Residency at Cill Rialaig
Many thanks to the Irish Writer’s Centre and the Arts Council for choosing me as one of the seven writers to have a 10 day residency at Cill Rialaig in wildest Kerry in November. I gather…
Wexford Literary Festival
Many thanks to author Carmel Harrington (pictured,) for inviting me to take part in the Reader’s Day at the Wexford Literary Festival this year. I talked about ghostwriting to an amazingly receptive audience, who showed enormous…
Ghostwriting Masterclass in Wexford
Have you ever wondered how ghost-writing works? Do you have a story to tell, but feel that you need some help to write it? Are you a writer who would like to collaborate with someone, and…
Feature Writing at The Irish Writer’s Centre.
For anyone who wants to break into journalism, I’m giving a six week course in Feature Writing at the Irish Writers Centre. We’ll be talking about how to get ideas, how to pitch etc, but concentrating…
Zadie Smith and Nick Laird in Bantry
I’m just back from my eighth visit to the West Cork Literary Festival; and it was one of the best ever. Zadie Smith and Nick Laird were amazing interviewees on Saturday night. Nick had the audience…
Emma Donoghue gets Oscar Nomination
It’s great to see Ireland celebrate Emma Donoghue; who has been nominated for an Oscar for the Screenplay adaptation of her novel, ‘Room.’ f Certain sections of the media were once less than supportive, as my…
The Death of Father Gerry Reynolds.
I was saddened to hear of the death, yesterday, of the great peacemaker, Father Gerry Reynolds. I interviewed him for Reality magazine back in 2009. This article, below, has been quoted, in the BBC amongst other…
Event with Cecelia Ahern
It’s always a pleasure to meet Cecelia Ahern. From the time we first met, after the publication of Ps I Love You, through various other interviews and book events over the years, I have always adored…
Book Launch. Alan Walsh
I love book launches. They’re a great way to celebrate books, meet friends, and chat with like minded people. Then there’s the wine…. We had a memorable night on 5th November, when I did the honours…
Ghostwriting Workshops at Dalkey Creates
Have you always wanted to write a book? Do you want to write your memoir, or tell someone else’s story? Then come along to the Dalkey Creates Festival on 17th and 18th October, where I’ll be…
Whispering Hope Number One Non-Fiction
My latest ghosting, Whispering Hope, telling the true story of five Magdalene Women has gone straight into the bestseller lists at number one in paperback non-fiction in Ireland. it is selling well in England too. Brilliantly…
Launch of Whispering Hope
My latest Ghosting, Whispering Hope was launched in The Mansion House last Friday, 28th May, by MaryLou McDonald, TD. Four of the five Magdalene Survivors attended the launch. They were, (left to right,) Marina Gambold; Nancy Costello:…