May 12, 2015
New Beginnings
Once again, I got a nice little surprise last week among the mail in school. I received the Spring edition of "New Beginnings" in the post from Sr Anne Neylon, DC and, scanning the magazine, lo and behold, there on page 18 was a great review of "Sweaters and Small Stuff" written by Mary Stewart.
http://www.daughtersofcharity.ie/images/stories/PDF/Newsletters/newbeginningsSpring2015.pdf
As many of you may know, the Daughters of Charity are the trustees of our primary school, St. Louise de Marillac, in Ballyfermot. Though no sister teaches in the school any more, we retain strong links. Sr Anne is a past principal and Sr Phyllis is a past chairperson and both continue to be great supporters of our school community. Sr Claire is a wonderful chairperson of our Board of Management, Sr Cabrini helps greatly in our religious celebrations and Sr Justine is my constant 'go-to' for advice in all administrative and financial matters.
To be honest, I was a bit nervous letting my book out in the world and waiting for the sisters' reactions. I hoped it wouldn't be too risqué or shocking! I needn't have worried. They have all been very positive and I really appreciate the review in their magazine.
Anyone who knows the of work the Daughters of Charity do for the poor and marginalised people of society, both in Ireland and in developing countries, cannot but be impressed by their vision, dedication and charism. Have a read of the magazine and become a supporter.
May 5, 2015
Rhyme and Reason
Does everyone hate the sound of his/her own voice as much as I hate mine? I was invited to do a reading on an arts programme on Dublin South FM a few weeks ago. The programme is called "Rhyme and Reason" and is presented by the poet Helen Dwyer.
I felt the fear and did it anyway. I told myself it was for the greater good of the Kerry Hospice and I tentatively drove to the studio on the top floor in Dundrum Town Centre after school. Helen was very welcoming and put me at my ease and I read three stories in the time alloted. As the programme airs before 7pm, the watershed, I noticed when I listened back that there had to be a couple of 'bleeps' and edits of some of the coarse language that one or two of my characters used!
Let's hope it works as a way to sell a few more books, as I intend to present the cheque to Dr Patricia Sheahan on May 29th next at Listowel Writers' Week. I have been included in the fringe programme to do a reading in Wolfe's Bookshop so I am really looking forward to that.
Have a listen to the podcast of "Rhyme and Reason"on 20th March last ... if you can bear listening to my voice....
https://www.mixcloud.com/RhymeandReason/
