Blog. August 2013. First visit o Annamaghkerrig

August 2013

I have just returned from my first ever week in the Tyrone Gutherie Centre, Annamaghkerrig. I had aimed to write 40,000 words of my latest ghostwriting project, and managed 30,000 so I'm pleased enough.

What a magic place! I've been pampered, fed (far too) well, and met the most eclectic, interesting group of artists, writers, playwrighs, composers, poets, directors and musicans you could ever imagine. The house was postively heaving with talent.

Enjoyed lots of runs through the forests, after dinner walks, and today, a swim in the lake. Now it's back to reality!

Many thanks to the estate of Tyrone Guthrie, and to the Arts Council for fostering Irish creativity so nicely. Not to mention the amazing team, headed by Robbie and Mary who strive to keep all the inmates happy and productive.

Blog. August 2013

I have just returned from my first ever week in the Tyrone Gutherie Centre, Annamaghkerrig. I had aimed to write 40,000 words of my latest ghostwriting project, and managed 30,000 so I'm pleased enough.

What a magic place! I've been pampered, fed (far too) well, and met the most eclectic, interesting group of artists, writers, playwrighs, composers, poets, directors and musicans you could ever imagine. The house was postively heaving with talent.

Enjoyed lots of runs through the forests, after dinner walks, and today, a swim in the lake. Now it's back to reality!

Many thanks to the estate of Tyrone Guthrie, and to the Arts Council for fostering Irish creativity so nicely. Not to mention the amazing team, headed by Robbie and Mary who strive to keep all the inmates happy and productive.

News February, 2013

FEBRUARY 2013
I've just read an amazing debut. The Universe versus Alex Woods. It's by Gavin Extence, and is so good, I wonder whether anything better will appear this year.

Which reminds me; I never listed my 'best books' for 2012.

Top of the list was John Banville's Ancient Light, which I read back in January 2012. Banville displayed his usual literary brilliance, but combined this with readability. I read it, overnight, in Stanstead Airport. I just loved it.

Best women's fiction was Me Before You by JoJo Moyes- another book to come out in January, that was never surpassed. Best commericial Irishwoman was Ciara Geraghty with Lifesaving for Beginners. Best short stories was the exciting debut collection from Mary Costello, The China Factory. And a fifth book I simply adored was another debut; Tell the Wolves I'm Home by Carol Rifka Brunt.

That's my top 5. But there were many other amazing books last year. In One Person by John Irving was one; Alone in the Classroom by Elizabeth Hay another. If 2013 proves even half as good a year, we're in for many treats.

November 2012 News.

My highlight for November has to have been the night of the Bord Gais Energy Irish Book Awards. I always love it – because it’s bliss having so many wonderful authors and book people in one room, but this year was extra special because of the quality of the Newcomers shortlisted for the award.

All were brilliant. All different. And, of course, I’d interviewed then all for my column, BEGINNER’S PLUCK – published each week in The Irish Examiner. There was just one problem. I wanted them all to win!

Many congratulations to Donal Ryan who did win, with his wonderful literary debut, The Spinning Heart. (Which went on to win the overall title as Irish Book of the Year.)

Donal with his wife, after the awards.


But also well done for producing such amazing work, to Selina Guinness, Rosemary McLaughlin, Maeve Higgins, Kathleen McMahon, and last, but in no way least, the wonderful short story writer Mary Costello. It’s been wonderful meeting them all, and I guarantee we will be hearing more from all of them.

There was a moving tribute to Maeve Binchy, whose posthumous novel scooped the best commercial fiction award. And, for the icing on the cake – there were also wins for Eoin Colfer – who made the wittiest speech of the night, and John Banville, who has, indeed, written the best Irish novel of the year.

Wicklow did well too! My close neighbour, Catherine Fulvio won the cookery book category, and Hilary Hamilton, proprietor of the wonderful Bridge Street Books in Wicklow Town, was voted the Best Bookshop in Ireland.

Hilary Hamilton, with publisher, Michael O'Brien.



And finally, the most wonderful writer of all, Jennifer Johnston, was the deserving winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award. What a night!