also a wonderful, insightful, and experienced teacher.
“She already has a warm connection with UL through her engagement with our Creative Writing Winter School. We are delighted she will be joining the Creative Writing team where she’ll be sharing her ideas on practice and craft with our incoming MA classes and with our community of writers.”
Fellow lecturer and renowned author, Donal Ryan said UL was very fortunate to be welcoming Fiona Scarlett into its creative community.
“She is a natural teacher, generous, empathetic, and deeply engaged, and a wonderfully talented writer”.
Professor Eoin Devereux described Ms Scarlett as a highly accomplished author and a vastly experienced teacher.
“I am particularly looking forward to Fíona contributing to our module Creative Writers In The Community. I have seen, first hand, at our Winter School, Fíona’s abilities as an educator.”
Frank McCourt Chair of Creative Writing, Professor Joseph O’Connor, who is currently on a year-long sabbatical, said he was “absolutely delighted that Fíona Scarlett has been appointed to the team at UL.”
