H. B. O'Neill
H. B. O’Neill is a London born, Irish heritage writer and performer, inspired by the city and its myriad opportunity for comedy, pain, drama and adventure. Graduate of MA Creative Writing at Birkbeck, University of London, twice winner of the Pen to Print short story competition, a columnist with Write On! Magazine, shortlisted for the Blue Cat Fellini screen writing award, poetry contributor to Rory Pilgrim’s Rafts (shortlisted for the Turner prize 2024) and author of the novel, According to Mark.
Work & Appearances
Books
According to Mark
Robert is unravelling. Following a devastating break-up, he finds himself distraught, desperate and increasingly confused. When his literary hero Mark Twain begins to communicate with him, Robert initially takes solace in Twain’s innate wisdom—but the advice soon becomes dangerous.
Published by Fahrenheit Press, 2 February 2024. 416 pages. ISBN 978-1914475672.
Book details and buying linksArticles
H. B. O’Neill writes the Local Flavour column in Write On! Quarterly magazine. Read Write On!
Events and Workshops
- Rafts at the Serpentine Gallery — November 2022. H. B. O’Neill appears at 1:40 in the highlights video. Watch and learn more.
- Pen to Print: Libraries Connected 30th Birthday Garden Party — performance, summer 2026.
- World Cup creative writing workshops — August 2026.
Pineapple Chance
James Andrew McArthur—Jimmy Mack—is a gentleman thief with a strict moral code: no violence and no jewellery. When his wife is kidnapped by a gun-wielding Russian, Jimmy must steal a priceless gem to save her life. His one hope of success and revenge is a £2 pineapple.
Pineapple Chance is a prize-winning short play previously produced and performed at Brockley Jack Theatre, South London, and the Broadway Theatre, Barking, East London.
Read an excerptPoetry
Explore H. B. O’Neill’s performances, prize-listed work, pamphlets and collections.