Buy a book to help SALT survive
A long-time favourite publisher of mine, SALT, is in trouble. Good news is, we can all help. SALT makes sure that some of the world’s best poetry and short stories reach our shelves (I have a small selection; Angela Readman, Sue Hubbard and Vincent de Souza ). But being an independent publisher, it’s funding free [...]
My new office
Beautiful isn’t it? As you can see – I’m obsessively tidy and organised. But there are some items I need on my desk: Laptop Notebooks My favourite pen in the world (George Bernard Shaw limited edition Montblanc, complete with violet ink. Every time I use it, it brings me joy) Tea (today, Spiritual tea from [...]
Now writing full time!
It’s time to get this blog up and running again. I had to let it go for a while there as I was juggling way too much – my novel (up to the third draft in eight months), work, learning German, training for a half marathon, writing groups, editing etc. You know how it goes. [...]
Opening night of Dublin Writers Festival
Ian McEwan and Stewart Brand were flawless at the opening night last night. They fused seamlessly while debating a range of topics including nuclear waste, attitudes, opening paragraphs, the inspiration behind writing, futurology, genetics, cultural pessimism vs. scientific optimism and the role of literature in scientific affairs. I also got chance to say hi to [...]
Dublin Writers Festival Blog now live
The Dublin Writers Festival blog is now officially live. Stop by for introductions to the poets, authors and songwriters, plus ticket offers and the latest festival news. I´ll also be covering each event once the festival kicks off on June 1st. I´m loving the diversity of thie year´s programme and can´t wait for it to [...]
Official blogger for the 2010 Dublin Writers Festival
The year has moved so quickly, I´m amazed that it´s time for the Dublin Writers Festival to return. I´ll be writing the festival blog again this year, bringing you the latest news, introducing the authors, giving away tickets and reviewing the events. I´m pleased to see that this year´s festival has introduced an Irish language [...]
Poem “Redundant” in Open Wide Magazine
It´s a nice surprise when you think a poem has been lost forever, and it turns up again. Even better when you reread it and realise – hey, that´s good. I like it! Although writers always send out their best work when submitting, there is a danger that when you reread it later in your [...]
Interview with Laura Cassidy
Writing requires dedication, passion, skill and sheer hard work. Laura Cassidy, a young Irish author who recently secured a book deal with Puffin Ireland, radiates all these qualities. An inspiring and talented individual, Laura generously made time for an interview between rewrites and meetings with her editor… Tell us about your journey to becoming a [...]
A space to write and the difficult task of letting go!
Every writer needs the perfect space to write; a place where it’s easy for the words to flow and the mind to relax. Every workspace is different, cultivated by the writer to match their way of working. I’ve seen it all, from cluttered dining tables and pristine desks to a fold-up table in a garden [...]
Building a Writing Profile Part 3 – Social Networking
Social networking is all about marketing yourself properly. If it’s done well, it can bring you through unexpected channels to some amazing opportunities. For instance, an agent for a top publishing house contacted me (on Twitter), offering to read my novel when it’s completed. Now, this is mind-blowing stuff, but it’s not uncommon in the [...]