Method Writing Ireland
Classes led by Adam Cullen, authorised Method Writing teacher
Develop your unique, authentic voice as a writer
All the structure in the world is for nothing if your voice isn't in the work. Method Writing helps you access that voice from a deep, emotionally-resonant place.
Join a small-group, 7-week course with weekly assignments, and get a piece published in Method Writers Speak.
The course is led by Adam Cullen, a professional screenwriter for over ten years and authorised Method Writing teacher.
What writers say about Adam's teaching:
'You help me see more things than I was aware of in the pieces I write. Your comments are always so perceptive.' — Lindsay, Method Writing Student (LA class)
'Adam, you're such a close listener.' — Suzanne, Method Writing Student (LA class)
'Wow, Adam. You found a bunch of threads. I don't know how you could write it all down or remember it all.' — Jack Grapes, creator of Method Writing
What is Method Writing?
Method Writing helps you access your voice by starting from nothing and following your own words to something true. It is a system devised by Los Angeles poet and teacher, Jack Grapes. He began teaching it in 1980, and it has evolved continuously since then. The core text, Method Writing is now in its 11th edition and I’ve been authorised by Jack Grapes to teach the method in Ireland.
Rather than relying on prompts, Method Writing teaches you techniques that allow you to start with nothing, follow your words to a deeper truth, and surprise yourself with what emerges. In doing so, the writing becomes more engaging for the reader.
Method Writing is process-oriented rather than product-oriented. You will generate new material each week, but the focus is on developing skills that sustain a writing practice over time.
‘… Method Writing will make you a better writer, and that’s the point. It’s not about style, it’s about voice.’ - Helen Hunt
Who is Method Writing for?
- Poets
- Novelists
- Short story writers
- Memoirists
- Songwriters
- Playwrights
- Screenwriters
- Actors
- Novelists
- Short story writers
- Memoirists
- Songwriters
- Playwrights
- Screenwriters
- Actors
Amateurs and experienced writers are equally welcome. Amateurs gain skills and confidence. Experienced writers often find an antidote to burnout and new ways to access their best work.
Generate material that feels authentic to you and connects with readers and listeners.
The techniques apply across forms and often reveal new strengths, regardless of the type of writing you do.
When and Where are Classes Held?
Classes will run in small groups oncce enough interest is gathered.
The Register Your Interest form asks about location, availability, and preference for online or in-person sessions. It takes less than one minute to complete and does not commit you to anything.
The Core Text
There are various levels to the method, but Level One is the most important. It has its own text book, Method Writing: The First Four Concepts, 11th edition.
This book (purchased separately) is required for the class. It typically costs between €35 and €40 depending on the retailer.
You do not need to have finished the book before we start. You will be prompted with chapters to read each week to support your practical work.
Using the text gives you a reference for life, and also frees up class time for sharing and responding to work.
Why the Class if There is Already a Book?
Improvement demands putting the work into action, not just reading about it.
I don't want you to buy a book and leave it unopened - or skim it without rigorously applying the techniques. I want to help you make a lasting change to your writing practice.
If you think we want the same things for your writing, then here's how we do it:
Deliberate Practice
Deliberate practice requires the following three steps:
1. Understanding what you're trying to do and why
2. Focused practice applying a specific, isolated technique to a task
3. Feedback from a teacher on your application of that technique before you try again
The book provides you with step 1 and saves classtime (we don't need to spend the classes in long lectures because you'll have read the material - we can focus on your work, your questions, and go deeper).
The class provides the accountability, scheduling, assignments and feedback of steps 2 and 3.
But that's not all:
Feedback from your peers on what parts of your writing resonate. This can often be very surprising for writers.
Build a community with other writers; they become your lifeblood.
Generate a portfolio of new works.
Students are invited to publish a piece in Method Writers Speak, an international print journal.
There is no charge for this. It's something you earn by doing the work in class and you retain full copyright.
Sample of an issue of Method Writers Speak
How the Course Works
Structure
- 1 class per week for 7 weeks
- 2-3 hours
- 5-10 students
Each Week
- Reading assignment and writing exercises
- Share ~500 words with the class
- Feedback from the group
- Support emails from the teacher
Each week you’ll be assigned some reading and a writing exercise. You might do the exercise just once, but I encourage you to do the exercise multiple times. You’ll get more practice in, find edge cases to discuss in class, and have a better selection of work to choose from when it comes to presenting your work.
The atmosphere is warm and supportive. It’s a great place to practice reading in front of an audience, if you’re not used to that.
Feedback focuses on:
1: how the technique was applied/understood
2: what resonates with the group
3: connections or patterns the writer may not have noticed
2: what resonates with the group
3: connections or patterns the writer may not have noticed
Classes are conducted in English, as the Method Writing journal is an English-language publication.
Location and Community
Classes will be scheduled to suit Irish time zones. For writers based in Ireland, there is an opportunity to build connections locally, something that’s often missing in international online classes. This kind of community allows us to pool resources and address the opportunities and challenges specific to Irish writers.
Having said that, everyone is welcome, you don’t need to be Irish or based in Ireland to participate.
About Adam
I have worked as a professional writer for over ten years, with screenplays produced and broadcast internationally. I studied Method Writing with Jack Grapes for two years and have been authorised to teach the method in Ireland.
I have a broad range of experience in different art forms, which enables me to adapt the method to different disciplines. For instance, I hold a PhD and an MLitt in music. I’ve won two awards as a stand-up comedian. I’ve studied voice with Judith Mok and guitar with Alan Grundy and I regularly use Method Writing techniques in my prose and songwriting.
Pricing
Method Writing courses in LA typically cost around €500 for seven weeks (book not included).
I expect classes in Ireland to be priced lower, likely in the €400–€440 range, depending on venue and format.
Final pricing and special offers will be confirmed once details are set.
Register Your Interest
No commitment. Be the first to hear when classes open.