Author Archives: Dianne Ascroft

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About Dianne Ascroft

I'm a Canadian writer and author, living in Britain. My Century Cottage Cozy Mysteries series is set in 1980s rural Canada.

Hooked On Harmony

Posted on November 23, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

Not since I first heard the Voice Squad’s spine tingling harmonies during the 1980s have I been as captivated by any group’s vocal talents – until I first heard The Priests last year. Their full, melodic blend of voices blew … Continue reading →

Posted in November 2009 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

FAA Launches Fermanagh Miscellany 2009

Posted on November 5, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

The Fermanagh Authors’ Association launched our third anthology, Fermanagh Miscellany 2009, last night at Enniskillen Library amidst wine, nibbles and passersby eyeing us curiously. The Fermanagh Miscellany 2009 showcases the work of members of the Fermanagh Authors’ Association. Included are stories, poems, historical … Continue reading →

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Hitler and Mars Bars’ New Home

Posted on October 30, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

We’ve been celebrating Irish Book Week this week so it’s an apt time to announce that my novel’s website has found a new home. Hitler and Mars Bars’ new web address is http://www.dianne-ascroft.com Drop by and check out a few changes … Continue reading →

Posted in October 2009 | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Enniskillen Literature Weekend

Posted on October 16, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

Here’s a weekend of events you won’t want to miss if you’re in the Enniskillen area of Northern Ireland: ENNISKILLEN LITERATURE WEEKEND Saturday, 17th October: POETRY LUNCH featuring readings by poets Kevin Quinn and Miriam Gamble at the Clinton Centre … Continue reading →

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Keating on Canvas on National Poetry Day

Posted on October 1, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

Today is All-Ireland National Poetry Day. Recently I was researching the life of Irish artist Sean Keating for an article I’ve written about him (to be printed in Ireland’s Own magazine later this month). My curiosity was aroused when I found that he … Continue reading →

Posted in October 2009 | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Peek Into My Splendid Concubine

Posted on September 29, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

One of my favourite reads recently was My Splendid Concubine by Lloyd Lofthouse. It captured my imagination and aroused my curiosity about nineteenth century China. I knew little about the period before I began reading it so the novel both … Continue reading →

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My Splendid Concubine – She’s Coming Here

Posted on September 25, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

I recently read My Splendid Concubine by Lloyd Lofthouse. Set in nineteenth century China, it’s a love story between Robert Hart, inspector general of China’s Customs Service, and his concubine, Ayaou. As I turned the pages I swiftly slipped into … Continue reading →

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Best of Times, Worst of Times

Posted on September 14, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

Well, our writing group’s weekly assignment prompted me to reminisce about some of my most pleasant recent experiences – what an enjoyable way to pass the week…But now I’d better get down to business and get the assignment written…. Don’t … Continue reading →

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Best of Times – Ready to Relax

Posted on September 13, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

When everything is caught up after a busy week, including any writing I’m working on, then I’m ready to relax at home. My two favourite activities are walking along forestry paths not far from my home, whiling away an hour or two before daylight fades then … Continue reading →

Posted in September 2009 | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Best of Times – Farmyard Mornings

Posted on September 12, 2009 by Dianne Ascroft

Saturday mornings are my time to spend an extra hour or so in the farmyard – my time to catch up on work with great company.  I don’t think anything  can beat stretching my muscles with some vigorous sweeping while being shadowed by the four legged inhabitants of our … Continue reading →

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