Category: Writing Life

Contemplation, Writers Read, Writing Life

On Reading to let writing simmer

I’ve had the fortune of working with some wonderful writers and mentors over the last week or two at The Irish Writers Centre in Dublin. I’m now at the stage where my writing needs to simmer. Writing with feedback. Writing that needs editing. Writing that needs re-writing. It’s always good to have a few projects on the go. Part of this process – for me – is to dive into reading. A few of the books that I’ll be immersing myself in over the next few weeks are pictured below:

  • Fishamble Firsts: An Anthology of First Plays by New Playwrights edited by Jim Culleton (New Island)
  • Good Behaviour by Molly Keane (Virago)
  • This Plague of Souls by Mike McCormack (Tramp Press)
  • The Inheritance by Cauvery Madhavan (Hope Road)
  • A Good Enough Mother by Catherine Dunne (Betimes Books)
Collaboration, Writing Life, Writing News

Tearing Stripes off Zebras: Review

Cover of anthology Tearing Stripes off Zebras Edited by Nessa O’Mahony featuring a painting of a domestic scene, tiled floor and an open door.

How wonderful to find a review in the Irish Times (6th April) of the Arlen House Anthology Tearing Stripes off Zebras edited by Nessa O’Mahony. The review highlights the quality and variety of the work, and I’m delighted to have a short story in it. The anthology is dedicated to the memory of Eavan Boland.

Book launch, Writing Life, Writing News

Strokestown International Poetry Festival: Launch and Reading

Cover of Washing Windows IV featuring artwork showing a woman by a lake reaching up to a tree surrounded by wild flowers, daffodils, and reeds

Washing Windows IV: Irish Women Write Poetry will be launched with readings by contributors on Saturday May 4th at the brilliant Strokestown International Poetry Festival.

Thanks to editors Alan Hayes and Nuala O’Connor for including my poem “I Left My Womb In Napoli” in Washing Windows IV: Irish Women Write Poetry.

The festival has a wonderful programme of events including readings by Rita Ann Higgins, Celia de Fréine and a poetry workshop with Jane Clarke. See the Strokestown International Poetry Festival Programme of Events for booking details.