Siofra O'Donovan

Siofra O’Donovan is the Writer in Residence at Dorlindon Forest.

She is a published author of novels, travelogue and historical biography. She has worked as a free lance journalist for the Irish Times and the Irish Examiner. She was Writer in Residence in Louth (2004-6), had residencies in Yaddo, (New York), Sanskriti, (New Delhi) and the Tyrone Guthrie Centre. She has received bursaries from the Arts Council of Ireland for her books Malinski (Lilliput, 2000), Pema and the Yak (Pilgrims, 2006), Lost in Shambhala (Seagull Press, 2023) and Yours Til Hell Freezes (2020).

She also writes Children’s Books ("She understands those strange and beautiful moments when the metaphors of poetry become literal in our lives, as children face the challenges of the adult world." Pr. Declan Kiberd). She is currently working on a Historical Fiction Series based on the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. The first is "The Curse of Melusine", set in 12th century France and England, in which Eleanor was locked away for sixteen years…

When Eleanor of Aquitaine is imprisoned after the 1174 Revolt, prophetic dreams of Merlin and the shadow of the mermaid Melusine’s ancestral curse convince her that her reckless eldest son is marked for death—forcing her, in captivity, to conspire against fate itself. A literary historical novel, infused with magical realism.

You can see her work at http://www.siofraodonovan.com and her substack blog at https://siofra.substack.com

Testimonials

"I found this course to be extraordinary. I thought it would be useful to help me find a structure to the stories I write. It was much more, it was quite a personal journey; challenging, rewarding, inspirational. Siofra creates an atmosphere of such creativity, a safe space to write, a place where we could push past boundaries and self-doubt. After one session, I felt inspired to write at home, so I sat and wrote a short story called A Dance with Time. Subsequently, that story was longlisted for the Colm Tobin Short Story."
Zandra C, The Hero’s Journey

"Siofra’s writing workshops are easily described as the emotional metamorphosis so many seek and can never find. hic sunt dracones, here be dragons, says the world, and “here be dragons, close your eyes and feel the calm…”, she says. Beautiful journey this was!"
Ishwari, Sri Lanka, The Hero’s Journey and the Heroine’s Journey

"The Hero’s Journey in person was my first proper foray into writing, and was a wonderful journey into adventure. The second I attended The Heroine’s Journey online, over two years and pandemic later. It was such a rich experience I will be forever grateful. The places opened by Siofra’s gentle yet powerful guiding light are almost beyond words – and yet words come, and it is our duty to listen. It is alchemy in action. I will return for more once I am sure!"
Fiona, Greystones, The Heroines and The Hero’s Journey

"I have taken many writing journeys with Siofra over the past number of years and I keep coming back for more because each time, I find new threads to explore in my own tapestry. siofra has a very special gift in being able to guide people towards their own deep, intuitive knowing, while allowing them the space to express their individual creativity. I highly recommend any of her writing courses. Enjoy the trip!"
Aine, Wicklow, The Hero’s Journey and the Heroine’s Journey

"I can’t speak highly enough of Siofra or the Heroine’s Journey course – salve for the soul I didn’t know I needed! It allowed space for a wonderful way to look at the world, one which never failed to land with surprise and delight (even when dark). It has borne me gently around and left me facing the other way – the way that I maybe needed to face all along – and always with lightness, laughter and a great deal of support, very lightly worn so you don’t even know it’s been there until later. Thank you Siofra!"
Delia, The Heroine’s Journey, 2023

"Siofra's writing course "Heroine's Journey" opened up for me another world of metaphores, myths and stories that gave me language and symbols to write about my own inner process of re-connecting with my inner feminine. I love how the course was laid out, each step taking me deeper and closer to myself. The meditations that Siofra offered each week took me gently yet immidiately right into that place within where my head has no access. From there the words were just pouring onto pages effortlessly. I feel deep gratitude for this journey."
M. Szpilka, The Heroine’s Journey

"I cannot recommend the Faery Tale Writing Course highly enough! Siofra had so much knowledge and wisdom to share as we journeyed through all the layers of characters, motif and plot. To understand the deeper meanings of the stories, their origins and history, gave me a platform to write my own faery stories, and to have much more appreciation for all those we studied from all around the globe."
Lusi Elliot, Away with the Faeries, 2026

Contacts

Siofra O'Donovan B.A., M.A., H.Dip (PDE)
Author
Writing Coach
Creative Writing Workshop Facilitator
Writers in Schools Panel / Poetry Ireland
Writers in Prisons Panel / Arts Council of Ireland
Member of the Teaching Council of Ireland
Mob.++353.87.4103294
New blog: https://siofra.substack.com
http://www.siofraodonovan.com

Photo by:
© Juan Rosales
© Liosa McNamara