Irene Rose: 2015

Irene grew up in Central Otago and now lives in Ireland, where her short stories have been published and broadcast. She was nominated for a Hennessy New Irish Writing Award in 2005. Short-listings include the Mitchelstown International Short Story Award and Raidio Teilifis Eireann's (RTE's) Francis MacManus Awards. While at the MKWC, her focus was on finishing a novel, which she began while studying for an MFA in Creative Writing at University College Dublin. She has a particular interest in exposing the irrationality of the notion of "the other." Irene said of her stay: "My stay at the MKWC provided me with a balanced environment of support and solitude. The enthusiasm of the writers I met during my stay was totally infectious, and I thoroughly enjoyed being surrounded with works by New Zealand literary giants past and present. The hike up Mount Victoria and the view across the harbour were perfect companions for days spent buried in my imagination. I will be back!" (July 2015)