Westmeath author makes best new Irish writers list

A Westmeath author has been selected as one of Ireland's best new writers.

Kinnegad's Nicole Flattery is one of 20 Irish fiction authors who feature in a new initiative from the An Post Irish Book Awards called New Voices 20 Best New Irish Writers.

Focused on showcasing a new generation of talented Irish writers who are reshaping the literary landscape with their fresh perspectives and captivating storytelling, the list was curated through nominations from publishers, booksellers and librarians nationwide.

In a press release announcing the 20 writers selected for the initiative, the An Post Irish Book Awards said:

“This new wave of Irish writers is infusing the literary landscape with vibrant voices that blend tradition with modernity. Their sharp, insightful prose has garnered much acclaim, resonating with both Irish and global audiences. This new literary talent is not only preserving Ireland's rich storytelling heritage, but also pushing its boundaries, making contemporary Irish literature even more dynamic and globally relevant than ever before.

“The nominated authors could be working in any genre of fiction, must have had no more than two books published over the past decade, and be Irish by birth, citizenship or long-term residence. A panel of literary experts then selected the 20 authors, highlighting some of the most exciting new talents in contemporary literature.”

Widely regarded as one of Ireland's most talented young writers, Nicole Flattery is the author of the short story collection Show Them a Good Time(2019) and the novel Nothing Special (2023).

The winner of the An Post Irish Book Award, the Kate O’Brien Prize, the London Magazine Prize for Debut Fiction, and the White Review Short Story Prize, Nicole is a graduate of the master’s program in creative writing at Trinity College and lives in Dublin.

Maria Dickenson, chairperson of the judging panel and an Irish Book Awards board member, says: “We are delighted to continue supporting Irish writers, and, this year, to present 20 of the most promising names in Irish literature through the New Voices initiative. As a nation of storytellers, Ireland has an incredible level of writing talent which was showcased through the vast range of amazing authors submitted for this initiative.

“Irish writing is in great hands with this new generation of authors selected for New Voices. We look forward to celebrating them in the weeks to come, and at our awards ceremony this November.”

David McRedmond, CEO of An Post, says: “I have always loved the connection between the writers we champion and the community of publishers, booksellers and readers that has grown up around the An Post Irish Book Awards. Now we are taking it a stage further and saying ‘Just take a look at what’s next’.

“Here’s to the next wave of writers meeting readers, the magic continues.”

The shortlist for this year’s An Post Irish Book Awards will be announced in late October, with the awards ceremony taking place on November 27.