Method Writing Ireland
Proven Writing Techniques developed by Jack Grapes, now taught in Ireland
Stop struggling with what to write - and how to write it
Method Writing classes offer a practical system that helps writers like you:
• generate material consistently
• write in your own voice (not like your heroes or AI)
• bring depth, energy, and clarity to your work
Common Problems this Class Solves
Writer's Block, or not knowing where to start
Learn the 'Ralph's Chicken' approach - a way of generating material from what matters to you, without second-guessing or relying on prompts.
Writing feels forced, or emotions are not landing
Use 'Write Like You Talk' and the 'Transformation Line Massage' to strip away self-conscious writing, uncover what makes your voice distinctive, and dig into the core emotion of a moment.
You have a style - but it feels restricted or repetitive
Discover how your written voice actually works (there are several voices available to you). Use 'Tonal Dynamics' to shift voice, rhyth, and intensity to create contrast and impact on the page.
Screenwriters: your treatments are dry to read
Understand the difference between Head Voice, Reporting Voice, and Deep Voice and how to bring emotion into your language without losing clarity.
Your descriptions slow everything down
Learn the 'Image Moment' technique - placing description where it builds tension, not where it stalls momentum.
Your writing never leaves the drawer
Share work every week, get meaningful feedback, and publish a piece in an international print journal.
Developed in Los Angeles, Method Writing has helped thousands of writers of all levels since 1980
This is how the method is applied in practice:
You'll generate new material every week
You'll apply specific techniques to your work
You'll get feedback that helps you see what's actually resonating with your peers
Classes in Ireland are led by authorised Method Writing teacher Adam Cullen
What is Method Writing?
Method Writing is a 'words-first' system of specific, actionable techniques that help you generate material and communicate it in your unique, authentic voice. It has evolved over the last four decades into a robust, flexible system and the core text, Method Writing, is now in its 11th edition.
Method Writing is process-oriented rather than product-oriented. We focus on how you write more than what you write. You will generate new material each week, but the focus is on developing skills that sustain and deepen a writing practice over time.
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.
'Method Writing will make you a better writer, and that's the point.' - Helen Hunt
'Method Writing... breaks down writing into bite-sized chunks that are actually fun and easy, an incredible series of short-cuts that lead you down a wonderful path of your own making.' - Hank Azaria
'Method Writing is a brilliant lesson in staying true to one's voice, and the core of the teaching has made me passionate about acting as well.' - Laura Dern
Develop your authentic voice as a writer.
Join a small-group, 7-week course with weekly assignments, and get a piece published in the international print journal, Method Writers Speak
The course is led by Adam Cullen, a professional screenwriter for over ten years and authorised Method Writing teacher.
Core textbooks expounding on the Method Writing system
Who is Method Writing for?
• Novelists
• Short story writers
• Memoirists
• Songwriters
• Poets
• Playwrights
• Screenwriters
• Actors
• Short story writers
• Memoirists
• Songwriters
• Poets
• 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.
The techniques apply across forms and often reveal new strengths, regardless of the type of writing you do.
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.
If There is a Book, What does the Class offer?
Improvement demands putting the work into action, not just reading about it. If you want to get the most out of the method, here's how we do it:
Deliberate Practice
Deliberate practice requires the following three steps:
• Understanding what you're trying to do and why
• Focused practice applying a specific, isolated technique to a task
• 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.
Volume two of Method Writers Speak, a journal that prioritises the work of Method Writing students
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
Participants applying some Method Writing techniques at a Spoken Word workshop offered by Adam in October (hence the pumpkins)
Each week you’ll be assigned some reading and a writing exercise. You might do the exercise just once, but you are encouraged 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 writing.
The atmosphere is warm and supportive, and it’s a great place to get experience reading in front of people, if you’re not used to that.
Feedback focuses on:
• how the technique was applied/understood
• what resonates with the group
• connections or patterns the writer may not have noticed
• what resonates with the group
• connections or patterns the writer may not have noticed
Classes are conducted in English, and the Method Writers Speak journal is an English-language publication.
When and Where are Classes Held?
Classes will run in small groups once 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.
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. 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
Adam performing spoken word
Adam Cullen is a professional writer based in Ireland and an authorised Method Writing teacher.
He has over ten years’ experience writing for screen, with work produced and broadcast internationally. His credits include projects such as Joy Eternal, Oddbods and Republic of Telly, and he is the winner of the Kildare Film Fund for his animated short, Talker.
Alongside his writing practice, he has worked as a story consultant and studied story structure extensively with cutting-edge teachers in the field.
His background also includes a PhD in classical music composition, as well as experience in live performance as a stand-up comedian, spoken word artist, and singer-songwriter.
He regularly applies Method Writing techniques in his own work across prose, screenwriting, and songwriting.
Adam has worked with:
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
Pricing
Method Writing courses in LA typically cost around €500 for seven weeks (book not included).
Classes in Ireland will be priced lower, likely in the €400–€440 range, depending on venue and format.
Final details will be confirmed once dates and venues are set.
Interested in Joining?
Leave your details. No pressure, just a way to hear when the next group is forming.