After Dark: Creepy Characters with Oisín McGann (Ages 10+)

Join award-winning writer and illustrator Oisín McGann for a practical, hands-on workshop exploring how writers and illustrators bring creepy characters to life.

Oisín will talk about how he got started writing and illustrating books, demonstrate some basic drawing techniques and share a few tricks of the trade. He will then guide participants through creating their own creepy characters.

For the grand finale, the group will give Oisín ideas and watch as he combines them to draw a completely original monster from scratch. There will also be time to ask questions about writing, illustration, publishing and Oisín’s books.

WORKSHOP PROGRAMME

11.00am - How Oisín became a writer and illustrator

11.15am - Drawing demonstration and tricks of the trade

11.35am - Create and develop your own creepy characters

12.05pm - Invent an original monster with Oisín

12.20pm - Questions

12.30pm - Workshop ends

Times are approximate. Monsters are notoriously unreliable timekeepers!

WHO IS IT FOR?

This workshop is designed primarily for children aged 10 and over. The suggested age is a guide to the level of the workshop; families with children of mixed ages are very welcome and will be accommodated.

No previous writing or drawing experience is needed and all materials are supplied.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Saturday 17th October 2026
11.00am–12.30pm
Chapters Bookstore, Parnell Street, Dublin 1

Admission is free.

Presented in partnership with Dublin City Libraries and Dublin UNESCO City of Literature.

ABOUT OISÍN McGANN

Oisín McGann is an award-winning Irish writer and illustrator whose work spans science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, historical adventure and environmental writing. His books include The First Fire of Halloween, Rat Runners, The Gods and Their Machines and Race the Atlantic Wind.

In 2014, he received the European Science Fiction Society Award for Best Creator of Children’s Science Fiction and Fantasy Books.

This event is supported by the Dublin UNESCO City of Literature Small Grant Scheme.