The Power of the Prompt
Lara O'Brien
The Power of the Prompt. Growing a Writing Community – How a little scribble goes a long way.
The Power of the Prompt is the story of an Irish writing workshop. The events are set in the kitchen of a small cottage in a fishing village on the northside of Dublin. With views overlooking Howth Harbour, we see the seasons change as the writers develop their writing craft, friendship and unlimited possibilities.
Facilitator Lara O’Brien narrates the story of how weekly workshops with groups of people interested in writing evolved from prompt exercises to literary performances in front of community gatherings called Hooks and Reels.
The four parts of this book are supplemented by the writers’ stories, from micro memoir pieces to polished stories delivered to packed audiences demanding more. The story, and the stories told, will have you cheering for the emerging and nervous writers and wanting to explore the writer within.
€18.99
Seller Bio
Sold by: Lara O'Brien
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lara O’Brien became a writing facilitator on Martha’s Vineyard in 2017, she returned to her native Ireland in 2019 and is the founder of Howth Writing Workshops and Retreats, a community group she started at her kitchen table. From this small setting, Howth Writing workshops has grown to include writing retreats in Martha’s Vineyard, New York, Maine, and the mountains of Cadiz, Spain, where she co-hosts writing and yoga retreats at Suryalila.
Passionate about stories, music and community, in 2023 Lara combined that passion with Hooks & Reels – evenings of story and song – where local musicians and writers showcase their work for the community. Hooks & Reels has grown to be a regular and popular fixture on the Howth Community Calendar and continues to inspire the work of many upcoming artists, writers and musicians.
In 2025 Trinity College Dublin invited Lara to create and present Storytelling for Cultural Communications and Innovation, at their Business School.
She facilitates youth summits on writing and leadership, songwriting and literary events and workshops for youth groups. Lara is an AsIAm champion supporting the autism community.
She championed the restoration of the historical Howth Eire 6 sign, which was officially launched by President Michael D. Higgins. Lara is the convener of the Eire 6 Restoration Group, and Howth Community and Arts Group.
Lara divides family life between Howth, Dublin and Vinalhaven, Maine. When not writing, she is found hiking trails, toe-tapping at music sessions, or relaxing with her husband, children and friends.
For information on any of Lara’s workshops and retreats in Howth, Cadiz, Spain, and Vinalhaven, Maine, go to https://www.laraobrien.com.
For upcoming Hooks & Reels, go to https://www.hooksandreels.com or @hooksandreels on Instagram.
To book a workshop for a private group or library presentation on The Power of the Prompt, contact Lara O’Brien at laraobrienbooks@gmail.com, on Instagram at @laraobrienbooks, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/laraobrienbooks/Reviews (16)
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Mr John Quinn (verified owner) –
Inspirational. Full of beautiful,funny,sad,human stories with real emotions.
A compassionate guide to writing for everyone with a story,and a lovely guide to overcoming that inner critic.
HELEN SEYMOUR –
If you’ve quietly ever wanted to write, but have not been sure where to start, then this is the perfect place. Everyone has a story. Everyone has something they want to say. And this book is the perfect place to help you get your words, your thoughts, your feelings… down on the page. It can be scary taking that first step but there is nobody better than Lara O’Brien to guide you. Whether it’s through simply reading “The Power of the Prompt” and using it as your very first writers workbook, or joining one of her writers groups, either online or in person at one of her writers retreats you are in safe and steady hands. Lara is a kind, wise and nourishing mentor… exactly the kind a new or emerging writer needs.
Dana McGlue –
A wonderful, easy and delightful read. Both uplifting and deep. A reminder that all of us have a story and Lara has found a beautiful way to extract some of these stories. Even if you don’t want to write, everyone loves to hear a good story and the sense of community created around it. Treat yourself to this book, you won’t regret it.
Siobhán Moore –
This is a book not just about writing craft but about the power of writing to build and nurture a community. The stories in it will make you laugh and cry and laugh again. You’ll be inspired to take up a pen and start writing your own stories, share with your writing group and maybe with your wider community. It’s a little bit of magic. Use this book as a guide and inspiration to invest in your own creativity and see what happens!
Amanda Watson –
This is such a lovely book. I read it, loved it and now it sits by my chair and I dip into it now and again and read the fabulous short stories written by the writers in this amazing writing community. The author shows how writing, culture and community can come together and how the Power of the Prompt will inspire you to pick up a pen and write even if you never thought you could.