Saturday 30 December 2017

Cracker Gifts

Looking back, it's been a good writing year. I've submitted stories and poems to publishers and competitions on a regular basis throughout the year, resulting in 150 rejections. The positive side of this is that there have been a few successes. One of my short stories was shortlisted and two were published. One of my poems was longlisted in a UK competition, one was shortlisted in a competition and five were published.

I've continued to receive feedback and encouragement throughout the year from my writing friends in Coney Island and have attended writing workshops in Dublin and Belfast. I was fortunate to receive feedback on my draft novel from Eoin McNamee earlier in the year as part of the Libraries NI creativity month. I was delighted to receive arts and heritage grant funding from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council this year to support me in finalising my novel.

Looking forward into 2018, armed with my 'cracker' cracker gifts of a pencil sharpener and a large paper clip, I'm going to be busy.

 
 In the New Year I'll be reading some of my poems at a couple of local events - more details to follow nearer the time. In 2018 I'll be working on a draft children's story about St David with Sainted Media https://www.saintedmedia.com/

I'll also be continuing to refine my draft novel.

Happy New Writing Year!

Holocaust Memorial Day 2018 event - poems

I'm delighted that two of my poems have been selected for this event in January - 'August' and 'Dancing with Death'

https://www.facebook.com/events/1770360829927145/permalink/1777856935844201/

Wednesday 27 December 2017

The Goats and Gobbin Saor

You can read my retold fairytale 'The Goats and Gobbin Saor' here.

https://fairytalez.com/user-tales/the-goats-and-gobbin-saor/


If you like it, please give it a like, so it can be considered in the latest fairytalez competition.

Thanks

Sunday 3 December 2017

Christmas at Coney


Yesterday morning we held our Coney Christmas celebrations. Proceedings kicked off with coffee and festive muffins - (cranberry and orange :-))



After catching up on news with Maddie, Mairi, Moira, Rhonda and Fionnuala a gobblefunking, grisliping workshop was followed by a delicious Christmas lunch - thanks to Nick and Sophie.

Saturday 18 November 2017

googling

Oh the power of the internet! Sometimes its worth doing a google search. When I did so earlier I discovered I was shortlisted in a writing competition at the beginning of this year and never heard about it! http://www.wordsmag.com/howitwentdec16.html

Sunday 12 November 2017

Remembering and looking forward

What a lovely day I had yesterday in Belfast. In the morning I attended a SCBWI meeting. Over coffee and traybakes/ cakes (ALWAYS required for writers!) it was lovely, along with my writing friend Mairi, to meet and get to know fellow children's writers Vicky, Jill, Jenny, Jacqui, Helen and Kelly.
 
It was so inspiring to hear what they've all written/ are writing and to make plans. I'm looking forward to our next get-together already!
After browsing (and making an obligatory book purchase) it was good to stop off for a relaxing lunch in the Ulster Museum (and a browse and purchase or three in their shop).
It was especially poignant to be there on Armistice Day and see the wonderful falling poppies exhibition currently on display.
 
The afternoon was spent at the launch of Sheena Wilkinson's new book 'Star by Star' in No Alibis bookshop, with yet another purchase...
Complete with star shaped biscuits, this was another inspiring event, where Anna Lo, Siobhan Parkinson and Sheena all spoke and Sheena read an excerpt from her book from 11th November 1918.
And the day only got better as I took the chance to start reading Sheena's new book on the way home on the train.
 


Thursday 2 November 2017

I've had some of my poems included in a new anthology


I'm delighted to have five of my poems included in this new anthology from A New Ulster - The Hidden and The Divine - Female Voices in Ireland

You can read them here - pages 56-61



https://issuu.com/amosgreig/docs/anu_women_s_anthology_2017

Wednesday 25 October 2017

Striking gold!


Woohoo! I heard late yesterday that my story 'Stepping Out' was chosen for the 'Gold' issue of Sixteen magazine . You can read it here.

http://sixteen.ie/stepping-out-morna-sullivan/

Sunday 15 October 2017

shortlisted poet


I was delighted to pick up my certificate from the 5th Bangor Poetry competition on Friday. Thanks to Amy and Paul for organising this great event again this year.

Sunday 8 October 2017

chocanana muffins


Chocanana muffins on a Saturday morning can only mean one thing - writing fuel for Coney writers! It was good to be back at a writing workshop yesterday with Maddie, Rhonda and Fionnuala.  It's always exciting to catch up on our writing news (and other news!). We had a productive discussion around dialogue, while we ate shortbread and muffins. Altogether a fruitful morning - especially when it was rounded off by some retail therapy!

Saturday 30 September 2017

Writing goals

I set myself a number of writing goals for 2017 at the beginning of this year. This week I achieved one of them, but is it really an achievement to celebrate?

I've read in a number of articles, when sending out your best work to publishers, to aim for 100 rejections. The premise is that it's tough getting any writing accepted and in aiming to receive 100 rejections, it's likely that there may be a success or two where work is accepted amidst the rejections.

I've defined a 'rejection' as a letter, compliments slip or email saying 'thanks, but no thanks' or an unsuccessful competition entry, or the absence of any response after what's deemed by the publisher/ agent to be a reasonable time.

This week I hit a century and achieved the goal.

So what does it really mean and what have I learned?

  • It's confirmed it is indeed tough and difficult getting work accepted.
  • It's highlighted to me which publishers and agents actually take the time to read and respond and a few who claim they will - and don't
  • It's confirmed I am indeed persistent and resilient. I'm not getting put off when I see the brown SAE tucked through the letterbox, or the 'with regret' email popping into my inbox. I'm pleased they took the time to respond. If anything, it makes me more determined to keep writing and keep submitting.
  • I've developed a habit of submitting work on a very regular basis.
  • The year is not over yet - there are still three months to keep submitting!
 There have been a few acceptances along the way so far this year - longlisted, shortlisted, published online and in a journal

So all in all it's been a worthwhile goal to achieve - so where is that fizzy pop?????

Monday 28 August 2017

Writing Retreat

It was lovely to be back down in Coney Island again - this time for a bit longer than normal.


It was our Writing Retreat - a relaxing and productive way to spend the bank holiday weekend.



How could you not be inspired to write in such beautiful surroundings?



Even in the cloud and rain it's a beautiful spot.


I'm pleased to say I've progressed a number of pieces I was working on.



It was great getting time to focus on them without the normal distractions of everyday life.


And of course, as always, we needed lots of writing fuel to keep the creative juices flowing!



Thursday 10 August 2017

Fearless Fergus, King of the Castle


Here's a link to one of my children's stories. If you like it, please give it a 'Like' via Facebook - so that its considered in the Fairytalez competition. Hope you enjoy it. Thanks

http://fairytalez.com/user-tales/fearless-fergus-king-of-the-castle/

Friday 4 August 2017

Are we nearly there?

Here's the poem I've had shortlisted in the Fifth Bangor Poetry competition:


“Are we nearly there?”

 “Will you keep me warm?”

“I’m tired. Can you carry me?”

“Where are we now?”

“Can I have something to eat?”

 
These are the easy ones,

The questions he can answer.

They become more difficult each day

As each step gets harder.

 
“But why did we leave?”

“Where is our car?”

“Why can’t we use it?”

“Where are we going?”

 
Silently he plods on

Exhausted and unable to give her

Answers to the incessant questions

He’s asking in his head too.

 
“When will we be going home?”

“Where are all my friends?”

“Why is it so cold here?”

“Are we nearly there?”

 
He wishes he knew.

It breaks his heart

He feels he has failed her

He prays it will be better.

“Why is everything so different?”

“Why does no one like us?”

“Why is there no food?”

“Why don’t you know Dad?”

 
His answers are more questions.

“Why? Why? Why? Why? Why?”

 

 

Tuesday 1 August 2017

shortlisted!

I've just heard tonight that one of my poems, 'Are We Nearly There?' has been shortlisted in the 5th Bangor Poetry competition, which is part of the Aspects Festival. I'm delighted! :-) The poem will be on display in The Blackberry Path Studio, Bangor in a few weeks' time and you'll be able to come along, read it and vote for it!

http://aspectsfestival.com/

Sunday 2 July 2017

Back at the beach

 
It was lovely being back down at Coney Island yesterday - lovely to see Fionnuala, Mairi, Rhonda and Maddie.



It was good to get stuck into some writing, as well as catching up with everyone over coffee and muffins.
 
 
After writing, we enjoyed taking a break and strolling on the beach. Bring on a summer of writing and beaches!
 
 
 
 

Wednesday 28 June 2017

Goodbye Mr Bond

I was so sorry to hear of Michael Bond's death today. I loved reading all the Paddington books as a child. Michael Bond brought Paddington to life - creating a larger than life character. I loved the books so much I actually believed (as a child) that Paddington was real - so much so I hoped I would bump into him at London's Edgware Road market on my first visit to London aged 8.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-36428937

Sunday 4 June 2017

Beachcombing

It was lovely being back down at Coney Island yesterday morning with Maddie, Rhonda, Cathryn and Moira.




After the obligatory muffins and coffee, catching up and chatting, we considered working titles.




Then for further inspiration we strolled on the beach in the sunshine, discovering what the tide had brought in.




The dogs joined in the foraging adventure.



The prize has to go to Moira for finding an old lobster pot, though Coley was determined to take part, finding a few sticks, a Mr Sheen canister and an old golf ball.





There's never a dull moment in Coney :-)

Sunday 28 May 2017

When will you write a proper book?

I had a great day out at 'When are you going to write a proper picture book' in Dun Laoghaire library yesterday. There were a range of great speakers and lots of food for thought.


What comes first - the Words or Pictures? - Sarah Webb in discussion with writers and illustrators, Chris Judge, Michael Emberley and Mary Murphy.



 Is it me you're looking for - Aoife Murray(CBI), Deirdre McDermott (Walker Books), Emma Byrne (O'Brien Press), Tadhg MacDhonnagain (Futa Fata), Mags Suggs (Illustration Ireland).



 
 
Marie Louise Fitzpatrick talking about picture books and 'Owl, Bat, Bat, Owl'
 
Having a break

Writing pals
 
 
Now to get on with it!

Friday 26 May 2017

Thursday 25 May 2017

Think about what you can do...

I had the privilege yesterday of hearing Giles Duley speak about 'The Power of a Story'. He told his own story in a moving, sometimes humourous and inspiring way. It is an amazing journey of how he has overcome horrific injuries sustained when stepping on an IED in Afghanistan and returned to the work he loves - telling the stories of war we need to hear and see through his camera lens.

It was a real inspiration and truly humbling to listen to him. This man is amazing!

"Don't think about what you can't do, think about what you can do"


https://www.ted.com/talks/giles_duley_when_a_reporter_becomes_the_story


http://www.gilesduley.com/


Tuesday 23 May 2017

Haggis is back!

I'm delighted to say that this young chap will be back with another adventure very soon.  You will be able to read 'Haggis Gets Stuck in' when it is published in 'The Launchpad'. Keep in touch for further information....

Sunday 7 May 2017

Ingredients for a perfect Saturday morning

Yesterday morning I was back down at Coney Island for a writing workshop. The sun shone on the beach (as it has all this glorious weekend!) as we shared our writing news and did a few editing exercises.


Thanks to Yvonne for the lovely photo of Maddie's new mug - we obviously needed to stop for a break or two to refuel with tea, coffee and chocanana muffins. Friends, writing, sunshine, coffee and home-baked muffins - the perfect ingredients for a perfect Saturday morning.

Wednesday 26 April 2017

Some fun in the sun


What about some fun in the sun....a short story as summer approaches....

https://winetourismspain.com/

Fiesta

“Have they finished?”

Clem and Satsu watched from their yellow rocket in the Parque Sierra de Cebollera for the third day.

“No”.

“Can we get out? They look friendly and happy.”

“Maybe if we had what they’re having we’ll be happy too.”

The evening sun warmed the visitors as they stepped out of their spacecraft into the fiesta of San Mateo. As they hopped into the plaza, two locals beckoned to the strangers to sit outside a café.

“Ola”.

Clem and Satsu hopped on to the metal seats.

Pedro brought two wine glasses and a white bowl overflowing with shiny green olives.

“Por favour”. He filled their glasses from a carafe of Rioja and raised his own glass to them. The other café customers raised their glasses too.

“Welcome! We’re glad you’ve joined us.”

Clem and Satsu stared at them.

“Drink up!”

“Enjoy!”

“Salud!”

The visitors looked at each other. They picked up their glasses and sniffed the dark, red liquid with their large square orange noses. It was sweet and pleasant. Then they set their glasses back on the table.

“They don’t like our wine?”

“It’s the best in the country!”

Clem and Satsu lifted their glasses again. Once more they sniffed the wine and set the glasses back down.

“What’s wrong with the wine?”

“Nothing! It’s the best we’ve had in years.”

“Maybe they’ve different customs where they live.”

“Maybe they think it’s poisoned.”

“Look, I’m drinking this. It’s very good,” said Pedro. Everyone else raised their glasses, smiled at the visitors and sipped the delicious, ruby wine.

Once more Clem and Satsu lifted their glasses, sniffed and set them down on the table.

The woman at the next table reached over and grabbed some olives. Clem and Satsu copied her, slowly munching the olives. Soon their dish was empty.

“They’re just taking their time.”

The café crowd sipped their wine in the evening sunshine enjoying the San Mateo fiesta. They cheered the brightly coloured children’s parade passing by.

Again, Clem and Satsu lifted their glasses. This time Satsu poured some wine into the dish where the olives had been. He started lapping the wine like a cat lapping milk from a saucer. He stopped, looked up at Clem and clapped. Clem filled the dish from her glass and began to sup the wine from the dish until it was empty. They both clapped, stood up, spun round three times and sat down.

“They like it!”

Pedro brought two clean dishes and filled them with Rioja.

“Salud!”

They were soon empty. Clem and Satsu clapped, stood up, spun round three times and sat down.

“You’re very welcome here,” said Pedro. “We’re delighted you like our wine. We’re honoured you chose to visit our Rioja region and try our wine first. We’ll give you some barrels to take home. We hope you’ll visit us again. We’ve always taken pride that ours is the best wine in Spain, but today you’ve shown us it’s really out of this world!”

Sunday 2 April 2017

chocanana muffins in Coney

Yesterday's chocanana muffins featured an extra banana to give Coney writers an extra boost! The sun shone on us at Coney Island when we returned yesterday morning to meet up, catch up, make writing plans and write.




Coffee and biscuits and chocanana muffins helped us focus on editing some of our work. It's always so much easier to edit someone else's work than your own, but practice helps.

Thursday 30 March 2017

Real writing

I had the pleasure of spending an hour with local writer Eoin McNamee this afternoon at Belfast Central Library. This was organised as part of Creativity Month. Eoin is one of Libraries NI's writers in residence and I was very lucky to get a slot at his writing clinic. He's written a number of novels, including a trilogy based around the local Curran family.


He had taken the time to review a piece I'm currently working on and was very encouraging and supportive. He gave me some good tips to think about how I can improve this piece. Now I just need to get on with it!

Thursday 9 March 2017

Creativity Month - writers in residence

It's that time of the year again - Creativity month

http://www.librariesni.org.uk/creativitymonth2017/Pages/Writers-in-Residence.aspx?src=WIR-CM2017

Tonight I was at a reading in Belfast Central Library given by Eoin McNamee as part of Creativity Month. It was fascinating listening to him talking about the inspiration for a number of his novels - local murders and the Curran family.

Saturday 4 March 2017

Fuel for Writers

We can't write on empty stomachs, hence the need for pear and ginger muffins, shortbread and chocolate ginger biscuits in Coney Island this morning to fuel our writing. It was good being back down at gorgeous Coney, even if a little windswept and damp today. It was good to be back with fellow writers Mairi, Rhonda, Moira and Maddie to exchange recent writing experiences, share our news and also hear some of the group's new writing.