tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71765361620769994662024-03-29T03:29:32.717+00:00Morna WriterMornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.comBlogger378125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-26044963577807179962024-01-24T19:27:00.000+00:002024-01-24T19:27:03.395+00:00Bookish birthday celebrations <p>Over the last few weeks I've been at a couple of bookish birthday celebrations - one for a book and one for a bookshop.</p><div dir="auto" id="line_space">Earlier this month the launch of Kelly McCaughrain's Little Bang was so well attended the venue had to be changed to accommodate everyone. The Cube at the Crescent Arts Centre was packed as everyone gathered to celebrate the launch of Kelly's second YA novel. Kelly doesn't shy away from difficult topics that other writers might not be brave enough or capable of tackling so deftly. </div><div dir="auto" id="line_space"><br /></div><div dir="auto" id="line_space">Astronomical sweetie-filled goody bags went down well on the night. As I made my way through Little Bang I found they also double up as a bookmark. </div><div dir="auto" id="line_space"><br /></div><div dir="auto" id="line_space"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xfbqOW-5lifN5TvlseavNxM3oAL7qNRlzNnTMP2Nrj8Jh10EwrDKPg44BCx0N9bNbTBqtkjGlRR4rZhCzwWNtKnSW98a0fYl2UKF9gueeaYJle8IzEsEE3nVQRcEn2X-MsaXJIYjr5grFjvq3fbM1ftnwO4ec_xp9TIJsbzbWKCwbGpg99u6bfKhYDo/s4128/20240111_103648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xfbqOW-5lifN5TvlseavNxM3oAL7qNRlzNnTMP2Nrj8Jh10EwrDKPg44BCx0N9bNbTBqtkjGlRR4rZhCzwWNtKnSW98a0fYl2UKF9gueeaYJle8IzEsEE3nVQRcEn2X-MsaXJIYjr5grFjvq3fbM1ftnwO4ec_xp9TIJsbzbWKCwbGpg99u6bfKhYDo/s320/20240111_103648.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div dir="auto" id="line_space"><br /></div><div dir="auto" id="line_space"><br /></div><div dir="auto" id="line_space">Michael's rendition of Sid's song from the book also went down well, really bringing the book and Kelly's characters to life. I'd recommend you check the book out for yourself.</div><div dir="auto" id="line_space"><br /></div><div dir="auto" id="line_space">Last weekend I popped down to my local bookshop, The Secret Bookshelf, to join in their 4th birthday celebrations.</div><div dir="auto" id="line_space"><br /></div><div dir="auto" id="line_space">I've never been to a bookshop's birthday party before, nor had I written a birthday card to a bookshop, but there's a first time for anything.</div><div dir="auto" id="line_space"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdYWTzz9dXHZwSJ-UySWG62UjedYGmmBMaroyA1wqDBS6ZegJaz3U2CyD-LRrLvsiX9-IH02B8jUzdwUqAVc2jgKB_Dns8P3CSKy9CG5wlyvGUMGmhMg2GoYQ3cAGfRROJfG96EHDquFrKz6D-X3LAwWtPz61aawtY3F39RHp1BfNL0yl1HoZ6DOU1uQ/s3196/20240124_192404-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3196" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbdYWTzz9dXHZwSJ-UySWG62UjedYGmmBMaroyA1wqDBS6ZegJaz3U2CyD-LRrLvsiX9-IH02B8jUzdwUqAVc2jgKB_Dns8P3CSKy9CG5wlyvGUMGmhMg2GoYQ3cAGfRROJfG96EHDquFrKz6D-X3LAwWtPz61aawtY3F39RHp1BfNL0yl1HoZ6DOU1uQ/s320/20240124_192404-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div dir="auto" id="line_space"><br /></div><div dir="auto" id="line_space">The last four years have been difficult for everyone and especially for small businesses. Due to hard work and lots of local support and loyal customers Jo and Chris, the very helpful and knowledgeable bookshop owners have moved to bigger premises during this time. They are hugely supportive to local writers and have built up a thriving bookish community as was evidenced by the number of people who called in to wish them 'many happy returns'.</div><div dir="auto" id="line_space"><br /></div><div dir="auto" id="line_space">Here's to many more bookish celebrations. </div><div dir="auto" id="line_space"></div>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-77274250676360048262024-01-07T21:27:00.001+00:002024-01-07T21:27:22.459+00:00Back to routines <p>Back to Coney we went yesterday. After the Christmas break it was good to get back into a routine again. A crisp, frosty morning turned into a glorious day at Coney with even some warmth in the sun. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmblmQQiHlsDz2xMsfPMT6VxKWu1rBLod6I0ZaPW7_mkK-zPe_09ckhG448v3cc21aN7HCVW4VTK0vazIfjzjVC0Xl26khmz5pXsnO-NhivVHBf2FwulNOVfW2WBk9kVdaDO2YIjf9BHULTnx1RsE95MpCjs84VD1DdTRKkVvdNkLdhtqKSA0-Mko3NU/s4128/20240106_102511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghmblmQQiHlsDz2xMsfPMT6VxKWu1rBLod6I0ZaPW7_mkK-zPe_09ckhG448v3cc21aN7HCVW4VTK0vazIfjzjVC0Xl26khmz5pXsnO-NhivVHBf2FwulNOVfW2WBk9kVdaDO2YIjf9BHULTnx1RsE95MpCjs84VD1DdTRKkVvdNkLdhtqKSA0-Mko3NU/s320/20240106_102511.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p>There was lots to catch up on and we eased ourselves back into writing as we heard what everyone has been working on (or not - with many of us taking a much needed rest over the holidays). Over coffee and chocanana muffins we listened and talked.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Zfeq1znLrqSQK06wrEo62f8Fm2mV0ix4bL1KMuh_SeXcBtHHPY26OCELscOy2Ky98fYHuPs8oAt8Nxo5ev-oJF8oKQEBm8MPcqG5UCQemkbq4Bznau6Kjoyt5-NbalrOzBl0WzpdxYf-TKpDXqLu3MzZgnhLQR41tI3YXSPbxsTuN9hQF0cnkmG5YVM/s2730/20240106_074428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2139" data-original-width="2730" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Zfeq1znLrqSQK06wrEo62f8Fm2mV0ix4bL1KMuh_SeXcBtHHPY26OCELscOy2Ky98fYHuPs8oAt8Nxo5ev-oJF8oKQEBm8MPcqG5UCQemkbq4Bznau6Kjoyt5-NbalrOzBl0WzpdxYf-TKpDXqLu3MzZgnhLQR41tI3YXSPbxsTuN9hQF0cnkmG5YVM/s320/20240106_074428.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>And then we got down to some writing. After the Christmas break it was hard to get started back to writing. It's easy to come up with so many reasons to procrastinate but being back at Coney and doing some writing exercises has broken that cycle. </p><p>I haven't made any 'new year' writing resolutions this year, but I have some projects I'm planning to work on. In the meantime here's a recent knitting project I finished over the holidays. Happy Moo Year!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAJ-3pPxFQDk-QUbqN9XXA3SFKhOTYbHyDvxCt7tyfrZ_mMt5ZXKcyMUjpBO1jKPlLGINkHPPTPe_8eor-c0A8am78LdiXTxeGU6STbmOM3NmpLcRtZN4MYVZfg9XQeqHBAGKEYSVj5I1wduTJyl6NkGtZjBm-rMLQevLz8PIzkC5OYFjzrKDwIs9g1k/s3229/20240106_125215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3229" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrAJ-3pPxFQDk-QUbqN9XXA3SFKhOTYbHyDvxCt7tyfrZ_mMt5ZXKcyMUjpBO1jKPlLGINkHPPTPe_8eor-c0A8am78LdiXTxeGU6STbmOM3NmpLcRtZN4MYVZfg9XQeqHBAGKEYSVj5I1wduTJyl6NkGtZjBm-rMLQevLz8PIzkC5OYFjzrKDwIs9g1k/s320/20240106_125215.jpg" width="230" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-8247811234571031252023-12-31T11:53:00.000+00:002023-12-31T11:53:46.701+00:00A bit of R and R<p>I do love Christmas even if there's not quite the same magic I remember as a child as we waited for Santa to arrive. There's still lots of special moments to celebrate. After a very busy run up to Christmas this year prepping cards, presents and food it's been lovely to enjoy some time off and relax and recharge. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtrJcD2Zu1SMjjZ4VLMsMIyE7Zgp56UwQJOtIo_l6xgX7fSbYe4IzIBHAhcRVosnS2BLSy93thWOTWfqUUUz4gcwJCFlzBlvgLD5GXda_lzaaWFKW_X9Xi4r0o6R_G4Zkxo5j7WxI51UnDpJFDPViwBa_eWv-iaCspF8SRR1IctBRy1dp5Pl4sEtH9DQ/s3196/20231231_114046-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3196" data-original-width="2400" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYtrJcD2Zu1SMjjZ4VLMsMIyE7Zgp56UwQJOtIo_l6xgX7fSbYe4IzIBHAhcRVosnS2BLSy93thWOTWfqUUUz4gcwJCFlzBlvgLD5GXda_lzaaWFKW_X9Xi4r0o6R_G4Zkxo5j7WxI51UnDpJFDPViwBa_eWv-iaCspF8SRR1IctBRy1dp5Pl4sEtH9DQ/s320/20231231_114046-COLLAGE.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Amidst the hectic festive preparations there were calming Christmas carols, coffees and catch-ups, delicious dinners and theatre treats.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxhrW-v3pLE0ROs0Jn9pV8Gfnp-fr7lNzNi0WhLcbeGg5l4vkJHuSu4Y3-bpzInkwphBUG59Ttp8SCzxkmxrjitEK4jF8wktgWVBVvM8cBnTTyEH88w1xE0oChv5STK170lgsGsnMUakkROm0UmJlJ_zQb4NSaTWpAwU7i9c8Vgeo2626HwULSiyOyrQ/s2880/20231231_111813-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitxhrW-v3pLE0ROs0Jn9pV8Gfnp-fr7lNzNi0WhLcbeGg5l4vkJHuSu4Y3-bpzInkwphBUG59Ttp8SCzxkmxrjitEK4jF8wktgWVBVvM8cBnTTyEH88w1xE0oChv5STK170lgsGsnMUakkROm0UmJlJ_zQb4NSaTWpAwU7i9c8Vgeo2626HwULSiyOyrQ/s320/20231231_111813-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>But these last few days there's been more time to catch up with friends and family, play board games, knit, crochet and have movie nights.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7P2G6Oby870iBevfLoWlhhZ3Z0P-pERuG6CjS0CEkBfPh9mEk0A1bXAc0cmHAK9g-V81NUzuSyynAA951jVjv4yU5G-tCiJIBldMu4nqx_AN1oc8m-mIjKTiQYZAh7X0Dg0zXfYk_yKHUL8Mu52FCkzWMuuS1Q5LWqlP8Oe410bHZngpOrXTUcp7oz0/s2880/20231231_112016-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7P2G6Oby870iBevfLoWlhhZ3Z0P-pERuG6CjS0CEkBfPh9mEk0A1bXAc0cmHAK9g-V81NUzuSyynAA951jVjv4yU5G-tCiJIBldMu4nqx_AN1oc8m-mIjKTiQYZAh7X0Dg0zXfYk_yKHUL8Mu52FCkzWMuuS1Q5LWqlP8Oe410bHZngpOrXTUcp7oz0/s320/20231231_112016-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>There's also been time for some festive reading. It’s been a treat to dip into this delight of a book when storms have been raging outside.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGPLvpKu_wLy_LlsJR1yDpKWYm8d2isdYOJxVictxm1zeYylbhUEOx64cR3Onh-xrqJBlyElFrbTTDvfta7P73HrMsHFa1Lqe0o0y-lf4Z_oDzL-cA4PrGkLxcK-XCPkE0x-Yc-AjPb74y3AXwojp-WFRinTCZVNralp6Un5pST4MxJ-gR0aCk8nzbwg/s3265/20231231_095529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3265" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGPLvpKu_wLy_LlsJR1yDpKWYm8d2isdYOJxVictxm1zeYylbhUEOx64cR3Onh-xrqJBlyElFrbTTDvfta7P73HrMsHFa1Lqe0o0y-lf4Z_oDzL-cA4PrGkLxcK-XCPkE0x-Yc-AjPb74y3AXwojp-WFRinTCZVNralp6Un5pST4MxJ-gR0aCk8nzbwg/s320/20231231_095529.jpg" width="228" /></a></div><p>I've been very fortunate to receive some gorgeous Christmas gifts from family and friends this season. Together, I've a writers pack for 2024 - so there's no excuse now for not writing in 2024.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee8KPTL0mO9-JwieAV2hfgx4hjiQAen4UJcvaGOOvh-ytQGHDPXs5e-aGQgV3Pi2Dacp9xUq_mWedPvaQp4pkixRQZTchN6S2ERPgnJUGVqHcyyZWf7FzDlBNwpv3OGDzbWfiohcbUfetl4xsmy-MYNP7bO-vVo1RPrxu9qto6-N5-74cqbR63BQKyf8/s3599/20231231_095857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2316" data-original-width="3599" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiee8KPTL0mO9-JwieAV2hfgx4hjiQAen4UJcvaGOOvh-ytQGHDPXs5e-aGQgV3Pi2Dacp9xUq_mWedPvaQp4pkixRQZTchN6S2ERPgnJUGVqHcyyZWf7FzDlBNwpv3OGDzbWfiohcbUfetl4xsmy-MYNP7bO-vVo1RPrxu9qto6-N5-74cqbR63BQKyf8/s320/20231231_095857.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-70323082568296377802023-12-03T21:34:00.002+00:002023-12-03T21:34:54.319+00:00If Carlsberg did writing groups....<p>Yesterday was a dull dreich December day. Chilled to the bone, we drove through freezing fog to meet up in Coney for the final time this year. Our December meet up is always very special and signals the start of seasonal festivities.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRh8HA3kVCqz1q7Qj_ZjG01h1Jmo8Jw3MJ4XEHzdKv80z2qoSxuUd_iVw5qN3bdcKEbC__peecPKrtm3dB33q9zD7vwBxTvQItmYuFR8HxsgY9uLqdA6HU3L0hnojhc241x3ZVxFCAZSCUqlJLue7AV1Y_t3Wu7RRGf5KPLPcLNWc8AGBHaXc60mnHJg/s4128/20231203_103131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKRh8HA3kVCqz1q7Qj_ZjG01h1Jmo8Jw3MJ4XEHzdKv80z2qoSxuUd_iVw5qN3bdcKEbC__peecPKrtm3dB33q9zD7vwBxTvQItmYuFR8HxsgY9uLqdA6HU3L0hnojhc241x3ZVxFCAZSCUqlJLue7AV1Y_t3Wu7RRGf5KPLPcLNWc8AGBHaXc60mnHJg/s320/20231203_103131.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We congregated over coffee and home made shortbread and festive cranberry and orange muffins to catch up on news. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uvSyAPkvGUROsRL69CmwlKmivgc2nc4goLb6M4gbVrW39igqBbF93LmQJn1wsNgx4HrQFzLX63gyUaGNOXZU2jjYTuEk8A_Wkh137iiwxutRD-hyOoec386qks6H4vf2_3DUyRayVjs8n0UzjrOaJZ4tv8-yp6lEyzITVCuNnXSrqi7tLkkbk6zjyTg/s3671/20231202_071629.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2290" data-original-width="3671" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9uvSyAPkvGUROsRL69CmwlKmivgc2nc4goLb6M4gbVrW39igqBbF93LmQJn1wsNgx4HrQFzLX63gyUaGNOXZU2jjYTuEk8A_Wkh137iiwxutRD-hyOoec386qks6H4vf2_3DUyRayVjs8n0UzjrOaJZ4tv8-yp6lEyzITVCuNnXSrqi7tLkkbk6zjyTg/s320/20231202_071629.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>And while other parts of the country were freezing, we enjoyed blue skies and sunshine as we did a festive writing exercise. As we got ready to eat we were treated to a poignant piano solo of 'A Fairytale of New York'.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXimJY2sulVYMbZB2tmCHFoQ1xGqcccgr3mKx6sCdczapTbnWpjMuA_pQ99otcCj1WsoEBpZ6AS46cz-mnBiQnoEBDzlVT1FZsJoTlcEySjA9NZyeiJq3lCjtS1xRcBs255WgWk4m6a7eJOi5zXUkEzqZYEgwMQ53gFBb1IB0zUo8CYR_aKm0jKGExI3o/s4128/20231202_124351.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXimJY2sulVYMbZB2tmCHFoQ1xGqcccgr3mKx6sCdczapTbnWpjMuA_pQ99otcCj1WsoEBpZ6AS46cz-mnBiQnoEBDzlVT1FZsJoTlcEySjA9NZyeiJq3lCjtS1xRcBs255WgWk4m6a7eJOi5zXUkEzqZYEgwMQ53gFBb1IB0zUo8CYR_aKm0jKGExI3o/s320/20231202_124351.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>This was followed by what was described by one of our group as 'the best Christmas Dinner of the season'. The table we usually gather round to write had been transformed and was soon groaning from the weight of delicious food everyone had brought to share.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggUFS_TULJj-vaYu2yzIvR73SckQ-IdOps4LS9T9neRmR1VkAIsk-3lAIN_KrSB1nrZOD8dryJnElPxZWDwvW-G4UvvuCj4HYchXvfHAcoBUe_wnJ8pEJZOXH_s87x1BsxtfG9j967JjKTe5YDAlYtv-fx26qU0emVCLVLTVGisdUjsmjdKroIfKdLwQ/s4128/20231202_124748.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiggUFS_TULJj-vaYu2yzIvR73SckQ-IdOps4LS9T9neRmR1VkAIsk-3lAIN_KrSB1nrZOD8dryJnElPxZWDwvW-G4UvvuCj4HYchXvfHAcoBUe_wnJ8pEJZOXH_s87x1BsxtfG9j967JjKTe5YDAlYtv-fx26qU0emVCLVLTVGisdUjsmjdKroIfKdLwQ/s320/20231202_124748.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I feel very blessed to be part of this special writing group. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_zYV5jPcLIA-tDVSZojHAt7PzcLQ6oeKDW0V7FP-t67TDDeEiEMHxD3f0cSUh9e3Hcjx9iQwVQgoLYYMRUCFQvYNxXVVOo27UckRZQ6KtFQGm1d8DjYvsE30DrGuyY2ARIku651g89mGuumE5UAAWeDYpZ4ZIUGQeIjgWZ2bELevVdlGM7D9rnKJj6U/s3196/20231203_212103-COLLAGE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3196" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW_zYV5jPcLIA-tDVSZojHAt7PzcLQ6oeKDW0V7FP-t67TDDeEiEMHxD3f0cSUh9e3Hcjx9iQwVQgoLYYMRUCFQvYNxXVVOo27UckRZQ6KtFQGm1d8DjYvsE30DrGuyY2ARIku651g89mGuumE5UAAWeDYpZ4ZIUGQeIjgWZ2bELevVdlGM7D9rnKJj6U/s320/20231203_212103-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Not only are the writers talented, supportive and encouraging, they are all good fun to be with and we leave Coney the richer for having spent time together. Here's to another great year at Coney.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-70075606836260235852023-11-26T21:06:00.115+00:002023-11-26T21:53:17.217+00:00Leid Week<p>This last week has been Leid Week - Ulster Scots language Week. This year there have been a variety of events on offer both in person across the province and online. In fact there were so many events happening that sometimes I had to make a difficult decision as to which one to attend. This year I had planned to take part in a couple of events. The first, organised by Alan Millar, took place in Belfast's Linenhall library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7AqSVXiZiquZs2gYQVa8Vph34_McnkKn_j4S5HD_mG80ZjcdgPnQyPo1h6_MWYNjldBpl7U5Vvx0_xpZj_omZah0ImNzM1CSmNeLKugjie1K3eL7aB1HmfVy-XRC7_bbXaBrrW0ExFiXY_SUcwke_yDlrHrbsVKElehQ8UzpFPDukPHza9twtYk7USSY/s3196/20231126_204234-COLLAGE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3196" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7AqSVXiZiquZs2gYQVa8Vph34_McnkKn_j4S5HD_mG80ZjcdgPnQyPo1h6_MWYNjldBpl7U5Vvx0_xpZj_omZah0ImNzM1CSmNeLKugjie1K3eL7aB1HmfVy-XRC7_bbXaBrrW0ExFiXY_SUcwke_yDlrHrbsVKElehQ8UzpFPDukPHza9twtYk7USSY/s320/20231126_204234-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>'Ayont the Hamely Tongue' brought together a group of Ulster Scots writers sharing their work. The rest of the group had taken part in a reading in Belfast during the summer. I hadn't been able to join them as it coincided with my writing group's writing retreat, so it was lovely to be invited to take part in this event.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUNX8ufaR9_x4R0JVt_njtmn2sS321lMapw-e6uqUCIP-WZBcqar4cddi068nEtuS438S655BDDNqg794CnNs1psCUV4GBARDOoZjD4drR3Od3PzCy-V6UlqFH8t5UpR07d3biT7EL_1qcAxHBPeMsvzUN9I5M2rfgpSCr0JIbULUdUEa0QZS4YSTqZ0/s3488/20231111_153247.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1672" data-original-width="3488" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihUNX8ufaR9_x4R0JVt_njtmn2sS321lMapw-e6uqUCIP-WZBcqar4cddi068nEtuS438S655BDDNqg794CnNs1psCUV4GBARDOoZjD4drR3Od3PzCy-V6UlqFH8t5UpR07d3biT7EL_1qcAxHBPeMsvzUN9I5M2rfgpSCr0JIbULUdUEa0QZS4YSTqZ0/s320/20231111_153247.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Angeline King, Robert Campbell, Anne McMaster, Alan Millar and I each shared some of our work with a welcoming, supportive audience. Unfortunately, one of the group Ronnie McIhatton wasn't able to join us. Thanks to Patsy Horton and her team for making us all feel so welcome. You can watch the event here: <a href="https://youtu.be/33S6rbIXFPw?si">https://youtu.be/33S6rbIXFPw?si</a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHuLx9G90EpIxMYBQyIHa2U3MhWbr2b7sYMdF5eyToVU-LYCm5bquw2dGqQW9SOhNvYbj__vBTd8raxU9RD8MerKG2hH_MAb0rYCD51h_xScpeoVlllOUvi2y89lx8nqjWtKIHJpaVcHJ-HwNOfPm-Oydcj3yOmhBo-0DOwIYaSyHlULfbkfE7vGIZhQ/s1600/PHOTO-2023-11-21-14-05-08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRHuLx9G90EpIxMYBQyIHa2U3MhWbr2b7sYMdF5eyToVU-LYCm5bquw2dGqQW9SOhNvYbj__vBTd8raxU9RD8MerKG2hH_MAb0rYCD51h_xScpeoVlllOUvi2y89lx8nqjWtKIHJpaVcHJ-HwNOfPm-Oydcj3yOmhBo-0DOwIYaSyHlULfbkfE7vGIZhQ/s320/PHOTO-2023-11-21-14-05-08.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The following evening I attended the launch of 'Yarns' in Ballymena. This third anthology produced by the Ulster Scots Community Network includes work from a range of writers. It was lovely to meet some of them at the Mayor's parlour as we chatted over tea and traybakes. It was also lovely to reconnect with some people I hadn't seen for a very long time, including one of my university lecturers.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-AsJVTpXAWxJ7cCZEkOZdfLV35n_6_jFnnHahNW1JYtIAv3cRdTHNznG2HeeA0rIQWww0AolHrG7evvc9JFF4Ir2E_54IFrEaeEeJptrbM6p_lMF-js8EgBxW7XpMPUXjjGL0cuqdSD6EEhObBXU53QRmBuPNf0ezSscBl995aivrdjACN20M-7d3Ws/s2016/20231123_203510.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-AsJVTpXAWxJ7cCZEkOZdfLV35n_6_jFnnHahNW1JYtIAv3cRdTHNznG2HeeA0rIQWww0AolHrG7evvc9JFF4Ir2E_54IFrEaeEeJptrbM6p_lMF-js8EgBxW7XpMPUXjjGL0cuqdSD6EEhObBXU53QRmBuPNf0ezSscBl995aivrdjACN20M-7d3Ws/s320/20231123_203510.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>I was delighted to have a poem 'Bak Then' included in the anthology and enjoyed hearing some of the writers sharing their work. I'm looking forward to reading the anthology. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdLx6-Im62TATCBmf9BSEvd3a8q9Gx3xRp5axTUKpZVgmNm5AyiCmzWjohIbu107j1qns_JU7FQWx0vu6YSqxfaVVGlLgH7A3FwHrWVaSXcHRBDH3DNOCi2Bm6ZEDaGcdeSuOXcV4CTc7hvLMMLA5vMzN6CXckO2mOHLPxZG94CrLLZFQbvmC3I0SlbU/s2048/20231123_175727.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFdLx6-Im62TATCBmf9BSEvd3a8q9Gx3xRp5axTUKpZVgmNm5AyiCmzWjohIbu107j1qns_JU7FQWx0vu6YSqxfaVVGlLgH7A3FwHrWVaSXcHRBDH3DNOCi2Bm6ZEDaGcdeSuOXcV4CTc7hvLMMLA5vMzN6CXckO2mOHLPxZG94CrLLZFQbvmC3I0SlbU/s320/20231123_175727.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>The next day I was back at the Linenhall for the Ulster Scots writing competition Awards ceremony. It was great to hear that this year even more entries had been received, leading to the judges highly commending a number of entries. Congratulations to Jen Herron runner up in the poetry category and William Dickey runner up in the prose category. When Alan Millar and I had taken part in readings on the Linenhall stage a couple of days previously we didn't know we'd both be back on the same stage so soon reading from our work. Congratulations to Alan who won the poetry category with 'Rabin'. I was delighted to hear I'd won the prose category with my story 'Sweet Eneuch Wioot Shuggar'.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OkMUZOHLU6bZF8_sy3JBtPyFPeNV8_Y8s_0OZ-RQ7KKdCcA8rn-Jqqw0Ff8yi2NqD8fIVIEtnOL9GXrGFEkqMKczszU9NZEVJ0VKF02gSulI4WFzVe6VjUvEfXV7gd8RnoVUzeFgnX4Kka3MWnUgPKqF5kUostC6bvvPKcUbCZeXoTULwhhmtFertl4/s720/FB_IMG_1700778617501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OkMUZOHLU6bZF8_sy3JBtPyFPeNV8_Y8s_0OZ-RQ7KKdCcA8rn-Jqqw0Ff8yi2NqD8fIVIEtnOL9GXrGFEkqMKczszU9NZEVJ0VKF02gSulI4WFzVe6VjUvEfXV7gd8RnoVUzeFgnX4Kka3MWnUgPKqF5kUostC6bvvPKcUbCZeXoTULwhhmtFertl4/s320/FB_IMG_1700778617501.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>I wrote this story during my writing group's writing retreat (when some of my fellow Ulster Scots writers were taking part in a poetry reading). This success certainly confirms for me the importance of having space and time to write. You can watch the awards event here: <a href="https://youtu.be/66vPJXpWVsE?si=dm_tml3CLSx77Ddb">https://youtu.be/66vPJXpWVsE?si=dm_tml3CLSx77Ddb</a></p><p>From the number of events that took place during Leid Week and the interest they generated it is evident that Ulster Scots writing is experiencing a new golden age. It is very exciting to be part of this Ulster Scots writing renaissance.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJvOX8mzWbNXROkca2ymh_ba2F8u0TnqD9qMbo4wCLJ-X-XoG0oCQ5yoBPzDglHB8EWLJA4hlTRO2ogIy3QTtmxndB4fEteEk8P-WASqaWdasmMWCxABUQbcWSaP7kNfhNeCxPm_DPFtytSLh-OJmJsOMbH4NONcowGmipNM26Dmp5qIOQOfC36o1UPQ/s3196/20231126_204526-COLLAGE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3196" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoJvOX8mzWbNXROkca2ymh_ba2F8u0TnqD9qMbo4wCLJ-X-XoG0oCQ5yoBPzDglHB8EWLJA4hlTRO2ogIy3QTtmxndB4fEteEk8P-WASqaWdasmMWCxABUQbcWSaP7kNfhNeCxPm_DPFtytSLh-OJmJsOMbH4NONcowGmipNM26Dmp5qIOQOfC36o1UPQ/s320/20231126_204526-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-71430312613527757442023-11-12T19:55:00.001+00:002023-11-12T19:55:25.211+00:00Recharging at Coney <p>Our writing group were back down at Coney Island yesterday. It seems like ages since we've been there and a long time since we've had a good catch up. Despite all the heavy rainfall there's been in the area in the last few weeks, our journey there was very pleasant and it almost felt like a summer's day when we arrived to the sound of the tide lapping, the sun shining and brave souls taking a dip. By the time we were leaving the tide had gone out.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhry8bQdv28YgbMG0bJc5bOcosCXlMZ5cg8dioTIuix3CRTjjQfYGWeXSuYqzx9yTkniOpMNIf3LiWf0sLHE0vSuzFOLH2twmlsAQbXitEwiwTbl18v3AkO3X7yYHuprUEqOgpGijl6ZSsp-XnE6jUXKbyyMmkydy94JUhBcw-wXGZb7Z1mj7dIYJqBbdQ/s4128/20231111_133430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhry8bQdv28YgbMG0bJc5bOcosCXlMZ5cg8dioTIuix3CRTjjQfYGWeXSuYqzx9yTkniOpMNIf3LiWf0sLHE0vSuzFOLH2twmlsAQbXitEwiwTbl18v3AkO3X7yYHuprUEqOgpGijl6ZSsp-XnE6jUXKbyyMmkydy94JUhBcw-wXGZb7Z1mj7dIYJqBbdQ/s320/20231111_133430.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />We spent a very pleasant morning catching up on news, drinking coffee and eating home made shortbread and apple and cinnamon muffins. Sitting on comfortable sofas in the morning sunshine with stunning sea views, we made some forward plans.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEthQR4ItSVVFwa9xTOGxAqG4JKHKzRIsIMqVWYwY389EMupLvks8vtZK_LjRchyphenhyphenzM05QiaDlZxJSXPdyOOqnNGLISZKLNsmR6Hg1B-BIl0fehO9BqUqlz1oTyOn9er8OYzdHd3_BIT5mP5ywkimu81zBKMqS-MVZPdCIZZGBxPX8VtVg0jGR4RkyzWo4/s4128/20231111_070909.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEthQR4ItSVVFwa9xTOGxAqG4JKHKzRIsIMqVWYwY389EMupLvks8vtZK_LjRchyphenhyphenzM05QiaDlZxJSXPdyOOqnNGLISZKLNsmR6Hg1B-BIl0fehO9BqUqlz1oTyOn9er8OYzdHd3_BIT5mP5ywkimu81zBKMqS-MVZPdCIZZGBxPX8VtVg0jGR4RkyzWo4/s320/20231111_070909.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We did do some writing exercises, really stretching the grey matter. But yesterday it seemed more important to listen to what everyone else has been doing, the challenges we face and how we might manage them. Sometimes it's good to have time to talk and recharge our batteries. We're very lucky in our writing group to have people who are there to listen to us. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjE9MkNKnE2VAW65WD9BTsNU9csLZriwWFwA9O78KFdgGMTniNYFqkxxvq42eETAC4KGHgHDirI5QjQYzGLsuAPmpuYqjjGFXqLFEMvmEKNIL7uHMYhwA0XYtpX2_nsgkQJ6kqxFzjLn9BolC4DVQdAUrLrqmfwSxwF1OSP3gVWERJqZIl5_vLXthAgLc/s3447/20231111_125432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="3447" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjE9MkNKnE2VAW65WD9BTsNU9csLZriwWFwA9O78KFdgGMTniNYFqkxxvq42eETAC4KGHgHDirI5QjQYzGLsuAPmpuYqjjGFXqLFEMvmEKNIL7uHMYhwA0XYtpX2_nsgkQJ6kqxFzjLn9BolC4DVQdAUrLrqmfwSxwF1OSP3gVWERJqZIl5_vLXthAgLc/s320/20231111_125432.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-53358817311268374632023-10-15T20:04:00.002+01:002023-10-15T20:04:49.559+01:00Bookshop Day<p> Yesterday on #Bookshop Day I made a trip to my local bookshop.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ql-SHRFlIYjCZcLG337b86v00azq5kFHta66DyxWf_XteXfPbs4IVz36bKIFDbed3BUQaNlB-BG3WrPjivA0y_A-HvddxiO7jJKof4BWAkdaPP6iHWV58WgRw1miov1CnAQd3Qh2BJ4IpYxJk0OJbLVKQifl2QFWsIYr-wObvFPZ85EJOjjg4DXEB94/s4128/20231015_151858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ql-SHRFlIYjCZcLG337b86v00azq5kFHta66DyxWf_XteXfPbs4IVz36bKIFDbed3BUQaNlB-BG3WrPjivA0y_A-HvddxiO7jJKof4BWAkdaPP6iHWV58WgRw1miov1CnAQd3Qh2BJ4IpYxJk0OJbLVKQifl2QFWsIYr-wObvFPZ85EJOjjg4DXEB94/s320/20231015_151858.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>I could spend hours browsing the shelves in The Secret Bookshelf, but due to a busy day I had to limit myself. As well as catching up for a chat, advice was sought on a book choice from the very knowledgeable bookstore owners Jo and Chris. I left with two lovely books - one a gift and one a treat to myself on the run up to Christmas.</p><p>And because it was Bookshop Day, I also left with a lovely goodie bag. I love the cheery design on the tote bag by Irish writer and illustrator Ashwin Chacko for #IrishBookWeek.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPS2gT6Q72tu_MGWQ1Q3XMPNg_uuSNR0wwQPdxs4j1DOhXjuXw1FeExhvJojTY1n0G_s90LcPMeQpZacaIGgneWEzSH4eHy67lar67YTp8DkBN4LLERUXubBBfPI6xlZUlW_DVg1MugH1zn51bifqIFHnjkKSQnHV_u7ttQhM66kowaBhJbRrY9EnyPTQ/s4128/20231014_151441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPS2gT6Q72tu_MGWQ1Q3XMPNg_uuSNR0wwQPdxs4j1DOhXjuXw1FeExhvJojTY1n0G_s90LcPMeQpZacaIGgneWEzSH4eHy67lar67YTp8DkBN4LLERUXubBBfPI6xlZUlW_DVg1MugH1zn51bifqIFHnjkKSQnHV_u7ttQhM66kowaBhJbRrY9EnyPTQ/s320/20231014_151441.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>And the contents of my goodie bag are amazing! - pencil, stickers, bookmark, three books, literary seeds, Christmas catalogue. I was also one of the very lucky people to receive a Secret Bookshelf groat.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ox5yry3Hn4E-u7-TrBqk07AA22FGbxW3F9apaPUfkY1g62V2Ji7nUT2DFLYf6Uk7LMGk0v7BuRSVu6RYRCOjk4qaGJiz59VIQpNup_LFeIfrI9t0rh1sSLveOpsm7URh-OQPw39ATc40nYR6_Fxw4ShHQCa223M3JIrEBf59E9dN3XqDnow8lkvsI40/s4128/20231014_151515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ox5yry3Hn4E-u7-TrBqk07AA22FGbxW3F9apaPUfkY1g62V2Ji7nUT2DFLYf6Uk7LMGk0v7BuRSVu6RYRCOjk4qaGJiz59VIQpNup_LFeIfrI9t0rh1sSLveOpsm7URh-OQPw39ATc40nYR6_Fxw4ShHQCa223M3JIrEBf59E9dN3XqDnow8lkvsI40/s320/20231014_151515.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Could it have been a better morning? With a wool shop next door, the answer is definitely No!!</p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-35235787692146158772023-10-07T20:02:00.000+01:002023-10-07T20:02:40.793+01:00Rascals, Radicals and Reformers<p>Our writing group met up again this morning, but it was quite a different meeting than usual. We're very fortunate that our group, apart from writing, have many varied talents. One of our group is a trained tour guide and today we were treated to a personal tour of Old Belfast called 'Rascals, Radicals and Reformers'. </p><p>What a lovely morning we had, spent in good company learning about parts of history we'd never been taught at school - </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnY7PiQgX1GmoGSq9a0HptZ0thyXWQ1XDPtIWWGMkxmPfZIrdjPoulGolJc_dXnxsliVX8dUrUtlNZXvxqymQUY0q7fI-Vrhs7C1TTQTbPIPkLUr9tmGoTxaImxd_6eKEZCVkkZPvTI4fpwbFXmHULMIp5z_BNg2BKVHC7Ox-fhVbLFmAiqI3qr64_Nw/s3196/20231007_193924-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3196" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVnY7PiQgX1GmoGSq9a0HptZ0thyXWQ1XDPtIWWGMkxmPfZIrdjPoulGolJc_dXnxsliVX8dUrUtlNZXvxqymQUY0q7fI-Vrhs7C1TTQTbPIPkLUr9tmGoTxaImxd_6eKEZCVkkZPvTI4fpwbFXmHULMIp5z_BNg2BKVHC7Ox-fhVbLFmAiqI3qr64_Nw/s320/20231007_193924-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>and parts of history that should be taught in school. We saw historic buildings that are treasured and preserved and many that should be treasured and preserved given their historical significance.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YYySNeKtrtsj63R_DtyJoSrEx_nL8q-D8jPht0CGhSTlKN_PU_vyAfjKIQvCFLMfURs9W870IIo3e0Jx-dIoszIXBgYJAGvyQ2H2hYrGJNjQ8HJRqYT4PQEvf-6KM5ghzHMJxC0ID6Yr57zjxG7kUow4AuvTxLnRJiCz5paZOjoKBN49PcWtI57SuOg/s2880/20231007_194452-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YYySNeKtrtsj63R_DtyJoSrEx_nL8q-D8jPht0CGhSTlKN_PU_vyAfjKIQvCFLMfURs9W870IIo3e0Jx-dIoszIXBgYJAGvyQ2H2hYrGJNjQ8HJRqYT4PQEvf-6KM5ghzHMJxC0ID6Yr57zjxG7kUow4AuvTxLnRJiCz5paZOjoKBN49PcWtI57SuOg/s320/20231007_194452-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We were entertained on a relaxed and informative tour. I learned so much and saw parts of Belfast that were new to me, despite it being my home city. We heard about and saw some of old Belfast's street names and work being done to preserve old entries.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNU6BNKRMaSCK_Q-skDeA2MiKAB-m_onWBd_RPROGAaTNedTU50C55IITY40HakQglq02L7U_Azpg0r52JIK1AtwvxLuKYoyc6LA1Kc7OwJz5RjmnXiM_1X39jkNoc2sU-_aYbty5rV4-f6BGM9qZbfwrgxpEf0bvtOBNvLZMGTo1b3YceNM0iFxsWgEs/s3196/20231007_194634-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3196" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNU6BNKRMaSCK_Q-skDeA2MiKAB-m_onWBd_RPROGAaTNedTU50C55IITY40HakQglq02L7U_Azpg0r52JIK1AtwvxLuKYoyc6LA1Kc7OwJz5RjmnXiM_1X39jkNoc2sU-_aYbty5rV4-f6BGM9qZbfwrgxpEf0bvtOBNvLZMGTo1b3YceNM0iFxsWgEs/s320/20231007_194634-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Being a chapter of writers, a stop at Writers Square for encouragement and inspiration had to be part of the tour.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmsv78EPBYpsPPt32Qsd41_sBtWv1YSeph8GzVpjHWEqW8ILon73_GIvVG0F5VHH7Ql6jSQQyHVNbab5-iQcOVG9K7kzmPyUOJKI6tgpoeXuSNXkKPzWioqC1AOUuG7nnWivprMjhtzaEM_iQb221ro6ffkbQSxYfAg_V_gin3F-3fonbz891A2jpssw/s3840/20231007_192925-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3840" data-original-width="2160" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJmsv78EPBYpsPPt32Qsd41_sBtWv1YSeph8GzVpjHWEqW8ILon73_GIvVG0F5VHH7Ql6jSQQyHVNbab5-iQcOVG9K7kzmPyUOJKI6tgpoeXuSNXkKPzWioqC1AOUuG7nnWivprMjhtzaEM_iQb221ro6ffkbQSxYfAg_V_gin3F-3fonbz891A2jpssw/s320/20231007_192925-COLLAGE.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>But there was no shortage of that on our tour with many hidden spots revealing inspiring lines and reminders of our wee part of the world's rich literary history.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMkXc68r8iIaBKGS3_49Du3HCT1eX7HdEfuE53PjzJZUqP5PCHUOIJkYjhYVaKFNzemOq5OgbtGL-9weuY0ElcQ90_uRxy7hS-c8c5RmRr1Ctuioc6AiFcz4l4undSEy52rvCXI5rf2xOcjmhr4DRN05rOZCtVnUdcHHgnTQMMHpJhn6pfdvpXkNLyGQ/s2880/20231007_193107-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtMkXc68r8iIaBKGS3_49Du3HCT1eX7HdEfuE53PjzJZUqP5PCHUOIJkYjhYVaKFNzemOq5OgbtGL-9weuY0ElcQ90_uRxy7hS-c8c5RmRr1Ctuioc6AiFcz4l4undSEy52rvCXI5rf2xOcjmhr4DRN05rOZCtVnUdcHHgnTQMMHpJhn6pfdvpXkNLyGQ/s320/20231007_193107-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>This city has seen the worst of days, some in my lifetime, and yet it bounces back, resilient. We should be proud of it's rich heritage filled with rascals, radicals and reformers in every century.</p><p><br /></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-47898409797650168292023-10-05T22:47:00.000+01:002023-10-05T22:47:00.729+01:00Poetry promptI was delighted to be asked to contribute to a 'People's Poem' by the SWRI branch where my dear late aunt had spent many happy hours. She had been secretary and member for many years and frequently told me about the craft challenges she was taking part in (and often winning). I know she would have enjoyed taking part in creating the branch's People's Poem. It was therefore an honour to be asked to take part.<div><br /></div><div>The branch had been inspired by a recent visit and talk from local poet and Scots Makar Kathleen Jamie. My aunt had introduced me to Kathleen Jamie's writing many years ago when she bought me a copy of one of her poetry books. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGVjnS5hFzNYczwAZN0aD8s32m5wxYO2KMsuQPEBZs_fB6mvuDXDVXvP0HKGglZzuCc9E26aehekpQVj3yqPArD5Ykge8gongzMLPy8GFz8XUWjrgh_ANwrFDRTUJnwtr10t5fJ3e0Nx1_-gxkNtCg4JGEU1y8ZC32V0mtQM60CscippfmFUt5RX94U8/s4128/20231005_093950.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIGVjnS5hFzNYczwAZN0aD8s32m5wxYO2KMsuQPEBZs_fB6mvuDXDVXvP0HKGglZzuCc9E26aehekpQVj3yqPArD5Ykge8gongzMLPy8GFz8XUWjrgh_ANwrFDRTUJnwtr10t5fJ3e0Nx1_-gxkNtCg4JGEU1y8ZC32V0mtQM60CscippfmFUt5RX94U8/s320/20231005_093950.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Given the topical theme of 'autumn', I sat down to write a couple of lines which I could contribute. Therein lay the challenge. As I started to write it was difficult to contain my thoughts and to only use two lines. Before I knew it I had written a short poem. But the initial lines I'd thought of were extracted and sent off for the People's Poem. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'd love to have been with the ladies to hear them share this poem when they met on the evening of #NationalPoetry Day. While they were meeting, I sat at home a couple of hundred miles away and read today's poem from 'A Poem for Every Day of the Year' with my niece. Coincidentally, it had the same theme.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmq4hOhJ9LSvVtPwHu45bvBfs4eY2jD2jdmdFBOTNGlHiIzeSAFZKm25YYyfQPWTABEpUOEvfYMH_8WBgfyHlhETYx-WpzqqEjfHeQOGCkpW-6oKorQe9eVpTQB76l7w_B3qG_upp9spNZvUa1Ne8sJRmnkc3SroPpuqMXprIKcHWGuybOP5wXJ47duA/s2761/20231005_182952~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2761" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmq4hOhJ9LSvVtPwHu45bvBfs4eY2jD2jdmdFBOTNGlHiIzeSAFZKm25YYyfQPWTABEpUOEvfYMH_8WBgfyHlhETYx-WpzqqEjfHeQOGCkpW-6oKorQe9eVpTQB76l7w_B3qG_upp9spNZvUa1Ne8sJRmnkc3SroPpuqMXprIKcHWGuybOP5wXJ47duA/s320/20231005_182952~2.jpg" width="269" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>And the other poem found its way on to The Dirigible Balloon's website just in time for their #NationalPoetryDay flight.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://dirigibleballoon.org/poem/Special-Season">https://dirigibleballoon.org/poem/Special-Season</a><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Isn't it amazing where a few words can take you?</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-38004322916207156852023-09-10T21:36:00.000+01:002023-09-10T21:36:12.896+01:00Reimagining<p>On a beautiful sunny day, it was hard to imagine what eight women in 1711 had to endure in Carrickfergus court. Not far from the current town hall the drama took place.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtn6cetB8VHGMAmw87EI-L-tZZRQcmJk2DPMkdvPn8XRHCNXnivr_tuLQ-SZxlT5tysfUJTUdh1bjnmbPKb95oT9qisAbiis_QYQNDBDwYSfzI-Kys_qIdsP-VGs-6JcOM4Nfgbf0fEeW1R8t6oJCc0ZVABV1HghvRnCWieAQUQbppbxBhnytKOvTris/s4128/20230909_121003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOtn6cetB8VHGMAmw87EI-L-tZZRQcmJk2DPMkdvPn8XRHCNXnivr_tuLQ-SZxlT5tysfUJTUdh1bjnmbPKb95oT9qisAbiis_QYQNDBDwYSfzI-Kys_qIdsP-VGs-6JcOM4Nfgbf0fEeW1R8t6oJCc0ZVABV1HghvRnCWieAQUQbppbxBhnytKOvTris/s320/20230909_121003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Yesterday, along with two writing pals, I attended a writing workshop as part of a fantastic new exhibition in Carrickfergus museum - 'Reimagining the Islandmagee Witches'.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzw3JxdctoduuIT6Jf2fFBwmz5JRsuiyIANPLlqgAkTy2MEZ_tIC4gPsBepW5FekczadM1aFHmj1jDJx8VqkttfVhxfVxcSTaqNmPkNFT11NJrlRZtPBflJiRHBE7j6NeHYgs4Rh1Xlr4VIPZ35Cqa7YoEEu2yCc6MnlFDD0oJYbcKDw-acUO6UlriyTo/s4128/20230909_100209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzw3JxdctoduuIT6Jf2fFBwmz5JRsuiyIANPLlqgAkTy2MEZ_tIC4gPsBepW5FekczadM1aFHmj1jDJx8VqkttfVhxfVxcSTaqNmPkNFT11NJrlRZtPBflJiRHBE7j6NeHYgs4Rh1Xlr4VIPZ35Cqa7YoEEu2yCc6MnlFDD0oJYbcKDw-acUO6UlriyTo/s320/20230909_100209.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Along with artefacts from the era are a virtual reality experience, animation, graphic novel and video game.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcc36LJH75z95qnHJMWs4uzlnkXE698NC69BUvqurzORCiWEsizE-VQVUmm2IwoSX1TnLT3vwR1COGjnxF7TdmYiIZFWGcTriu0w1o6P0uVOk6Fy-QUwKlw5O5TQST9dksRUca64YTk96qc9WWAoiDnw2KXSlDX7R7DVVmE3sB7MMc6YdMjXeJtVPxT5s/s4128/20230909_100317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcc36LJH75z95qnHJMWs4uzlnkXE698NC69BUvqurzORCiWEsizE-VQVUmm2IwoSX1TnLT3vwR1COGjnxF7TdmYiIZFWGcTriu0w1o6P0uVOk6Fy-QUwKlw5O5TQST9dksRUca64YTk96qc9WWAoiDnw2KXSlDX7R7DVVmE3sB7MMc6YdMjXeJtVPxT5s/s320/20230909_100317.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>It was good to reconnect with some writers and researchers I'd met before at previous creative writing workshops I'd attended in the museum and also to meet new writers and those who have researched and curated the exhibition.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-3U3kdj3uGUoUNPaELAXlIU69EYOTV9VkXYdQL-uF0CGg6Yg6M1U0TTFhrJdgQFmGHGzKzLi_p61X6gkbH1kN3ZwwDv6gGFveVAtcsS6A8212gka9jsU-lL7DmeIgskddNyzpfCNo8oqSa3dUWCMcmbxFR5pLb_NgXVfBBbVLW6C-21Ms2XQKhL2xD0/s4128/20230909_095843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-3U3kdj3uGUoUNPaELAXlIU69EYOTV9VkXYdQL-uF0CGg6Yg6M1U0TTFhrJdgQFmGHGzKzLi_p61X6gkbH1kN3ZwwDv6gGFveVAtcsS6A8212gka9jsU-lL7DmeIgskddNyzpfCNo8oqSa3dUWCMcmbxFR5pLb_NgXVfBBbVLW6C-21Ms2XQKhL2xD0/s320/20230909_095843.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Led by playwright Georgia Rhoades we spent most of the day focusing on our own stories and thinking 'what might have been....' In advance of the workshop we had been asked to think about who we would write about. I had decedided to revisit a story I started to work on a few years ago based on one of my ancestors. Georgia introduced us to some tips and techniques to help us in the process. We had time to explore our characters, their stories and their problems and to write.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaCJzU64bltoCE1FGQdUtQziadA56bcoSULOrLE-PpgGDf-xG5Fsh6wYFdsuXn2V3M5QB6oFeD8rOfTXANIQEngrCcHhB38O5TBvr_Z6pV1t_RKnnmXa1e6M1gErOgTjI7P64s025cJcxzfV-ewodynBshTkbu4hPZrkanS0ZA9GWP4A_KG8A4_kN9ew/s4128/20230909_100507.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZaCJzU64bltoCE1FGQdUtQziadA56bcoSULOrLE-PpgGDf-xG5Fsh6wYFdsuXn2V3M5QB6oFeD8rOfTXANIQEngrCcHhB38O5TBvr_Z6pV1t_RKnnmXa1e6M1gErOgTjI7P64s025cJcxzfV-ewodynBshTkbu4hPZrkanS0ZA9GWP4A_KG8A4_kN9ew/s320/20230909_100507.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p> I left Carrickfergus after a very enjoyable day, inspired to go back to my story again.</p><p><br /></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-33591755765438043492023-09-03T19:00:00.004+01:002023-09-03T19:00:46.322+01:00New school term<p>The start of September and the beginning of a new school year has been accompanied, not for the first time, by the return of glorious sunshine. We were back at Coney yesterday to start a new term of writing. After our summer retreat last month, we came back energised and enthused. While we may not have acquired new jotters and pens for the start of the new term, that didn't stop us.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7lJ8yRcQ2qMvqk6djt1CAPHsx8qcBqOZ6uf83e-81blTwzzhtTtlHn0-uMXUMimSGY8-oLD8_nRn3MLoNz3OjlI3IOQGnFCRx2okoaSeaE6vhn9uFIRzikLt-7zP6ReyeDTSaTYVcY62mNVaqbAADIA8yEqP-vuKIEOA2kAxhnUnq5IZc2mOPt0SFzU/s4128/20230902_101903.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7lJ8yRcQ2qMvqk6djt1CAPHsx8qcBqOZ6uf83e-81blTwzzhtTtlHn0-uMXUMimSGY8-oLD8_nRn3MLoNz3OjlI3IOQGnFCRx2okoaSeaE6vhn9uFIRzikLt-7zP6ReyeDTSaTYVcY62mNVaqbAADIA8yEqP-vuKIEOA2kAxhnUnq5IZc2mOPt0SFzU/s320/20230902_101903.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>I know I've got back to writing since the retreat and now we're into a new school term I'm excited about some writing projects I'll be working on over this term.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIB5DEtOq8Gcwxl4kr1VPoX-KuVVe-eRbeYSWgRfPOh7v61PeWEVAhBjOu6kvXIiNhdh2ZsAXKYD5OXMkLzXBzMsClAPaq9H05DbzFP4RDtT_0_f2npNXD01zhuAWyLESiDP2S1Fw-xIJ4FNubSB36XpLDf7d7lOfPFYWhBfEe43bi1nuudJX9mgeywVY/s4128/20230902_101848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIB5DEtOq8Gcwxl4kr1VPoX-KuVVe-eRbeYSWgRfPOh7v61PeWEVAhBjOu6kvXIiNhdh2ZsAXKYD5OXMkLzXBzMsClAPaq9H05DbzFP4RDtT_0_f2npNXD01zhuAWyLESiDP2S1Fw-xIJ4FNubSB36XpLDf7d7lOfPFYWhBfEe43bi1nuudJX9mgeywVY/s320/20230902_101848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Over coffee, accompanied by delicious home made chocolate brownies and shortbread we caught up on news since our writing retreat and then did a couple of writing exercises to stretch those creative muscles. It would have been a perfect morning for yoga on the beach, but we chose to flex our creative muscles instead.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQJsRF4OqLO2eYHNjsYkcWdZyBK3rUDw3Bra6fzWZvM3nJlV2PV1mfLEI7d9VjY8Lft5ouL6bjRCct8W7hstO-zuYGtlokN8JYP3pYCL4F5dMrrhfPv9SFwXDqFxXfX7Td2PSIbEbK9LYFpS-nhtCoTFU9Vx0wrnquIJP3hy_a1nbVStHEihjHJ50kQY/s4031/20230902_131833~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="4031" height="121" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibQJsRF4OqLO2eYHNjsYkcWdZyBK3rUDw3Bra6fzWZvM3nJlV2PV1mfLEI7d9VjY8Lft5ouL6bjRCct8W7hstO-zuYGtlokN8JYP3pYCL4F5dMrrhfPv9SFwXDqFxXfX7Td2PSIbEbK9LYFpS-nhtCoTFU9Vx0wrnquIJP3hy_a1nbVStHEihjHJ50kQY/s320/20230902_131833~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Fuelled by autumnal blackberry and ginger muffins we worked hard. I'm not sure if it was the ginger in the muffins, the warm September sunshine or the energy that is created when we gather, but I came away from Coney excited to be back writing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhAl0EoDXKOmkOlsh56kJeMHs7fj87XsmwwFsQflyGKjPzj1tZIDtEF3IKXBdwgvKGFv0CMePFrGHnZCJfNne4CaQsMKN93cMrvL4JUSa5x4-2syA6fmsd4qZTc4RVgPdGEB6PGL5KKZogJYNusFnpbRNnsidyfbtcNqseUpzi-tKHUKZb02Cso96iRw/s4128/20230902_081314.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhAl0EoDXKOmkOlsh56kJeMHs7fj87XsmwwFsQflyGKjPzj1tZIDtEF3IKXBdwgvKGFv0CMePFrGHnZCJfNne4CaQsMKN93cMrvL4JUSa5x4-2syA6fmsd4qZTc4RVgPdGEB6PGL5KKZogJYNusFnpbRNnsidyfbtcNqseUpzi-tKHUKZb02Cso96iRw/s320/20230902_081314.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-46137650956130375812023-08-20T21:37:00.003+01:002023-08-20T21:37:38.585+01:00A Dublin day<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6N6FGLxp72Y9sLZmIVMRpVU1pvX1nKuCh_hF7kt99fYv_HERvjMEFuz7UfsGZG-EOJjvQuGwX5nAGsZRs9G-qerTz1tPmp-R7gcNUinmA8HPM5DcC63Tu2duQf93qMXDvND3NzzqRSW6uVOVYSzH6q9hxFSyEBQrVD-1-C5vWwDXkJEObnVe3DqcNVw/s4128/20230819_163812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW6N6FGLxp72Y9sLZmIVMRpVU1pvX1nKuCh_hF7kt99fYv_HERvjMEFuz7UfsGZG-EOJjvQuGwX5nAGsZRs9G-qerTz1tPmp-R7gcNUinmA8HPM5DcC63Tu2duQf93qMXDvND3NzzqRSW6uVOVYSzH6q9hxFSyEBQrVD-1-C5vWwDXkJEObnVe3DqcNVw/s320/20230819_163812.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I managed to squeeze in a visit to the Museum of Literature Ireland while down in Dublin for the day. Sandwiched between some retail therapy, it was an oasis of calm away from a busy Grafton Street thronging with tourists. </p><p>The displays have been so cleverly curated that I came away inspired and encouraged.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFpUjCO3Tn1Ev0jsESfFhR5wQOwmnAq9tAHrz__5X97uvrcNYvopSxVOgX8Wwwnzsi-kB2Mf28Ui6AhMdrfE0QqHR7NVAsiRwGTUt7aprF9nQ8t-7gPZAANQTXo3krQkqxGvbB1sPawmafwyIkBxTiH33fMDNZz1iAOUvo7vnvWlhGYc5OaruRusf_Ro/s4128/20230818_133552.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyFpUjCO3Tn1Ev0jsESfFhR5wQOwmnAq9tAHrz__5X97uvrcNYvopSxVOgX8Wwwnzsi-kB2Mf28Ui6AhMdrfE0QqHR7NVAsiRwGTUt7aprF9nQ8t-7gPZAANQTXo3krQkqxGvbB1sPawmafwyIkBxTiH33fMDNZz1iAOUvo7vnvWlhGYc5OaruRusf_Ro/s320/20230818_133552.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Seeing James Joyce's drafts with countless lines scored out reminded me of the need to keep editing and made me thankful that modern technology can make this a bit less labour intensive.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTJeMFeJ12oaroRWkJBt1AGr3R0Q-ZNvVbnsD4dxtYQ5dXvJ5l3TNAyEzYPoQbYGxVPxVPBhNDVfZvoUMJU05CeZuv9Yta8ri4wUFAheASQlxfcxXdS8h-iv7ZpLIylRP8bVhbgUm5MS25v6ETWGkge8lDlwjGESf-Bp703LOuLzkEwYYJTb6NzHFzdk/s4128/20230818_140904.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwTJeMFeJ12oaroRWkJBt1AGr3R0Q-ZNvVbnsD4dxtYQ5dXvJ5l3TNAyEzYPoQbYGxVPxVPBhNDVfZvoUMJU05CeZuv9Yta8ri4wUFAheASQlxfcxXdS8h-iv7ZpLIylRP8bVhbgUm5MS25v6ETWGkge8lDlwjGESf-Bp703LOuLzkEwYYJTb6NzHFzdk/s320/20230818_140904.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>The inspiring quotes peppered throughout gave me encouragement and food for thought</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhgsNJ18zHakDMuhc-SmVWqGLmerLPC2fhJGhCpMrFMVsdN1d8-HfUAIeU42aZB716x6ltQBQFHeIOUksz1hbb4Hcl9p9u4_nGGlYY3aSxQDAba1mSIUbBvsmWjhOJNi8ZRFhXKrsJ7Zk_NcNshDctmXKNjt5zlnrWnXjM4TEAsNR8Vn-gBJ7Ahnbg-g/s4128/20230818_140235.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQhgsNJ18zHakDMuhc-SmVWqGLmerLPC2fhJGhCpMrFMVsdN1d8-HfUAIeU42aZB716x6ltQBQFHeIOUksz1hbb4Hcl9p9u4_nGGlYY3aSxQDAba1mSIUbBvsmWjhOJNi8ZRFhXKrsJ7Zk_NcNshDctmXKNjt5zlnrWnXjM4TEAsNR8Vn-gBJ7Ahnbg-g/s320/20230818_140235.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>And, like many before me, I was inspired to add a few lines to the writing wall.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMux_bo-SYQ0mIm2VfwOE3gCWjwZjQOE-_8pSEWx-iOcEX-80b2hC1iyddg1dmTDnYxBShczSG_Pr52WI2sFCPS_5XRgePP6iydCjWtT4EqJps7vDTXJ4a7s1xhEk0kZOll2A_SCYzsFbozzczyy18C0Viv3eUF0Wdzg7QkC_ID4KUlDPORoVwU7cXZt8/s4128/20230818_140355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMux_bo-SYQ0mIm2VfwOE3gCWjwZjQOE-_8pSEWx-iOcEX-80b2hC1iyddg1dmTDnYxBShczSG_Pr52WI2sFCPS_5XRgePP6iydCjWtT4EqJps7vDTXJ4a7s1xhEk0kZOll2A_SCYzsFbozzczyy18C0Viv3eUF0Wdzg7QkC_ID4KUlDPORoVwU7cXZt8/s320/20230818_140355.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>While it was inspiring to look at the displays featuring the great and the good I'd studied at school and university like Shaw and Yeats,</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF0qHLLzO712vziaUvu3rsdEy7YT6Tdpd9XzWKXxTjRg4f368p59geFeI0X6YUVDLLca_627gP6Uy-nCmVW3s5cH1grsJv3fX5aV-Mtvyl2Eg4vjwke1yF6Sh8L25feF7Y4clsmp2NL3d357iu6drYwpbM_UNc8vZ5aIVKBizHXPItVVtkGIF3frILlM/s4128/20230818_135033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNF0qHLLzO712vziaUvu3rsdEy7YT6Tdpd9XzWKXxTjRg4f368p59geFeI0X6YUVDLLca_627gP6Uy-nCmVW3s5cH1grsJv3fX5aV-Mtvyl2Eg4vjwke1yF6Sh8L25feF7Y4clsmp2NL3d357iu6drYwpbM_UNc8vZ5aIVKBizHXPItVVtkGIF3frILlM/s320/20230818_135033.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>For me what was more inspiring was to see my contemporaries featured in displays - including my writing pal from old, Wendy Erskine and Peadar O Guilin who I met last week at the YA Showcase event in Carrickfergus.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyywzP4bM2EzpMuPtR_aucLSF1LZFOrbprcN-FbOKvrQAySO3BmubLEFk901jcL4kyj2yiFKXUOEzME5LXUbn77ExnQlEmnEg0QJpIePNrsgXCsYxRe2tvIk7sErzd2pXtKWX6DojecH2mIWXf6yghn7We3-bm8dO5ZS5yO4Gst_V8mpDVd7VhGKlc150/s3196/20230820_182409-COLLAGE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3196" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyywzP4bM2EzpMuPtR_aucLSF1LZFOrbprcN-FbOKvrQAySO3BmubLEFk901jcL4kyj2yiFKXUOEzME5LXUbn77ExnQlEmnEg0QJpIePNrsgXCsYxRe2tvIk7sErzd2pXtKWX6DojecH2mIWXf6yghn7We3-bm8dO5ZS5yO4Gst_V8mpDVd7VhGKlc150/s320/20230820_182409-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>If ever there was a time to be inspired to write, it is now.</p><p>Of course there was the obligatory stop at the Museum cafe and shop for a delicious lunch (writers need writing fuel!), and a purchase was made featuring one of my favourite Irish writers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUR4bgLNprxE3Xu_UUkgsWuBNsyNQfXIJY8ERpfUWZ8EyUVVI3A-uerSA3j7Vc1mtqV2VqdYC8ae_AO_swTkLJYE4M0e6NM3lcy_y16hrPA601c-ErLKjI1s_lx1ZWQ9Kuc_siWTqfSuTaPZxAIDmVRVW1kAQD1d1oswVUILb-42uxhqvYvrY6V6vNO7I/s3196/20230820_183304-COLLAGE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3196" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUR4bgLNprxE3Xu_UUkgsWuBNsyNQfXIJY8ERpfUWZ8EyUVVI3A-uerSA3j7Vc1mtqV2VqdYC8ae_AO_swTkLJYE4M0e6NM3lcy_y16hrPA601c-ErLKjI1s_lx1ZWQ9Kuc_siWTqfSuTaPZxAIDmVRVW1kAQD1d1oswVUILb-42uxhqvYvrY6V6vNO7I/s320/20230820_183304-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Around twenty years ago I had the pleasure of hearing Maeve speak in Belfast and meeting her at an event related to her book 'Aches and Pains'. She was as mesmerising a speaker as she was a writer, so it seemed fitting that the souvenir postcard purchase was of her. And I know the pen will be used in future writing projects.</p><p>I'd travelled to Dublin armed with a notebook and pen, so on the way home on the train I noted down some memorable moments from the day. Travelling always provides great insights - the conversations, characters, places, situations and humour, and there were plenty of all of these that day.</p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-34457235664859417842023-08-13T17:41:00.000+01:002023-08-13T17:41:12.253+01:00Quite a week<p>It's been an exciting and busy week. Despite being double-booked last weekend and unable to attend the Ulster Scots poetry event in Belfast, I still got a mention in the write up in the Ballymoney Chronicle - thanks to Alan Millar.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcjfjZZStuxwBwiCs4LTtgmd4U2AuTtq-BEnEpN6yuGpPpQO0H3xaAsvbg7O85QD2WViR-EHAbiCcJG6vd_oyAAZez5NCoKhtbDPUQNGjLeiq2YXsuxazOtJtNlVVIjsvvUYeSPa5C8t1eW2xIjAK2kXm7apI-ZE2HejTZjNuIl5mUlxmB7Ok5XstT7M/s1948/Screenshot_20230813_085202_Samsung%20Internet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1948" data-original-width="1193" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcjfjZZStuxwBwiCs4LTtgmd4U2AuTtq-BEnEpN6yuGpPpQO0H3xaAsvbg7O85QD2WViR-EHAbiCcJG6vd_oyAAZez5NCoKhtbDPUQNGjLeiq2YXsuxazOtJtNlVVIjsvvUYeSPa5C8t1eW2xIjAK2kXm7apI-ZE2HejTZjNuIl5mUlxmB7Ok5XstT7M/s320/Screenshot_20230813_085202_Samsung%20Internet.jpg" width="196" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>Plans for future events are unfolding and I'm looking forward to being involved in them.</p><p>During the week I attended Shirley McMillan's book launch at No Alibis in Belfast. Afterwards it was lovely to chat with the ladies from Little Island publishers and catch up with writing pals over dinner.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJ-v3zRbL-Xw66oUTp0lAL1A2rHnc_DubUbbxHNR4W2nmo073mQNn_2cwUtn6GxjRv-31Pb-OsMDWkHr9oSTJhJXSEgkbLL5cbCveUni5yhydeCMc2chiM2qJ5DrKD38M9R5TjcH3G379725HBbMNSadr9dWMvs6NWpBKIQDJ0EjdN5tGvV-Heb1X-AI/s4128/20230810_223037.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJ-v3zRbL-Xw66oUTp0lAL1A2rHnc_DubUbbxHNR4W2nmo073mQNn_2cwUtn6GxjRv-31Pb-OsMDWkHr9oSTJhJXSEgkbLL5cbCveUni5yhydeCMc2chiM2qJ5DrKD38M9R5TjcH3G379725HBbMNSadr9dWMvs6NWpBKIQDJ0EjdN5tGvV-Heb1X-AI/s320/20230810_223037.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Yesterday was a fantastic day at The Secret Bookshelf in Carrickfergus. I'm delighted that through SCBWI Ireland we were able to support a Young Adult writer showcase event.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNvZ4XwPqpWqQXu75CADpUKAQFHhjPWzp_cRTVyWdH4PDmLnEv7cbPzr9fFUqVHUjijOW6Z1TP4HNS-a1frw2t87-gRn_Cyb_qgcnrOSNE5vNGw7mCkhyBoeZwx9d_aNiBLkIWTGlMLnRdi7V39LhYRvTITV-fBiuWBHb159tTqO5M9uERTVbKlEebZc/s4128/20230812_103437.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxNvZ4XwPqpWqQXu75CADpUKAQFHhjPWzp_cRTVyWdH4PDmLnEv7cbPzr9fFUqVHUjijOW6Z1TP4HNS-a1frw2t87-gRn_Cyb_qgcnrOSNE5vNGw7mCkhyBoeZwx9d_aNiBLkIWTGlMLnRdi7V39LhYRvTITV-fBiuWBHb159tTqO5M9uERTVbKlEebZc/s320/20230812_103437.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p>Local YA writers Sue Divin, Shirley McMillan and Jenny Ireland took part in an inspiring panel discussion. It was great to see so many readers, writers and libraraians in the audience. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGLIo-48WauPYliyDmvLJbE-yFQzstHmA6Pny1Ytjit_O16OhZdBSHSmU_skaM95wXm-68IGM5M0d5diR8_E0kR867jyfkPe7L2iviFgZD4rH-JliPkDhZjgbggEoqyeiSyzdXrvp02h344WDsKkPJS34PaYMBrCgl9f8hbPp2Fcus2Qte_duyn7veDw/s4128/20230812_135807.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqGLIo-48WauPYliyDmvLJbE-yFQzstHmA6Pny1Ytjit_O16OhZdBSHSmU_skaM95wXm-68IGM5M0d5diR8_E0kR867jyfkPe7L2iviFgZD4rH-JliPkDhZjgbggEoqyeiSyzdXrvp02h344WDsKkPJS34PaYMBrCgl9f8hbPp2Fcus2Qte_duyn7veDw/s320/20230812_135807.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />I spoke about how belonging to a writing group can benefit your writing career and shared information about how SCBWI helps develop supportive writing communities. This was very much in evidence yesterday with so much interest and support at the event. It was lovely to make connections with so many people - several of whom had made very long journeys to be there.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gqSQX1qHXpAQNnkwT2olGTrn_s2324BWbAER4gJKczgN23P_CLEB7JmmcZTEGpxRFqWPPXAwNIJPKoyYU-wToJzSXrwYqDMhLxcNY2o8QtRcZgsJYdMUo8Azgt9b5OXemZoJEikIWbzNqkJSkbGBeVILgd_bz7ibI_A6UJxMPLS3veXW7e4B61IPMmI/s2048/20230813_083752.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-gqSQX1qHXpAQNnkwT2olGTrn_s2324BWbAER4gJKczgN23P_CLEB7JmmcZTEGpxRFqWPPXAwNIJPKoyYU-wToJzSXrwYqDMhLxcNY2o8QtRcZgsJYdMUo8Azgt9b5OXemZoJEikIWbzNqkJSkbGBeVILgd_bz7ibI_A6UJxMPLS3veXW7e4B61IPMmI/s320/20230813_083752.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>Afterwards a conversation with Jo Zebedee, author and co-owner of The Secret Bookshelf, and YA writer Peadar <span face="sans-serif">Ó Guilín exploring darker themes concluded the day.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyY-0F3UYAdxpd9jv7Z0m6_s4tzD2xL8xQAaAWr8syvUq9683vhG3zBGx6FI_FJr2wdsl9lIAQh1qWK9CfO2R1NJnxPiFB1AWEtboaI-E34fjtjyQUpsbUrBAxTQ9hRJpPhl2eo8frpp2gATwsz5M-pwE7GcrijH2rC5jdV6H6ihL2QxB_IyPXuF5OeQY/s2923/20230812_142339~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="2923" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyY-0F3UYAdxpd9jv7Z0m6_s4tzD2xL8xQAaAWr8syvUq9683vhG3zBGx6FI_FJr2wdsl9lIAQh1qWK9CfO2R1NJnxPiFB1AWEtboaI-E34fjtjyQUpsbUrBAxTQ9hRJpPhl2eo8frpp2gATwsz5M-pwE7GcrijH2rC5jdV6H6ihL2QxB_IyPXuF5OeQY/s320/20230812_142339~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><span face="sans-serif">There were book signings and author readings as well as goodie bags. So of course this week I've added to my TBR pile ( it is impossible to leave a bookshop empty handed!). I finished reading Jenny's fantastic book 'The First Move' a few weeks ago. I've just started Shirley's new book 'Grapefruit Moon' and next on the reading list will be Sue's most recent book, 'Truth be Told'. The local writing scene is buzzing and it's an exciting and inspiring time for writers to be part of this vibrant community.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rjEPBtbW78TlfS0X2Pkv3EDviSQukLLgHzEzILG2-3tdps85-W0wVGgt5L3-QkCkacLCss_rpKyUP-DjB-8aa0fG7lE3fak3-4AS8KKNpYzuOC0uECEXyuUMLnVpqfjqjiwlxnnFim-3uk-aE0VdWUjZoIRX9OtEtJlruP5EvSE2bgWkolXYZpYGQsE/s4128/20230813_151549.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rjEPBtbW78TlfS0X2Pkv3EDviSQukLLgHzEzILG2-3tdps85-W0wVGgt5L3-QkCkacLCss_rpKyUP-DjB-8aa0fG7lE3fak3-4AS8KKNpYzuOC0uECEXyuUMLnVpqfjqjiwlxnnFim-3uk-aE0VdWUjZoIRX9OtEtJlruP5EvSE2bgWkolXYZpYGQsE/s320/20230813_151549.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face="sans-serif" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-1058707100789432792023-08-07T21:44:00.000+01:002023-08-07T21:44:17.758+01:00Writing re-TREAT<p>I'm just back from our writing group's annual writing retreat. A high point of the summer, we look forward to it for months and it always seems to go in a flash. The weather had been looking ominous and while some areas experienced torrential showers and flooding, we managed to get outside for walks each day to re-energise in between our writing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_sZGriUx3jvAw-Ly_NMtyZkHYNQo3eQQ8sZvclbhRDiKi5XYCn5wrKz8DCjz4ZVf7zz0wWbxYTcuK16LNGUJ7dXxcuGj5k0HkTpT8vVWPOh28iylDNjWQnRxQ5Ii40c4BVIEmr6jwicmSi2yn8IQ0uUnKWx0NlDBRvqheLeLBsDENl2vPmQbKmGs9Hg/s4128/20230805_211309.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_sZGriUx3jvAw-Ly_NMtyZkHYNQo3eQQ8sZvclbhRDiKi5XYCn5wrKz8DCjz4ZVf7zz0wWbxYTcuK16LNGUJ7dXxcuGj5k0HkTpT8vVWPOh28iylDNjWQnRxQ5Ii40c4BVIEmr6jwicmSi2yn8IQ0uUnKWx0NlDBRvqheLeLBsDENl2vPmQbKmGs9Hg/s320/20230805_211309.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Inspired by beautiful surroundings, the best of company and great food, I made good progress against my plan for the weekend on a couple of writing projects. <div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVtFpfFFSFwLAY_3WWgZYm9U-ax5HTpgNdORRi_JzuPFUGH9GS_RhgblnCbl6_ZUoajJbavZ0d4ehTsHuu50KETin-Pl54XjEwIwC6k1PqSiY1uUlrsp3CCKXz6Ugcew4anFuXQMVsP1El3tsjVhh5EsyaFivypt-nxLpHgYfnoest8AYOKmIQJUKPi8/s4128/20230806_095722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzVtFpfFFSFwLAY_3WWgZYm9U-ax5HTpgNdORRi_JzuPFUGH9GS_RhgblnCbl6_ZUoajJbavZ0d4ehTsHuu50KETin-Pl54XjEwIwC6k1PqSiY1uUlrsp3CCKXz6Ugcew4anFuXQMVsP1El3tsjVhh5EsyaFivypt-nxLpHgYfnoest8AYOKmIQJUKPi8/s320/20230806_095722.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div>But a writing retreat and a writing group is so much more than writing. I believe our group is very special. We're still going strong after many years, ably led by Maddie. As well as writing our individual pieces, we help and support each other, we laugh together, we share experiences and learn so much from each other. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkUl3zz4zCW3oxHI4QMSgRZqvWU852ES1_dIaTS7AHalBFgVzxzZVPXlyO-GMoB1Hf1BZI4yjl8BXgMZWk5-E2UmDiEghdySdzCa0m7SzU6w_J_oDMnGXC2burWrKG89EwHccpjfPCHyW3y0-f5qfwR5OM7gs03RGzIcKh19bHRRVXhrm8sxj_PQtH0Q/s4128/20230807_093131.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwkUl3zz4zCW3oxHI4QMSgRZqvWU852ES1_dIaTS7AHalBFgVzxzZVPXlyO-GMoB1Hf1BZI4yjl8BXgMZWk5-E2UmDiEghdySdzCa0m7SzU6w_J_oDMnGXC2burWrKG89EwHccpjfPCHyW3y0-f5qfwR5OM7gs03RGzIcKh19bHRRVXhrm8sxj_PQtH0Q/s320/20230807_093131.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /><div>With these views as a backdrop and a supportive group it is a real treat to be together for a few days. There's always something new to experience at Coney, whether that's identifying fresh footprints on the sea-washed shore or sampling a new recipe. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHw9jlVZXJ-R9_QbCoSlxeFFdv2PCxdusfOuDYrlYmkVlz9ARYJjKE6TQ32iE00_nu-251Nk4rtAqpDbimqhby1dQQSqel9zGcrjE5PGFxvoGyZItcO3mt2z5Tbu7Hb-B3tyUGotTVPom-_D58H4DpfRxt3H13cFGwkEW_YWhm-0HRrtnsHe8AwWPh3I/s4128/20230807_093243.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMHw9jlVZXJ-R9_QbCoSlxeFFdv2PCxdusfOuDYrlYmkVlz9ARYJjKE6TQ32iE00_nu-251Nk4rtAqpDbimqhby1dQQSqel9zGcrjE5PGFxvoGyZItcO3mt2z5Tbu7Hb-B3tyUGotTVPom-_D58H4DpfRxt3H13cFGwkEW_YWhm-0HRrtnsHe8AwWPh3I/s320/20230807_093243.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div>It's all an idyllic treat. And it's always a treat to re-visit some of the recipes that now have become regular features at our writing retreat and workshops. Tasty starters, main courses and desserts as well as sweet treats are all part of the experience.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgEJlUZds5nGumW9wDo2r-3k_5zVx-RVIpIlpx95m87YqwRKd9hxfmuGBuw0a1B66bHZ-Fa0-o3X-YudaBb_NPK4L61aG7XV5PFYYe_OIM0QVwAtULi43qkT-eVtzQgWeVo6yI0KT7NXb5A45Lxl14WoowHU-xAln-jiT8ADwJcaCJlpQTHCNHzCkIE8/s2880/20230807_211925-COLLAGE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLgEJlUZds5nGumW9wDo2r-3k_5zVx-RVIpIlpx95m87YqwRKd9hxfmuGBuw0a1B66bHZ-Fa0-o3X-YudaBb_NPK4L61aG7XV5PFYYe_OIM0QVwAtULi43qkT-eVtzQgWeVo6yI0KT7NXb5A45Lxl14WoowHU-xAln-jiT8ADwJcaCJlpQTHCNHzCkIE8/s320/20230807_211925-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Over the weekend I missed a couple of other writing events which clashed with our retreat. One was the SCBWI virtual summer conference - luckily I'll be able to watch the recordings of most sessions soon. The other event was a get-together in Belfast of Ulster Scots writers - hopefully the next time I'll be able to be there. But I wouldn't have missed our retreat for anything.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1DMHc1L9US68UN-pcTgXI_io77xezmbzUgHbMOnbWIIs4SLU5rRJeq7wutC-W1p4ekfIMYX6CIc1zlpIUL1IPHZf0ctpdeRIbZBbWhhA3Ymj3XjskFuVxF9KdUPYd1VZmt5taZzPexW-zONOfVM3KNvDVBeHHW-mcu7V1tya0KwBRqO00zsDS_CMW18/s4128/20230807_094320.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1DMHc1L9US68UN-pcTgXI_io77xezmbzUgHbMOnbWIIs4SLU5rRJeq7wutC-W1p4ekfIMYX6CIc1zlpIUL1IPHZf0ctpdeRIbZBbWhhA3Ymj3XjskFuVxF9KdUPYd1VZmt5taZzPexW-zONOfVM3KNvDVBeHHW-mcu7V1tya0KwBRqO00zsDS_CMW18/s320/20230807_094320.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-73808682554234261092023-08-01T19:51:00.000+01:002023-08-01T19:51:46.730+01:00Hey ho, the wind and the rain<p>It's been a while since I've seen one of Shakespeare's plays on stage and last night was the first time I'd seen a Shakespeare play performed outdoors. But it wasn't for want of trying. Several years ago we booked to see 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' at midsummer which should have been idyllic, but torrential rain and floods forced us to have our picnic in the kitchen and abandon going to the play.</p><p>So for the last few days we'd been watching the skies hoping that it would stay dry for Illyria's production of 'Twelfth Night' at Carrickfergus. We went prepared for all weather, with winter coats and gloves! It was still July though at times it felt distinctly autumnal.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2e6FBl2eUdsTovpBYuiG8dpyR3I9RKqQBHwoA6I4opuIi1wEsNl6KURXvybU9FyHGbTrScoo4nyLO0AIPRbDvWA3oIded9Y49DYFKhquUzYvL-_Jhi-9pJGDZUb0uMY8IjP9wUhBlkL1lVbN_kaMiMUJ-zYdYgD7mKq9wK_SIGIm1GLxzyB2DivzSfTg/s4128/20230731_193225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2e6FBl2eUdsTovpBYuiG8dpyR3I9RKqQBHwoA6I4opuIi1wEsNl6KURXvybU9FyHGbTrScoo4nyLO0AIPRbDvWA3oIded9Y49DYFKhquUzYvL-_Jhi-9pJGDZUb0uMY8IjP9wUhBlkL1lVbN_kaMiMUJ-zYdYgD7mKq9wK_SIGIm1GLxzyB2DivzSfTg/s320/20230731_193225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>As Orsino uttered the opening lines there was a glimpse of blue sky peeping between the clouds and it looked like we might be spared showers.</p><p>With only five actors in the troupe, each played several characters.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxYBpNBWJ1c6uf-hvLRvgDK1f07xMhy2GT9QEV_eefI5lXl9rYb_HLeqR-c9_8xv3yhmPLOb97R5BqujTWdoKh9rdyLkis5eny83I1UNqMr0WhIyO9iNK8Ubs0f3nVA2SmneLLxYqR_p6wLHpXC8eRhRLEoeOS9-GbTc0m50ZH9yvOi11A1071TcH_98/s4128/20230731_200958.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxYBpNBWJ1c6uf-hvLRvgDK1f07xMhy2GT9QEV_eefI5lXl9rYb_HLeqR-c9_8xv3yhmPLOb97R5BqujTWdoKh9rdyLkis5eny83I1UNqMr0WhIyO9iNK8Ubs0f3nVA2SmneLLxYqR_p6wLHpXC8eRhRLEoeOS9-GbTc0m50ZH9yvOi11A1071TcH_98/s320/20230731_200958.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>For me one of the highpoints had to be Malvolio appearing in his yellow stockings, brightening up what was becoming a darker evening as grey clouds gathered overhead.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuyGPPgyxHngAUNcJFG4q_t3__SM4jP2HRvaxSSlHs5hIT1CmpQ833xUsDEa4Uv0NQzeWhy8JAaMLnAqjbMCaJOOitawVWzl2ecGIS1flzs60wx6ELnrgk1Sz6ozyESXNGN9kqo9gVFx7gjIxXCIQXpSODo3izCZi0gezieEmFvmsRZk5j2kSGECW4BM/s4128/20230731_204206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuyGPPgyxHngAUNcJFG4q_t3__SM4jP2HRvaxSSlHs5hIT1CmpQ833xUsDEa4Uv0NQzeWhy8JAaMLnAqjbMCaJOOitawVWzl2ecGIS1flzs60wx6ELnrgk1Sz6ozyESXNGN9kqo9gVFx7gjIxXCIQXpSODo3izCZi0gezieEmFvmsRZk5j2kSGECW4BM/s320/20230731_204206.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Inevitably the rain arrived. We huddled down in our coats determined not to miss the fun, despite becoming a bit soggy. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZtlyZp-hIxmSLxpxX4ZGTtTbpyGe934bSHtxFPWU6ex7G_gDihI9mjyhhLUTqSF9ahb8QgeQrzdQox-ntDKuwxBS55bsnIxmtz-knjz-YQoKlkLzRAhCGC_LAiZWy6Ak4z-Jf-wDTGV8MmdueY_kbp3NFrtPypTNtdLGoI-_71zQ_JPOQnV_wvhh_Ls/s4128/20230731_212623.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrZtlyZp-hIxmSLxpxX4ZGTtTbpyGe934bSHtxFPWU6ex7G_gDihI9mjyhhLUTqSF9ahb8QgeQrzdQox-ntDKuwxBS55bsnIxmtz-knjz-YQoKlkLzRAhCGC_LAiZWy6Ak4z-Jf-wDTGV8MmdueY_kbp3NFrtPypTNtdLGoI-_71zQ_JPOQnV_wvhh_Ls/s320/20230731_212623.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>And if we were a bit soggy, the actors must have been too. They were all amazing, continuing to deliver their lines impeccably, despite a storm beginning to brew with leaves blowing off the trees and the rain becoming heavier.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48oa1ew81_-429IctpVyDHQ9P_w1GalQNl8niA2fHoaSPR1Uzg8vmIJ6y2VbNtXrbqHleX7dl8FjJZYGDHyarT9htT6OeKt8mgCx3i02t0lfDjVRNFErwebz64OPN2wWpQdemOtCRW5u9G3wO8uQpzDp8Kl7bdjfqEhriBob_2aRXK6avBLN0Is_4Bys/s4128/20230731_214911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48oa1ew81_-429IctpVyDHQ9P_w1GalQNl8niA2fHoaSPR1Uzg8vmIJ6y2VbNtXrbqHleX7dl8FjJZYGDHyarT9htT6OeKt8mgCx3i02t0lfDjVRNFErwebz64OPN2wWpQdemOtCRW5u9G3wO8uQpzDp8Kl7bdjfqEhriBob_2aRXK6avBLN0Is_4Bys/s320/20230731_214911.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I've seen several Illyria productions over the years and they never disappoint. Despite the weather, this had to be one of their best performances. It felt a perfect night, right from the beginning. Maybe it was because the play takes place in Illyria, or maybe because I'd finally got to see Shakespeare performed outdoors. And the words of Feste's final song could not have been more appropriate last night - it certainly felt it had raineth every day this July and it brought a smile to everyone's faces.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKgXXhGggpCaJImH1tK1wQx7LgeEbhFcjbE8UilDZRcVeSWDBiXWc6FngO74oPR6uj2iZ-C3-Lcwb5I2YM3xBvNHA6NhAqkgUhDUKoJxNJfvH9GiEVW7bxcF0GiWILzEHWynRWeOWgFcLGzgsS03SRHgiY7QrK2PuX-TN03ejA-xu4azHDgl6SQb7sqI/s4128/20230801_190540.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvKgXXhGggpCaJImH1tK1wQx7LgeEbhFcjbE8UilDZRcVeSWDBiXWc6FngO74oPR6uj2iZ-C3-Lcwb5I2YM3xBvNHA6NhAqkgUhDUKoJxNJfvH9GiEVW7bxcF0GiWILzEHWynRWeOWgFcLGzgsS03SRHgiY7QrK2PuX-TN03ejA-xu4azHDgl6SQb7sqI/s320/20230801_190540.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-42529077717290177002023-06-25T20:40:00.002+01:002023-06-25T20:40:28.791+01:00Writing Round Up<p>It's been a busy month with several enjoyable writing related meet-ups over the last few weekends. They started off with our SCBWI Ireland zoom session when we had the pleasure of welcoming Ashwin Chacko as our guest. He was an inspiring speaker and it was good to reconnect with SCBWI members across Ireland again. That weekend also involved catching up with some writing friends for afternoon tea. It was lovely to spend time together again sharing our news.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjuX2Uz3JREjxeaDau7rkTNsxwi7v5tNuKAexAmqy_fylV4C_4ofkbwRNVugXubcg79HuwxUqk1cQ_N_Da_fKxqXC-FbRE16XSge5jy8xgQK2EDI8SRM_bgdW0RP9a75uPHI91wIZ3SshWOUVUuRgbgFHThclaEGb2cRCxiCXXlHpUkum38TDGMLU9Vg/s4128/20230611_163522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdjuX2Uz3JREjxeaDau7rkTNsxwi7v5tNuKAexAmqy_fylV4C_4ofkbwRNVugXubcg79HuwxUqk1cQ_N_Da_fKxqXC-FbRE16XSge5jy8xgQK2EDI8SRM_bgdW0RP9a75uPHI91wIZ3SshWOUVUuRgbgFHThclaEGb2cRCxiCXXlHpUkum38TDGMLU9Vg/s320/20230611_163522.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Last weekend I met up with local children's writers and Illustrators at our Belfast SCBWI social. It was good to meet some new faces and to welcome some more familiar faces as we spent the morning in Waterstone's cafe sharing news, experiences, ideas and tips. It's great being part of this supportive group and lovely to be back meeting in person.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3L3cQQSb5ma3R_ahToCY-wvLwGsa2jW1bd0jXZ-XmBfZ513NmDTteYZeczZ_k7esMJcvafarekMDaRCphDJ0PXjMMXobpawSgTX26iqlL76ayIwEaJlmz9itjQzYpRYzuHZb3j_MaK-6rnYOV4VflajxtIAt3Eo3BDUMdkSY-eEZAIcIqVqikn4ACaLI/s3639/20230617_174632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2321" data-original-width="3639" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3L3cQQSb5ma3R_ahToCY-wvLwGsa2jW1bd0jXZ-XmBfZ513NmDTteYZeczZ_k7esMJcvafarekMDaRCphDJ0PXjMMXobpawSgTX26iqlL76ayIwEaJlmz9itjQzYpRYzuHZb3j_MaK-6rnYOV4VflajxtIAt3Eo3BDUMdkSY-eEZAIcIqVqikn4ACaLI/s320/20230617_174632.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Later that day I caught up with Jo and Chris in The Secret Bookshelf. Although they'd been rushed off their feet all day (it was the first day of Independent Bookshop Week) we had a good chat, including discussing some exciting plans (more news about those in due course) and I left with a bag full of books including a goody bag.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YlfSwFpfKqhgF7gcY4lb9KjqaYIaLZ1v9FznfAUBn-83AwXLI302Q2yUyvJ1CymW0Zy9nqAAs5LQuK8v_13oKi3Ix01fSyquahYxm8Gn0IinBGbUjVDfhxAq7qHx_sAvbmGLrr3OplldNi-b7AuVRppqvk6OKzcQTQRnvbuS72jv-XXZNnvBs0EjvDI/s4128/20230617_160412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1YlfSwFpfKqhgF7gcY4lb9KjqaYIaLZ1v9FznfAUBn-83AwXLI302Q2yUyvJ1CymW0Zy9nqAAs5LQuK8v_13oKi3Ix01fSyquahYxm8Gn0IinBGbUjVDfhxAq7qHx_sAvbmGLrr3OplldNi-b7AuVRppqvk6OKzcQTQRnvbuS72jv-XXZNnvBs0EjvDI/s320/20230617_160412.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>Yesterday I was back with my writing pals in Coney. Over summer berry muffins and coffee we shared our news, made plans and worked hard under Maddie's guidance.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFncKGdsHH12766mSLuYogTTa-6SG-8PqQqxPVqgsZNMS-6GnbcoO79O6Dz9EN8Fm4tgk5zNdnyDXjjKCMQzmW4ypm5Egl9CTkgOuUmYNf3NrnuAyiHQIv0XFxPFMwtE_8IvCcqr_phbAXTdPvopDHC2c3tsIcOeQNOIREJ3-YwH8TKljFL8sYCEmPCc/s2902/20230624_072603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="2902" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFncKGdsHH12766mSLuYogTTa-6SG-8PqQqxPVqgsZNMS-6GnbcoO79O6Dz9EN8Fm4tgk5zNdnyDXjjKCMQzmW4ypm5Egl9CTkgOuUmYNf3NrnuAyiHQIv0XFxPFMwtE_8IvCcqr_phbAXTdPvopDHC2c3tsIcOeQNOIREJ3-YwH8TKljFL8sYCEmPCc/s320/20230624_072603.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>The writing exercises were difficult because they really made us think about how we tend to describe objects and how we can improve our writing craft in this area.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kN76-j7QdOeDyddz_ZWvBsKUyU03pED2nAbgRG2-yinSdrtZ8xw4l1pI0bibzDB0SwJgIkyhbrRqmswAn678pszHRQvOk6A9suN2OSUtzm7J-0RH0UrO-9qccNgikaTXWa1Rz-Li7JqVQHimMP5heK1teXSyH5YPRQogmErD5CwdhLgL8DlEun9XWz8/s4128/20230624_125439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="4128" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4kN76-j7QdOeDyddz_ZWvBsKUyU03pED2nAbgRG2-yinSdrtZ8xw4l1pI0bibzDB0SwJgIkyhbrRqmswAn678pszHRQvOk6A9suN2OSUtzm7J-0RH0UrO-9qccNgikaTXWa1Rz-Li7JqVQHimMP5heK1teXSyH5YPRQogmErD5CwdhLgL8DlEun9XWz8/s320/20230624_125439.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>And the added bonus of beautiful sunshine made this a perfect way to spend a morning. For a bit of fun, I totalled up the number of people in the writing community I've connected with directly so far this month. I was surprised that the total was as high as 77. I feel very fortunate to know 77 other writers, illustrators and creatives and privileged that I am part of a number of groups which are nurturing and supportive.</p><p><br /></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-91369959316295950172023-06-18T20:11:00.000+01:002023-06-18T20:11:59.316+01:00Independent Bookshop Week<p>It's time to support your local independent bookstore. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAHFpotF8PPlsq6gEptakMH4yxZ0sXqajLwbjs1CunYVkZklmiauuNHmahyQzGnG8ikZJzYmZQFQn-ggOIUHYATpNt_-VvtansIMnMDCFax-Sdzstm-nJQ1WJgbvD0gfyvw8tpea8K55mVZTMejlu-CG8roR5DzKRXvn9zZqe1KHfLPATU4kGxH8o/s4128/20230617_160434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXAHFpotF8PPlsq6gEptakMH4yxZ0sXqajLwbjs1CunYVkZklmiauuNHmahyQzGnG8ikZJzYmZQFQn-ggOIUHYATpNt_-VvtansIMnMDCFax-Sdzstm-nJQ1WJgbvD0gfyvw8tpea8K55mVZTMejlu-CG8roR5DzKRXvn9zZqe1KHfLPATU4kGxH8o/s320/20230617_160434.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Yesterday Independent Bookshop Week kicked off and I paid a visit to my local bookshop. They are such Aladdin's caves with treasures waiting to be discovered in every nook and cranny. As well as having a lovely chat with The Secret Bookshelf 's owners Jo and Chris, I came away with a goody bag and a few more books than planned (nothing new there!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFTOdbHdMYCl3NCkszsat9izsPaKYGkkDVWoHPYZI2SBW0_n0QcedfKqn42JwYgePAI6C9f6YnKnzsvfSX1IBF_uQWeFTrH6z-OyvRB-g6JJcBVyN9nCYzHXY6v1divGz-cXWFLPPv3Pq3wRU9DuAh_hZEHXYCw1TjmSSAUwa3wFEBtl1br4ozbij/s4128/20230617_155354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxFTOdbHdMYCl3NCkszsat9izsPaKYGkkDVWoHPYZI2SBW0_n0QcedfKqn42JwYgePAI6C9f6YnKnzsvfSX1IBF_uQWeFTrH6z-OyvRB-g6JJcBVyN9nCYzHXY6v1divGz-cXWFLPPv3Pq3wRU9DuAh_hZEHXYCw1TjmSSAUwa3wFEBtl1br4ozbij/s320/20230617_155354.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qWfpV5pggn1OiL0ABIfJ_a0pK323_sSPMX9jgi_kaNj9fEh_iruFRKykYTOYGViu3SKm-k5tmG8WnCw77Qn-8OMWCWlOnuEAEj0R01lDvD3wCORzjcefcfRWyt38z_1AnIEbufObT6FBexbS0A1UDh00av3pv3K2vYLf7ORTMPVEuUXUDrh1rXEM/s4128/20230617_160411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5qWfpV5pggn1OiL0ABIfJ_a0pK323_sSPMX9jgi_kaNj9fEh_iruFRKykYTOYGViu3SKm-k5tmG8WnCw77Qn-8OMWCWlOnuEAEj0R01lDvD3wCORzjcefcfRWyt38z_1AnIEbufObT6FBexbS0A1UDh00av3pv3K2vYLf7ORTMPVEuUXUDrh1rXEM/s320/20230617_160411.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>I also treated myself to a 'blind date with a book' - you can select a wrapped up book based on the hand written description </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1PFzp4oYWBoTGtzAOk-WS8sjqwrh4MyUej3eOlEoWx1PI53Y_DoebFmjVztcPsE-hmz1WkKi_JfT0T-xuyYnR-9wptVVEDdIx7X3-irtYOjNo5WjtPSBDLKxTDSGTLIR1usZOOd0JccZziGoRszzCsRgqYwMtyM28-TWWXYagLcEYVzsUnCoKbE2/s4128/20230617_160647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1PFzp4oYWBoTGtzAOk-WS8sjqwrh4MyUej3eOlEoWx1PI53Y_DoebFmjVztcPsE-hmz1WkKi_JfT0T-xuyYnR-9wptVVEDdIx7X3-irtYOjNo5WjtPSBDLKxTDSGTLIR1usZOOd0JccZziGoRszzCsRgqYwMtyM28-TWWXYagLcEYVzsUnCoKbE2/s320/20230617_160647.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>not knowing the author or title. I did have a go at guessing some but was stumped with this one so I picked it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZMUgeUGmJT-4G1mydrZ8FKJoDo5ulnYLQueaaa9lf_ZT0WJzXi4ByW7YHO7La5lMLu4iK71ewxV7w1by0hfdU3vWMObRfJhQh5wJMdP0k3Z1Y0XZQgRALSroj_ZGRI8MqfC-C1k_4o80zoZl8Gj_EAL63mOSs44F7J06M1S5KM8VK35V9sAKSb7d/s4128/20230617_172415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZMUgeUGmJT-4G1mydrZ8FKJoDo5ulnYLQueaaa9lf_ZT0WJzXi4ByW7YHO7La5lMLu4iK71ewxV7w1by0hfdU3vWMObRfJhQh5wJMdP0k3Z1Y0XZQgRALSroj_ZGRI8MqfC-C1k_4o80zoZl8Gj_EAL63mOSs44F7J06M1S5KM8VK35V9sAKSb7d/s320/20230617_172415.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><br /><p>When I returned home I couldn’t wait to open it - it was like receiving an unexpected present. It's been added to the TBR pile, while I'm currently reading this fabulous YA book written by one of my writing friends. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JjmPKgBAwFqUpBBZLYotk4UmY_0P_4C5-mtIzx2atonQnhCL8Ga3bi1sp5sLWMvsyxe3BuaTPFRIYdps1NPo2OIEz4WTMfkr2-eg4-KGKczquXi5zF7R37ONbhoMGpDL1yzuMoGLOqtMfK-y4PLIuzOz5jKLGa2MH-cYCXXCyf9zWRItgp188O1j/s1901/20230618_174103~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1390" data-original-width="1901" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8JjmPKgBAwFqUpBBZLYotk4UmY_0P_4C5-mtIzx2atonQnhCL8Ga3bi1sp5sLWMvsyxe3BuaTPFRIYdps1NPo2OIEz4WTMfkr2-eg4-KGKczquXi5zF7R37ONbhoMGpDL1yzuMoGLOqtMfK-y4PLIuzOz5jKLGa2MH-cYCXXCyf9zWRItgp188O1j/s320/20230618_174103~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I missed Jenny's book launch at our local bookshop a couple of months ago so was really glad to catch up with her yesterday to get my copy signed.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tDdJmLiFRM_VF6s1bs_lfJo-VcQa424w2sApdhfvsec_KhwnLmAAuN1HnWR9Ym1jlBctfQztqHty4vOZhKy2Y5RFoTRwglps5S2hOCxZp03Bk-OBj2lroWnT2RQNa_4hR-PnIyn67oGh3b4lAs3dEL1jQfvlVXXKrMzLt_IgfvbAIyv4-fpjryyW/s4128/20230617_160705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="2322" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tDdJmLiFRM_VF6s1bs_lfJo-VcQa424w2sApdhfvsec_KhwnLmAAuN1HnWR9Ym1jlBctfQztqHty4vOZhKy2Y5RFoTRwglps5S2hOCxZp03Bk-OBj2lroWnT2RQNa_4hR-PnIyn67oGh3b4lAs3dEL1jQfvlVXXKrMzLt_IgfvbAIyv4-fpjryyW/s320/20230617_160705.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>There are loads of events on throughout this week at local independent bookshops - check them out - you won't regret it.</p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-53467778436996070042023-05-28T21:27:00.004+01:002023-05-28T21:29:59.611+01:00Bank holiday sunshine<p>It's another bank holiday weekend - the third this month and even better that the sun has been shining so we can get out and enjoy the gorgeous weather. The long weekend got off to a fine start yesterday when I was back with my writing pals at Coney Island. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsbZI5b-xvhsqNx_UP5UnUhvmDR44_wVJsP4DZY4Gv0nmhmDr57VmBloMkTEcz7wdRItbIgcum2p7Vx36k0eUuroGFy1jh8ycJtLA2cs-YqGjjEI3MidvFsi1g5FI4AMACCzcdCl6r05AKBXWhSplTLpea-OHPNpnW0CSEiOxruFNROA75Pi9VrZC/s4128/20230527_071209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGsbZI5b-xvhsqNx_UP5UnUhvmDR44_wVJsP4DZY4Gv0nmhmDr57VmBloMkTEcz7wdRItbIgcum2p7Vx36k0eUuroGFy1jh8ycJtLA2cs-YqGjjEI3MidvFsi1g5FI4AMACCzcdCl6r05AKBXWhSplTLpea-OHPNpnW0CSEiOxruFNROA75Pi9VrZC/s320/20230527_071209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Over homemade blueberry and ginger muffins and coffee we caught up on each other's news (and there's always lots to catch up on) and watched boats heading out on adventures on a sea sparkling in the sunshine.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XpaNiWWCZ7V7_ndLuqYr5h6wRUqMhvEuKaVQGKnPwsHXL_ff_-ZmLb-C_4e2myN1DkkSt06yLFQlJ_XuMqEAEv1PaaoVXKxGoeTBZNCG5u6JeZSAZq2FGdAilZd3DPg3LrZJ-Mq9pFmBrmpVnRaM5yx7nH7Jlqstt7psyB1xfh39vkeKGJV02HJ_/s4128/20230527_115827.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5XpaNiWWCZ7V7_ndLuqYr5h6wRUqMhvEuKaVQGKnPwsHXL_ff_-ZmLb-C_4e2myN1DkkSt06yLFQlJ_XuMqEAEv1PaaoVXKxGoeTBZNCG5u6JeZSAZq2FGdAilZd3DPg3LrZJ-Mq9pFmBrmpVnRaM5yx7nH7Jlqstt7psyB1xfh39vkeKGJV02HJ_/s320/20230527_115827.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We did some writing exercises to keep those creative minds ticking over, shared some of our work and received helpful feedback. After catching up on more news over lunch we departed buzzing with inspiration and ideas and enthused and supported on our writing projects. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHdYDZg-9OPqCtYtNprFDz4qTc9JV_RLNPLWF0kyp-HRkHxmnXvElOO7q5jqYazE6fTDjuq89hWEcgWNa12R9thua5yUYaxNCy6sdmyx7iSjLzg03HNb_guOmaiwEPPuv-HA0SHmgYaHQxHN8AxYRP8JneJBRGVXeSN206smHBMvyJlhXE3j8VC0k/s4128/20230527_151056.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuHdYDZg-9OPqCtYtNprFDz4qTc9JV_RLNPLWF0kyp-HRkHxmnXvElOO7q5jqYazE6fTDjuq89hWEcgWNa12R9thua5yUYaxNCy6sdmyx7iSjLzg03HNb_guOmaiwEPPuv-HA0SHmgYaHQxHN8AxYRP8JneJBRGVXeSN206smHBMvyJlhXE3j8VC0k/s320/20230527_151056.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>We didn't leave empty handed - I'm now the proud owner of some back issues of The Author which I've been dipping into. There are some interesting articles about contracts, which I'm finding very useful. The weather is looking good for the rest of the long weekend so you're likely to find me in the garden reading these magazines with my coffee and a wee bun.</p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-61242209245471288912023-04-29T18:33:00.000+01:002023-04-29T18:33:10.073+01:00Coney beach, far away in time<p>Earlier I had a lovely Bank Holiday Saturday morning with my writing pals at Coney, including Maddie and muffins. While the mist was enveloping Belfast and heavy rain was making driving difficult on our way there, the sun was shining at Coney. Often it feels like a magical, mythical place and today was special.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFrfF_lQERCAXeKdRuS7UYNJ_2qeYv9mP9iIdFRwCuLY87-Ft9Km7N9BWy8AuUtjNlpmoQ660tb1V2N68u9OD_HmcIcYlarU8SVVcWpVIw3AjouM84mqtyTyd0CtmlY7s1a8HqVFSoOwYXM9CuoHpQtofZcIIJAejSvdlu0Yhj8Qsf1JBliijORV7/s4128/20230429_070526.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqFrfF_lQERCAXeKdRuS7UYNJ_2qeYv9mP9iIdFRwCuLY87-Ft9Km7N9BWy8AuUtjNlpmoQ660tb1V2N68u9OD_HmcIcYlarU8SVVcWpVIw3AjouM84mqtyTyd0CtmlY7s1a8HqVFSoOwYXM9CuoHpQtofZcIIJAejSvdlu0Yhj8Qsf1JBliijORV7/s320/20230429_070526.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p>Armed with freshly baked blueberry and ginger muffins I made my way to Coney to meet up with my writing pals. As we scoffed goodies and coffee we caught up on each others' news - some very exciting! </p><p>Maddie had some challenging writing exercises for us today, which really made us think. All of these exercises are invaluable in improving and honing our work. Along with the encouragement and support from fellow writers, time spent at Coney is always special.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cV-fKYmlLFRaiqDdJYrOG4n-Ejxe8fROsCgob30p8QIHnp5f_rDZWpbAexh25pZAqRNffWz5Gg-QNGwvtPim_Wf_IpglQ4G9CVPUcyBQXmV3fm7gGJgTzZ5Dnv-RYHhyoKmSdyk9M7BVN3ywcroIoXLcrue7LE9CN_oUaZdNZQWoWF1w1w4dnXAd/s3196/20230429_182445-COLLAGE.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3196" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3cV-fKYmlLFRaiqDdJYrOG4n-Ejxe8fROsCgob30p8QIHnp5f_rDZWpbAexh25pZAqRNffWz5Gg-QNGwvtPim_Wf_IpglQ4G9CVPUcyBQXmV3fm7gGJgTzZ5Dnv-RYHhyoKmSdyk9M7BVN3ywcroIoXLcrue7LE9CN_oUaZdNZQWoWF1w1w4dnXAd/s320/20230429_182445-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p>I always come away from this writing group enthused and invigorated for my writing and today was no different.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAikuV-wIIc5Cb93nXe2N6HG1aZELhzX75B9MzLZjRc68PjPgX5BMlredopfRw8ZPoJ60pryFmWHVKpBsKUfOauOyXxk4FuZm6DnCMqj62Avnc0mY4wLSlQ0A_CenI2UYRmduiWc1TDcnvuw4eLX29n-tpVLxfBq1jsrfUr2-qD_xiYJxhtQs-m9h/s4128/20230429_130310.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOAikuV-wIIc5Cb93nXe2N6HG1aZELhzX75B9MzLZjRc68PjPgX5BMlredopfRw8ZPoJ60pryFmWHVKpBsKUfOauOyXxk4FuZm6DnCMqj62Avnc0mY4wLSlQ0A_CenI2UYRmduiWc1TDcnvuw4eLX29n-tpVLxfBq1jsrfUr2-qD_xiYJxhtQs-m9h/s320/20230429_130310.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>And knowing I'll be back at Coney beach someday will help sustain the momentum until then.</p><p><span jsname="YS01Ge" style="background-color: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; max-height: 999999px;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-32029453253618848112023-04-22T18:52:00.001+01:002023-04-22T18:52:33.402+01:00World Book Night Eve<p>On the eve of World Book Night I'm planning on spending some time over this wet weekend getting caught up on the books I'm currently reading. I'm loving all three books so choosing which one to read will be difficult. What are you reading?</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlRdx4n1kFzJWWo6I6lm8K0d5JNz_5cXTMkovav6XBpYTdWzf0lwd93565dU8zIcz_09_tVij990MlO8HdkRFs1Nqx6ftGdw3WELTJvOuFMZFYiqoxC5D6oBDWpYp6BWBkFfwPYMB8Ge1-AKnNV7NIR3zGRdAiJV6mI_p-pSwlxweJ5LCkOsbGEYh/s2880/20230422_182424-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmlRdx4n1kFzJWWo6I6lm8K0d5JNz_5cXTMkovav6XBpYTdWzf0lwd93565dU8zIcz_09_tVij990MlO8HdkRFs1Nqx6ftGdw3WELTJvOuFMZFYiqoxC5D6oBDWpYp6BWBkFfwPYMB8Ge1-AKnNV7NIR3zGRdAiJV6mI_p-pSwlxweJ5LCkOsbGEYh/s320/20230422_182424-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p>A turn in the weather has forced me back indoors after some gorgeous sunshine earlier in the month when I was able to read and write outdoors again. It definitely felt like spring was on the way. And it definitely feels like things are getting back to normal again. It's hard to believe that three years ago we were confined to our gardens.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweBLOfn3zsg4JWzNGTtOiPcL1gvIPl6rUxIeMrbWL3kdcXPp2aRJIwciOv_xdKKPbOw1yCMwB2Rw149JGJeHLUYfHE3JlB33hcfxV_l9jpR8BQr9m9YwUKhUQ4ana3hPpUp6wJR67BNd58Ih0wh0E5TucbfgTjpU6yPO1zH3hH3bcO3w85xHC4WIj/s4128/20230326_153633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjweBLOfn3zsg4JWzNGTtOiPcL1gvIPl6rUxIeMrbWL3kdcXPp2aRJIwciOv_xdKKPbOw1yCMwB2Rw149JGJeHLUYfHE3JlB33hcfxV_l9jpR8BQr9m9YwUKhUQ4ana3hPpUp6wJR67BNd58Ih0wh0E5TucbfgTjpU6yPO1zH3hH3bcO3w85xHC4WIj/s320/20230326_153633.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Over the last few weeks I've been back at the theatre a couple of times catching two superb productions at Belfast's Grand Opera House. The Ocean at the End of the Lane based on Neil Gaiman's novel was amazing and Titanic the Musical was brilliant. It was lovely to get back to first class theatre in person again.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dvxIczaKjMix3FJNRavlRKyvnJwBCbK9iVcHleIAMWrjVzoNZ-bXSbuNWgPyPAX5JYco_ieglvikauPU-3JKYLUjp7ANjeU_maOlWjYOD1Hvq6matZqROJH75oetnGQ5GGxZulZV6P_G9jh0zM86KtRWiqcFp1z0mnuI-136TCC7KEwh-8vAqVxG/s3196/20230422_182639-COLLAGE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3196" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4dvxIczaKjMix3FJNRavlRKyvnJwBCbK9iVcHleIAMWrjVzoNZ-bXSbuNWgPyPAX5JYco_ieglvikauPU-3JKYLUjp7ANjeU_maOlWjYOD1Hvq6matZqROJH75oetnGQ5GGxZulZV6P_G9jh0zM86KtRWiqcFp1z0mnuI-136TCC7KEwh-8vAqVxG/s320/20230422_182639-COLLAGE.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>And this week I took part in a networking event hosted by NI Screen's Ulster Scots Broadcasting Fund getting to meet other creatives and hear what they're working on. It was lovely to be back meeting people in person again. Now to get on with some writing......</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUdQlU05yb5U7Fmqo8uIksRbpJoJ6WN8nouHaOweKE-kUohVmCWGTXvdyfyzxrLTgSbgCGYaoEh43Ob9K68LXYT0kVyDrXq92f7CAKF5RHD_6Q0yP_Fm5bZtMz2T_otLXAUgeh4QZSnqbvQVxkBv5X7TqSOjudK_lVwSNHkexmPmfbHpe6Gw46G8V/s3810/20230422_172211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3810" data-original-width="3072" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWUdQlU05yb5U7Fmqo8uIksRbpJoJ6WN8nouHaOweKE-kUohVmCWGTXvdyfyzxrLTgSbgCGYaoEh43Ob9K68LXYT0kVyDrXq92f7CAKF5RHD_6Q0yP_Fm5bZtMz2T_otLXAUgeh4QZSnqbvQVxkBv5X7TqSOjudK_lVwSNHkexmPmfbHpe6Gw46G8V/s320/20230422_172211.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-35587038904073821022023-03-12T19:56:00.001+00:002023-03-12T19:56:20.001+00:00Lucky ducks<p>There was still a substantial amount of snow lying yesterday when I set off to meet up with my writing pals in Coney.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIvHJ4Tsydg1medVEA5xsxnNGDi65JdkwyWBQxkzfUG1glDfOCgWurar7bCmdPeX9E6sWZiDhEmYB5pjn5Ftki2OqFM4AXHm0HBeGAhxszB2aDCP34hSyDMsmuFPLJdkMcUFesovCrvoCcgXEWIBM_yF-x_GBKFP5eC41FFGpYpfjbS34S6GrWzI1/s4128/20230310_101516.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfIvHJ4Tsydg1medVEA5xsxnNGDi65JdkwyWBQxkzfUG1glDfOCgWurar7bCmdPeX9E6sWZiDhEmYB5pjn5Ftki2OqFM4AXHm0HBeGAhxszB2aDCP34hSyDMsmuFPLJdkMcUFesovCrvoCcgXEWIBM_yF-x_GBKFP5eC41FFGpYpfjbS34S6GrWzI1/s320/20230310_101516.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>While we'd made Plan B preparations (meeting virtually by Zoom) due to the weather, it was good that a milder day was melting the snow. Driving down to Coney we saw the countryside in a new light - alongside dirty piles of slush, there remained untainted drumlin slopes and of course the majestic Mournes still covered in a blanket of snow. It. was beautiful. But any snow at Coney was long gone by the time we arrived. </p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCtaZauSIv6tHVS9hWWCWY1I5plaRA6N988FTznIyENsCr0qtuKwGbKCYlR0jYZoSMuNyHtdWrBY4SKhIj7A0PfpB_ZZFqHK1pOnr7yC5MD4HXH4jU3Lz6BWuTizsa-wRNxYW40vP3VQzGSCnMxw2SpMOwbGv8m48TN4Tjw54uNEtWL6uX6_VGGBW/s4128/20230311_100455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirCtaZauSIv6tHVS9hWWCWY1I5plaRA6N988FTznIyENsCr0qtuKwGbKCYlR0jYZoSMuNyHtdWrBY4SKhIj7A0PfpB_ZZFqHK1pOnr7yC5MD4HXH4jU3Lz6BWuTizsa-wRNxYW40vP3VQzGSCnMxw2SpMOwbGv8m48TN4Tjw54uNEtWL6uX6_VGGBW/s320/20230311_100455.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>We were welcomed by a blast of icy briny air - deinitely blowing away any remaining cobwebs.</p><p>The morning flew in as we talked about projects we're all working on, provided feedback to each other and I shared some insights from the recent SCBWI virtual winter conference.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipr8F-GTDbk5LgJHJC-pRKLUjhEPTT0EKthUQUFPCMdMmV7mTxgdFm0fpV2iOdtXgXr0sYnIuovs94SWAbbjsNeAGcZmRP7LgYGZCHTZ8LTfJENrhXhgd2rrQWBJPdzexNPSQb8e2xT3BnYbJURCjAHDHcRjpbKhOzf0nykjtAtSq6TPzazTga4hmz/s4128/20230311_070652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipr8F-GTDbk5LgJHJC-pRKLUjhEPTT0EKthUQUFPCMdMmV7mTxgdFm0fpV2iOdtXgXr0sYnIuovs94SWAbbjsNeAGcZmRP7LgYGZCHTZ8LTfJENrhXhgd2rrQWBJPdzexNPSQb8e2xT3BnYbJURCjAHDHcRjpbKhOzf0nykjtAtSq6TPzazTga4hmz/s320/20230311_070652.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Fuelled by blueberry muffins and coffee we worked and watched the wildlife through the window. Ducks flying past in formation reminded us we are lucky ducks to be part of this supportive writing group.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhGRkmanW3odqXGHDeWY687azNSk3FA5TmOZSR2H-0Hk6rVyQLrVCstf-iH4ylmfSFWSbHBzLiCF8d_0s1eh_34jyS_RCthUIFfUNMlcHByISum5SbYxUf8W-wCJAK33Fmzf3H5YnhQiW5JDIeOF2-lSyR-Go6SeWwTulDfcg6aBtsw3BwmO2ykSX/s4128/20230311_124220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXhGRkmanW3odqXGHDeWY687azNSk3FA5TmOZSR2H-0Hk6rVyQLrVCstf-iH4ylmfSFWSbHBzLiCF8d_0s1eh_34jyS_RCthUIFfUNMlcHByISum5SbYxUf8W-wCJAK33Fmzf3H5YnhQiW5JDIeOF2-lSyR-Go6SeWwTulDfcg6aBtsw3BwmO2ykSX/s320/20230311_124220.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br 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/></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-36881607895284344832023-02-26T21:11:00.001+00:002023-02-26T21:11:12.237+00:00Belfast, Brussels, New York<p>It's been great to spend time doing some of my favourite writerly things over the past couple of weeks and really good to get back to more in-person events. Zoom meetings definitely still have their place in shrinking the world and making opportunities accessible anywhere.</p><p>Last weekend it was great to meet up with local writers in Belfast at our SCBWI social - the first time we've had a get together for three years. It was lovely to see familiar faces again over coffee and a cake. Even though we've kept in touch online, it's not the same as meeting together. It was good to hear what everyone is working on and how we've managed to keep writing (or not) since we last met up.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCWnGoW_jXXb66lAEu6zpEfw5fkyfXzFeEkydQH1b2RA2FNs7JxLUAtEc72YwmMa1gZmm2DYU4LqI5BGeo23ZI1RIbZ_UCoasVMi4ODKtuIV0tct2wuO27XXu1hbjHdy3Ic8pfFyXQZleGpGRuaTCQog3h6cxQmtieR_gTATZ4Q6-DnzeQfBaxJnL/s4128/20230102_121102.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLCWnGoW_jXXb66lAEu6zpEfw5fkyfXzFeEkydQH1b2RA2FNs7JxLUAtEc72YwmMa1gZmm2DYU4LqI5BGeo23ZI1RIbZ_UCoasVMi4ODKtuIV0tct2wuO27XXu1hbjHdy3Ic8pfFyXQZleGpGRuaTCQog3h6cxQmtieR_gTATZ4Q6-DnzeQfBaxJnL/s320/20230102_121102.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p>While it's great to get back to the way things were pre- pandemic, there are definitely some advantages to online meet-ups. One evening during the week I was able to take part in a SCBWI online webinar with a literary agent based in Brussels. </p><p>And yesterday I was able to attend the SCBWI winter virtual conference in New York. It was a wonderful opportunity to hear the speakers and while not quite the same as a trip to the big apple, I didn't need to worry about flight connections, jetlag or lost luggage 😀.</p><p>Yesterday morning I took part in a poetry workshop in Belfast as part of the LookNorth Festival. Again it was lovely to be at an in-person event with other local writers. There is energy in a room you can't capture on a Zoom call. Ably led by local poet Maureen Boyle we had a very enjoyable morning inspired by art.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_Z-kxEKiBJ04tcWyfA-7I8Uu8MjrqV0NxDh2BcP6QhDoXGHqHdLr9_tNv-GkueRo_E-3-GDPfaRbyGv5p8pkf5HKTev4XiSD9xXuibeW6q8bnAEgjri1rUKf7q31KwrWxd8PrOR4rUyxt05HJA8vrcNOYyIFBci7kdFP4X9fqJeyP899nKQj2mqd/s3221/20230225_115411~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3221" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW_Z-kxEKiBJ04tcWyfA-7I8Uu8MjrqV0NxDh2BcP6QhDoXGHqHdLr9_tNv-GkueRo_E-3-GDPfaRbyGv5p8pkf5HKTev4XiSD9xXuibeW6q8bnAEgjri1rUKf7q31KwrWxd8PrOR4rUyxt05HJA8vrcNOYyIFBci7kdFP4X9fqJeyP899nKQj2mqd/s320/20230225_115411~2.jpg" width="308" /></a></div><br /><p>I can see the benefits of both the in-person and the zoom meetings and hope this hybrid approach will be the way forward. How else could I have arrived in New York from Belfast on time?</p><p>In between on a busy but thoroughly enjoyable writing day, I managed to #squeezeinaread - even if only for a little time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYzPQ7fkZ1048kfPU1E_dS0fUiGo95yMnlOmaHPGDp7RYHi_nI6Ob5WI7SIVjeLeAvRgjvkoMGPBrLkihCGfdqj9LDhZvJrUMtxbUoH64PBhpwKDu78iDoWVKXenCNbH0wgg9cpxABNWAtak06NwhCma0SHI9OTgq9uU0bVg3dfasfZdpYCcLxc2s/s2880/20230225_194527.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjYzPQ7fkZ1048kfPU1E_dS0fUiGo95yMnlOmaHPGDp7RYHi_nI6Ob5WI7SIVjeLeAvRgjvkoMGPBrLkihCGfdqj9LDhZvJrUMtxbUoH64PBhpwKDu78iDoWVKXenCNbH0wgg9cpxABNWAtak06NwhCma0SHI9OTgq9uU0bVg3dfasfZdpYCcLxc2s/s320/20230225_194527.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-90012859117604845712023-02-06T21:52:00.002+00:002023-02-06T21:52:46.936+00:00A weekend of writing<p>After a busy week it was good to spend time at the weekend on writing related activities. The weekend got off to a good start when my edition of 'Writing' magazine popped through the letterbox to provide new inspiration and ideas for writing projects. It usually takes me the entire month to read it from cover to cover as I like to dip in and out of it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4b8wPB6iWJwxunX5iEYJ363TBqglJ_uT3bn6h1misMS_A4ORhBJmzPJ888mnUfFvQw4gYixgYnr91xbEi9vFSpsRgdTDX-KAEwfIBF0GxdJ_5PdPcTrIOUmsDBccwwIXQmleZO4ccDJ6iXEN7rdLw5ZQzS696sn6QSNJHifraf5U7ggX1oWOedxLB/s3904/20230203_130711~2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3904" data-original-width="2227" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4b8wPB6iWJwxunX5iEYJ363TBqglJ_uT3bn6h1misMS_A4ORhBJmzPJ888mnUfFvQw4gYixgYnr91xbEi9vFSpsRgdTDX-KAEwfIBF0GxdJ_5PdPcTrIOUmsDBccwwIXQmleZO4ccDJ6iXEN7rdLw5ZQzS696sn6QSNJHifraf5U7ggX1oWOedxLB/s320/20230203_130711~2.jpg" width="183" /></a></div><p>On Saturday I was back down at Coney Island for a workshop with my writing pals. We caught up with each others' writing news (and there was a LOT to catch up on!) and did a fun writing exercise. And of course we were fuelled by coffee and muffins - this time of the chocanana variety.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigq5MQDLP5dUzkl5oMYB1IbKeR4n6CKuDdDKd9I_HcVSMr0zdzBmVXQJ77EeqAU3R0mJ0xaCLfw0GLpXwsHhXwFJ0_sdOQNyBn7PxGqfvlkVvL_7GKaMS3KI84Risaa98ANcqmwAzCdM-lF_NQrhEWIP5Goura7kGpnFxw2kSR2yzalg4HryijZyfT/s4128/20230204_071112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigq5MQDLP5dUzkl5oMYB1IbKeR4n6CKuDdDKd9I_HcVSMr0zdzBmVXQJ77EeqAU3R0mJ0xaCLfw0GLpXwsHhXwFJ0_sdOQNyBn7PxGqfvlkVvL_7GKaMS3KI84Risaa98ANcqmwAzCdM-lF_NQrhEWIP5Goura7kGpnFxw2kSR2yzalg4HryijZyfT/s320/20230204_071112.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>On Sunday evening I was on BBC Radio Ulster's Kintra programme talking about and reading from my award winning story 'Worth Hir Saut'. If you missed it, you can catch it here <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001hw1w">https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001hw1w</a> (only available for the next few weeks) </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYcqxjVcAN8dKi1YwNYFrklweOhZK9yv9PVOWCqptI4dN38ggEoy5Vcbu1JDQAjH8hp5EEKpw8NTT2SQpWOpUmeRSBvCVfFEnZZQrNzrZRB9IIUOv9mQa9rRwuw79LYDb82wx6QN-g1CI-U7vEAxYMBY6O_nCvNM8Cj1UvhAfkbBmWNYFRLQWYNMN/s2371/20230205_180329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2206" data-original-width="2371" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqYcqxjVcAN8dKi1YwNYFrklweOhZK9yv9PVOWCqptI4dN38ggEoy5Vcbu1JDQAjH8hp5EEKpw8NTT2SQpWOpUmeRSBvCVfFEnZZQrNzrZRB9IIUOv9mQa9rRwuw79LYDb82wx6QN-g1CI-U7vEAxYMBY6O_nCvNM8Cj1UvhAfkbBmWNYFRLQWYNMN/s320/20230205_180329.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>My story, along with the work of the other prizewinners in this year's Linenhall library Ulster Scots writing competition is published in a beautiful booklet, available to purchase from the Linenhall library.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJg6KHlqZpSx8AWq6O9AI-2tBHc9e-ba6zVjyxY2nbAMQM1pBdw-DrRN63kUyhqn9DiqHHS4vMaoMzyI1VUgBFc4T31epTObcnL7sg70GmfdQ0r92h_p-3-6UuuYmL885NFiTXqWoUsjs75-KUANozrdPJjcCmyNB4vN9-NzxN02kK88I6GP5myOs/s4128/20230126_162041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHJg6KHlqZpSx8AWq6O9AI-2tBHc9e-ba6zVjyxY2nbAMQM1pBdw-DrRN63kUyhqn9DiqHHS4vMaoMzyI1VUgBFc4T31epTObcnL7sg70GmfdQ0r92h_p-3-6UuuYmL885NFiTXqWoUsjs75-KUANozrdPJjcCmyNB4vN9-NzxN02kK88I6GP5myOs/s320/20230126_162041.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-10628591011244340642023-01-27T20:43:00.001+00:002023-01-27T20:45:57.873+00:00Fair plaised wi maselAm fair plaised wi masel. Absolutely delighted and thrilled! I'd heard a few weeks ago that I'd been shortlisted in a local writing competition and yesterday on a crisp, sunny January day I set out for the awards ceremony in Belfast's Linenhall library.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-6PySDOZHpW5SwJsrnE8ip2DBLXHtEA8GKRq7b8IAhjQzINWI4DWRDYGM4ujZZkyExgnPCPwxLuSTb7_GQSC3G7NO2mOGUnr8EhvS7Z7yfZpm_3NGRCChQsK2da2XUQhLK9IHKA7nbF3ydXuPcZhncqca8PQR9Jxvrt2kwtQ9ppnBLpsrL5-Qbrd/s1439/20230126_121202~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="632" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-6PySDOZHpW5SwJsrnE8ip2DBLXHtEA8GKRq7b8IAhjQzINWI4DWRDYGM4ujZZkyExgnPCPwxLuSTb7_GQSC3G7NO2mOGUnr8EhvS7Z7yfZpm_3NGRCChQsK2da2XUQhLK9IHKA7nbF3ydXuPcZhncqca8PQR9Jxvrt2kwtQ9ppnBLpsrL5-Qbrd/s320/20230126_121202~2.jpg" width="141" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>This is the oldest library in Belfast and houses one of the largest Robert Burns collections outside Scotland. I've known his work for as long as I can remember, having heard poems recited at home and learned songs at primary school.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjarCKKFigQN6Mb8i8a9rP3INvxJC7Z6qxjJAmO-3r2wquNfNKeZMFvLBnONdEzwOMLpZUDLlpNuAiUNj1pKLIyDiQDizX21gxsbgt-bXvNx-jLtqsCaKpHWR1-rSn56Gdg2BjXO77ABcYQFbmxzXH1jRnJ8L0zOl_FoKhGBh9N_pxKfu0rQvM3zF/s4128/20211014_133402.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVjarCKKFigQN6Mb8i8a9rP3INvxJC7Z6qxjJAmO-3r2wquNfNKeZMFvLBnONdEzwOMLpZUDLlpNuAiUNj1pKLIyDiQDizX21gxsbgt-bXvNx-jLtqsCaKpHWR1-rSn56Gdg2BjXO77ABcYQFbmxzXH1jRnJ8L0zOl_FoKhGBh9N_pxKfu0rQvM3zF/s320/20211014_133402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>It was very fitting therefore that we gathered at the Linenhall library the day after Burns night for the 2022 Ulster Scots writing competition awards. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbtqqGB-riSn3-OhruDDHr7aCLDaUAfCHTwRLthGNV07WZz3_RVyJ_MNN0gU2cDPSEN25NWf-uDi3B4O8Ytj4AwbttK2Ttlxi5_gWTNMG1xhL-dLHh-mKWZ2O8J-S2YlLB6QO7dKco7jGuu3PT5U3zjv0jZvvVhEv7LUyQCeYn5MwmNoll7CTNDqc/s4128/20230125_130904.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEbtqqGB-riSn3-OhruDDHr7aCLDaUAfCHTwRLthGNV07WZz3_RVyJ_MNN0gU2cDPSEN25NWf-uDi3B4O8Ytj4AwbttK2Ttlxi5_gWTNMG1xhL-dLHh-mKWZ2O8J-S2YlLB6QO7dKco7jGuu3PT5U3zjv0jZvvVhEv7LUyQCeYn5MwmNoll7CTNDqc/s320/20230125_130904.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My story 'Worth Hir Saut' took shape last year during a writing workshop I attended in Carrickfergus museum. I was inspired by the museum's exhibition 'A Most Proper Verdict' which examined attitudes to crime and punishment in 19th century Co. Antrim. A fact in the accompanying brochure about the prisoners' rations stuck with me and prompted my story. <div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3AjHnmtxjw5xwv8OuQ_Cp9LAwoisu0qLexm5HucZfYSCcZZTyvPeC4n_c7yyqInmB1izDcQfWyIy_Szj2COL8KKKBZsSxrE4LC3FO7GWUee4nHdFzAI9wY9ZVKUlyO33ht_neD16c9sZj8b90r59xCV2WRdhSIns3WDYSgNkx5Bwzy4Us9kQSxgu/s4128/20230127_203752.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd3AjHnmtxjw5xwv8OuQ_Cp9LAwoisu0qLexm5HucZfYSCcZZTyvPeC4n_c7yyqInmB1izDcQfWyIy_Szj2COL8KKKBZsSxrE4LC3FO7GWUee4nHdFzAI9wY9ZVKUlyO33ht_neD16c9sZj8b90r59xCV2WRdhSIns3WDYSgNkx5Bwzy4Us9kQSxgu/s320/20230127_203752.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>Changing the POV in an early draft of the story enabled my main character to come alive and I was very clear from the start how she spoke. Even in an early draft written in English, she spoke in Ulster Scots. After having been in Scotland for around a month last autumn, I re-worked the entire story in Ulster Scots and submitted it to the competition. It was the first time I'd attempted to write anything in Ulster Scots and while that was challenging, I was so familiar with the language as older generations in my family had spoken it at home.<div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5zYjw_3K9nuvRdZwwmvjZRrQPwIH26boOz1ZqJGaxCtLMgqnWu4Qr70RhGrqR0VRE2PpQZ96Zu9zN3MSBx-Gp73LkW0LlCrHfH30sRAsabJisD_rLGaO3UpSQjNI6o2LPDY4cn_sSskE9gDZnY3d0UkL1mba0jKJ8LsuczS_rtAzEf6Eyyr7tj0b/s4128/20230126_162038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4128" data-original-width="3096" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-5zYjw_3K9nuvRdZwwmvjZRrQPwIH26boOz1ZqJGaxCtLMgqnWu4Qr70RhGrqR0VRE2PpQZ96Zu9zN3MSBx-Gp73LkW0LlCrHfH30sRAsabJisD_rLGaO3UpSQjNI6o2LPDY4cn_sSskE9gDZnY3d0UkL1mba0jKJ8LsuczS_rtAzEf6Eyyr7tj0b/s320/20230126_162038.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div>I was therefore thrilled yesterday to find out that my story was runner up in the competition's prose category. The judges provided very encouraging feedback which is very much appreciated. My story, along with the other winners is included in a beautiful booklet developed by the Linenhall library where copies are available to purchase.<br /><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7176536162076999466.post-11204400206985815872023-01-08T19:49:00.003+00:002023-01-08T19:51:46.321+00:00New Year, New Opportunities <p>There's nothing like a blast of cold January sea air to blow away the Christmas cobwebs and stir the lethargy that developed over the holiday period. The bracing sea air and bright sunshine at Coney yesterday brought energy to our writing group.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSfqKQhOzYBRnN2byrovALPzaK0Dbwld-w0e0Ut-AsWHmx2VB3ThDC5UrG_kLD0wYI4hKpZbFlo6P85bZ3kK_s_qs_YCJoJDdQytDllDtqOAL-Talu9aRPoPK3P-ciouIHubHfl2hbWu0PeDBUDGZK1Z7E4Fl5oz-zCJYH10PFmzozMNQjv8OsQMh/s4128/20230107_125403.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSfqKQhOzYBRnN2byrovALPzaK0Dbwld-w0e0Ut-AsWHmx2VB3ThDC5UrG_kLD0wYI4hKpZbFlo6P85bZ3kK_s_qs_YCJoJDdQytDllDtqOAL-Talu9aRPoPK3P-ciouIHubHfl2hbWu0PeDBUDGZK1Z7E4Fl5oz-zCJYH10PFmzozMNQjv8OsQMh/s320/20230107_125403.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>We spent time catching up on news and doing some writing exercises, interspersed by apple and cinnamon muffins and coffee. I never fail to be amazed at the variety and quality of writing produced by my writing friends in Coney, inspired by a writing prompt - yesterday's prompts were old photographs. And often these little nuggets we develop in writing exercises are revisited and go on to grow into a bigger piece - a poem or story at a later date.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzoa05FzQiFocrW0Xf3sgmbPjcJMOQtxUmTRogiX58kKDRt2wgs_OG8Gwe-zNvcLrRS0oREz_zvBf0TKt1K4U5QTZOBuiSlsNViVTQWoB9mgZ94Poa_EMskxI-wRakgIfqkcixvbu2jnahncz6mndXT0JQArw2klYody8Mxi3JJbFJ6gSNwAX3qwe/s4128/20230107_071012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3096" data-original-width="4128" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQzoa05FzQiFocrW0Xf3sgmbPjcJMOQtxUmTRogiX58kKDRt2wgs_OG8Gwe-zNvcLrRS0oREz_zvBf0TKt1K4U5QTZOBuiSlsNViVTQWoB9mgZ94Poa_EMskxI-wRakgIfqkcixvbu2jnahncz6mndXT0JQArw2klYody8Mxi3JJbFJ6gSNwAX3qwe/s320/20230107_071012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Getting back into a routine is good, and it's good to set some goals and build some structure to the writing year, whether that be specific annual, monthly, weekly or even daily goals or putting dates in the diary for future writing workshops and events. It all provides structure. Starting strong in January can be easy. Maintaining the momentum throughout the year can be much more challenging. Inspired by meeting my writing pals again yesterday, when I returned home I started some planning for this writing year. Now the challenge will be sticking to the plan.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCj3GhK-BEw13mHdWAzvM87iqlh1XyK1LSa6kmQpmdgNyvbtGKA492PV_DtuE0RLhUz-hQ_q8M0Pn8HCYRM1MDW_3j5lZthxC6GKoUPm1dPCTBC0lmgUKPasHmkNuJv11D-mMrKjOr6Ga9f8W-rab38YFtwqpIOjLG8IavelL_C8o4Re9hWoqOddx/s4042/20230107_151345~2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2984" data-original-width="4042" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvCj3GhK-BEw13mHdWAzvM87iqlh1XyK1LSa6kmQpmdgNyvbtGKA492PV_DtuE0RLhUz-hQ_q8M0Pn8HCYRM1MDW_3j5lZthxC6GKoUPm1dPCTBC0lmgUKPasHmkNuJv11D-mMrKjOr6Ga9f8W-rab38YFtwqpIOjLG8IavelL_C8o4Re9hWoqOddx/s320/20230107_151345~2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mornahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00455009843995536450noreply@blogger.com0