Like most writers I have many roles: Writer Creative Writing Teacher Book Events Programmer Reviewer (As well as mother, partner, sister, friend of course.) My working life (and a good chunk of my social life) revolves around books, and most especially children’s books. Every year I read as many new children’s books as I can … Continue reading
My daughter is thirteen. Last week she came home from school upset because her group of close friends were having a party and hadn’t invited her and one other girl. They had lied about what they were doing that afternoon (they had a half day) and then proceeded to post photos and videos of the … Continue reading
This year has been a most interesting one so far. I’m currently the Writer in Residence for Dún Laoghaire and I have a wonderful office in the library there overlooking the sea. This is a picture of me and my niece at an exhibition at the library. As part of the residency I’ve been running … Continue reading
I’ve had the great joy and privilege of sharing my life with two very special women over the years. We first met when we were young teenagers and we’ve been best friends ever since. That’s a lot of time spent together! They are called Nicky and Tanya and they are remarkable women. Tanya works for … Continue reading
Christmas is a time for friends and family, for presents and parties, for delicious food, for reading books and watching movies. However, many people find Christmas difficult. Maybe it reminds them of a loved one they miss, or they are simply quiet souls and the festivities just feel too much. Others watch the celebrations and … Continue reading
During December I’m running a promotion to encourage grown ups to buy lots of books for young readers this Christmas. Now, you Girls Heart Bookers probably get lots of books as presents – I hope you do – but some adults don’t consider books a ‘real’ present or are confused by the age groups and … Continue reading
From now until June 2017 I have the great privilege of being the dlr Writer in Residence. I have a lovely room on the top floor of the Lexicon Library in Dun Laoghaire, Dublin and I’m hosting lots of book clubs, writing clubs and book events. October has been such a fun month. Teen Creatives … Continue reading
I’ve been writing full time for over twelve years now. In that time I’ve published number one bestselling novels for adults (Always the Bridesmaid) and children’s books that have been shortlisted for awards (Ask Amy Green series, Sally Go Round the Stars, Beyond the Stars) but I’ve also had book ideas turned down by my … Continue reading
In June I was chosen to be the Writer in Residence in my local area, Dún Laoghaire/Rathdown (DLR). I first spotted the ad for the role in the new, state of the art Lexicon library in Dún Laoghaire, an apt place to see it as the Writer in Residence room is on the top level … Continue reading
I love getting letters from readers in the post. Real letters are far more fun than emails. I love opening the envelopes, unfolding the letter inside, holding the exact piece of paper that a little while ago the sender was writing on. There’s something quite magical about letters. This week I answered three letters from … Continue reading
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