I'm coming to the end of my time as Writer in Residence at Centre Culturel Irlandais here in Paris. It's been amazing to have a full month to concentrate on my writing. The residencies are advertised every year, and are open to artists of all kinds. I would urge anyone who can, to consider applying. I began writing when my children were young so I understand not everyone can take a month from their life (or jobs) to write, I had to wait a few years (more than a few) to be in the position myself, but am so grateful to the centre, for this time.
I've finished a draft of my manuscript, The Writer's House, and find myself finally free to work on some stories that have waited a long time for an ending - my poor characters! For whatever reason, probably many, my progress with this latest book has been slow but its at The End, or around the corner from it. I was talking to another writer in the kitchen this morning about these kind of challenges - and its often, I think, not that we need to work harder, but that we need to find the joy. I've learnt the hard way, that more hours, more discipline does not always bring a work to fruition, instead its taking the time to find the joy, the zing, the pulse in the writing - and in life, again. It happens off the page.
This year is the 700 anniversary of the Sorcery Trial of Alice Kyteler. The novel is based on the fate of Petronelle de Midia, and Irelands first 'witch' trial. Due to huge interest from the US, much likely due to the fact that so many people have connections to Kilkenny and Ireland, I've published Her Kind for US readers, its available in e-book, paperback and hardback (which makes a beautiful gift book). The Irish editions are also in bookshops there. As there were so many requests recently, I also hope to have an audiobook for Her Kind available in the New Year.
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| Library Centre Culturel Irlandais |
This Thursday, on Samhain, at 7 pm, I'll be reading from Her Kind in a candle lit library full of ancient books here in the Centre Culturel Irlandais. If anyone reading this is in Paris, we'd love to see you at there, after that I'll be flying home to Ireland, my family and collie, and all those other stories...
LINKS...
HER KIND...
More news coming, fingers crossed, after Halloween - but in the meantime, if you have enjoyed Her Kind, even the briefest of reviews make the world of difference!
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