S6E14: John Kearns – Relentless Writer
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
John Kearns Publications
- Boann and the Well of Wisdom: Irish Tour Fundraiser
- Website
John Kearns Books (Amazon)
00:00 - Introduction
03:27 - First Writer Moment
05:41 - Philadelphia Irish Identity
07:45 - Deeper Irish Origins
10:42 - Irish Literary Influences
12:46 - Moving To And Teaching in New York City
15:02 - Irish American Writers and Artists
19:40 - Crafting a Literary Life in NYC
24:49 - Literary Journals
26:43 - Worlds: A Story of Four Generations
40:15 - Reading: Portal
42:34 - Boann and the Well of Wisdom - An Evolving Work
47:26 - Boann: Land vs Water
49:49 - Boann: The White Cow Pub
51:15 - Boann: From Words to Stage
53:25 - Boann: Bringing the Play to Ireland
56:35 - Seamus Plug
57:57 - John and Martin Recap
59:10 - Credits
Author
John Kearns is the author of the short-story collection, Dreams and Dull Realities and the novel, The World and playwright of dramas including Sons of Molly Maguire, In a Bucket of Blood, and In the Wilderness. His play, Boann and the Well of Wisdom, won the award for Best Play in Origin Theatre’s 17th annual 1st Irish Theatre Festival in 2024. His novel, Worlds, was a finalist in the 2018 William Faulkner Creative Writing Competition and the 2002 New Century Writers’ Awards. John’s fiction has appeared in The Medulla Review and Danse Macabre. His poems have been published in the North American Review and the Grey Sparrow Journal. His screenplays have won awards in Madrid, Rome, and Los Angeles. John was the Treasurer/Salon Producer for Irish American Writers and Artists for 8 years. He has a Masters Degree in Irish Literature from the Catholic University of America.
