Hillary McCollum read extracts from her forthcoming novel As a Lover at a writing session held at the Linen Hall Library in Belfast. The event took place on a Saturday morning and was facilitated by Fiona O’Rourke.

McCollum presented the material to the audience for the first time. The session included discussion on historical fiction's role in depicting overlooked LGBT history and women's absence from historical records.

Participants addressed challenges of balancing research and writing in historical novels. McCollum described her approach to writing as creative activism, covering topics such as lesbian visibility and violence against women and girls.

She referenced her earlier memoir Funny Peculiar, published under a pseudonym, which covers child sexual abuse during the Troubles. McCollum noted the uncertain impact of such work but encouraged writing regardless.

The event formed part of the Island of Many Voices initiative, supported by the Linen Hall Library.