Brian Franklin Takes Barbadian Storytelling to Ireland Through FCLE

When Brian Franklin first submitted work to the Frank Collymore Literary Endowment (FCLE) in 2012, he could not have imagined that the decision would help set him on a literary journey that, 14 years later, would take him to Ireland.

Brian was named the top awardee at the 28th annual FCLE awards ceremony in January for his fictional piece, “Steal the Fish from the Devil’s Cou-cou.” The work earned him the first-place literary prize of $10,000, along with the Prime Minister’s Award.

Through the FCLE, Brian was also given the opportunity to participate in the Dalkey Book Festival in Ireland, with the goal of moving his award-winning work closer to publication. He described the experience as an enjoyable and meaningful one, marked by exposure to culture, food, and conversations with writers from across the globe.

From June 18 to June 21, Brian took part in workshops, engaged in discussions with authors and explored aspects of Ireland’s history and culture. The festival also gave him a platform to share his story and explain the meaning behind it. He said the response to the Barbadian culture woven into his work was welcoming.

As one of 116 speakers at the festival, Franklin also participated in panel discussions that prompted him to reflect on how his writing journey began.

In an interview following his trip to Ireland, Brian revealed that before placing third in the FCLE in 2013, he had considered giving up on writing. But the endowment helped change that path, as he was invited to master workshops and connected to a wider community of Barbadian writers.

He said the exposure to the community helped shape the story that ultimately won first prize. “I think FCLE has been critical to my growth and my journey so far,” Franklin said. “They’ve done quite a lot to get me into Ireland, to put me in certain spaces.”

The FCLE is part of the Central Bank of Barbados’ cultural outreach. Since its inception in 1997, it has opened doors for Barbadian literary creatives through workshops, expert critiques, exposure and opportunities to carry local stories onto international stages.

Entries for the 29th annual Frank Collymore Literary Endowment Competition open on July 31, with a submission deadline of September 1.