S6E14: John Kearns – Relentless Writer

Irish Stew Podcast

Irish Stew delves into the rich world of Irish American literature through the eyes and pen of guest John Kearns, a New Yorker by way of Philadelphia and a relentless storyteller in short stories, novels, plays, poetry, screenwriting, and song.
Our conversation explores John’s creative processes, the importance of maintaining cultural roots, the differences between Irish American identities in Philadelphia and New York, and his long run as the curator of the monthly Irish American Writers & Artists Salon. From an early age, he’s always been writing, inspired by his family story, cultural heritage, and his deep connection to Irish literature.
He shares the creative process behind his novels The World and Worlds and his play Boann and the Well of Wisdom, a poetic drama inspired by Boann, the Irish goddess of poetry who created the River Boyne. John talks about the challenges bringing Boann from script to stage and his satisfaction at seeing it take top honors at the recent Origin Theatre 1st Irish Festival.
And John’s taking Boann and the Well of Wisdom on the road, to Ireland. Catch it if you can!
Links
John Kearns Social Media

• Facebook
• Twitter

John Kearns Publications

• Boann and the Well of Wisdom: Irish Tour Fundraiser
• Website
• Facebook

John Kearns Books (Amazon)

• The World
• Dreams and Dull Realities
• Worlds

Hoofdstukken

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. First Writer Moment (00:03:27)

3. Philadelphia Irish Identity (00:05:41)

4. Deeper Irish Origins (00:07:45)

5. Irish Literary Influences (00:10:42)

6. Moving To And Teaching in New York City (00:12:46)

7. Irish American Writers and Artists (00:15:02)

8. Crafting a Literary Life in NYC (00:19:40)

9. Literary Journals (00:24:49)

10. Worlds: A Story of Four Generations (00:26:43)

11. Reading: Portal (00:40:15)

12. Boann and the Well of Wisdom - An Evolving Work (00:42:34)

13. Boann: Land vs Water (00:47:26)

14. Boann: The White Cow Pub (00:49:49)

15. Boann: From Words to Stage (00:51:15)

16. Boann: Bringing the Play to Ireland (00:53:25)

17. Seamus Plug (00:56:35)

18. John and Martin Recap (00:57:57)

19. Credits (00:59:10)