by Writing Workshops Staff
A week ago
When Lauren Parker joined our Dublin writing workshop in May 2025, she brought with her a unique blend of wit, honesty, and enchantment that would soon captivate readers everywhere. Working alongside editor and novelist Christine Pride in the heart of literary Dublin, Lauren found the community and feedback that would help elevate her craft to new heights.
A Very Educated Liar with a Purpose
Lauren Parker describes herself as "a fourth-generation female breadwinner descended from male charlatans, and thus has grown up to become a very educated liar." This playful self-description hints at the distinctive voice that runs through all her work—one that seamlessly weaves together class consciousness, queer identity, and the mystical.
Her latest achievement speaks volumes about her talent and dedication: Spells for Success, a deck of witchcraft published by Simon & Schuster. This isn't just any publishing milestone—it's a major house release that showcases Lauren's ability to make the esoteric accessible and meaningful.
The Village It Takes to Write
What struck Lauren most during her time in our Dublin workshop was a powerful realization about the nature of writing itself. "The workshop reminded me that writing feels very isolating," she reflects, "but really works best when surrounded by people who can see how hard you're trying and help you brainstorm your work to a better place. It takes a village."
This insight proved transformative. Working in the intimate setting of our Dublin program—where each workshop is limited to just 10 participants—Lauren experienced firsthand what many of our alumni discover: that meaningful feedback and genuine community can elevate your writing in ways that solitary effort simply cannot.
Learning from a Publishing Pro
One of the highlights of Lauren's Dublin experience was working with Christine Pride, whose segment on the publishing industry provided invaluable insights. "Christine Pride's segment on the publishing industry was really insightful into the thought process of an editor," Lauren notes. This behind-the-scenes perspective proved crucial as Lauren navigated her own path to publication.
The technical craft lessons were equally important. Lauren gained a deeper understanding of narrative time, learning that "how timing works in the head of a writer doesn't translate as easily to the page and it's important to consider passage of time and pacing." This attention to craft shows in her polished final work.
Focus on the Craft, Not the Generation
What Lauren appreciated most about our Dublin workshop was its emphasis on refinement over raw creation. "I liked that critique was the focus of the workshops and not generative work," she explains. "Since so many of us are there to be around other writers and get feedback, we were able to focus on leveling up our work rather than just getting words down."
This approach aligns perfectly with our Dublin program's philosophy. As we state on our program page, "We take your writing seriously and place the highest importance on teaching the craft of writing so that students can produce meaningful and memorable work that has the opportunity to find a readership beyond the workshop."
Where Class, Queerness, and Magic Meet
Lauren's work operates at a fascinating intersection—exploring class, queerness, and the occult with equal parts intelligence and accessibility. Her previous publications include the poetry collection We Are Now the Thing in the Woods (Bottlecap Press, 2023) and the forthcoming Dark Way Down (Animal Heart Press, 2025). Her writing has appeared in prestigious venues including The Toast, Strange Horizons, The Racket, Xtra Magazine, Catapult, and Autostraddle.
Currently, she's working on what she describes as "a micro creative nonfiction collection about losing my father as a war casualty and navigating the Veteran Affairs system while watching a parent die"—a project that demonstrates her commitment to pushing "the frustrations of common life to reflect on its uncommon beauty."
Beyond the Workshop: Building Community
Lauren's commitment to community extends beyond her own writing. She maintains an active newsletter, Do You Want to Do Some Witchcraft? and can be found across social media platforms engaging with readers and fellow writers. You can follow her journey on Instagram, TikTok, and Threads.
Her author website, laureneparker.com, showcases the full breadth of her work as a writer, zine maker, and visual artist.
The Magic of Dublin and Community
Lauren's success story exemplifies what makes our Dublin workshop special. Set in the heart of literary Dublin, our program offers the perfect blend of rigorous craft instruction, intimate community, and inspiring surroundings. From literary pub crawls to one-on-one conferences with industry professionals, every element is designed to help writers like Lauren take their work to the next level.
As Lauren discovered, sometimes the most powerful spell for success is simply finding your tribe—writers who understand your vision and can help you refine it into something truly magical.
Interested in following in Lauren's footsteps? Our Dublin workshop returns in 2026. Join our mailing list to be the first to know when applications open.
Want to explore Lauren's magical world? Pick up Spells for Success and subscribe to her newsletter "Do You Want to Do Some Witchcraft?"
