Category Archives: Archives

The Devil To Pay Reveals A Frightening, Fascinating World

Posted on April 18, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

I recently read The Devil To Pay by Hugh Fitzgerald Ryan. The novel is based on the life of 13th century Kilkenny woman, Alice Kyteler who was the first person accused and condemned for witchcraft in Ireland. She owned a banking business and also ran an inn at her dwelling. … Continue reading →

Posted in April 2011, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Ruminate To Write

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

The past few weeks have been rather hectic for me and I’ve not had time to just chill out and let my mind wander. I think time spent tossing ideas about in our heads and mulling over them helps writers use their creativity … Continue reading →

Posted in April 2011, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Foreign Flavours Welcomes Submissions

Posted on March 24, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

Last year I joined Writers Abroad, an online group comprised of ex-pat writers. We’re living in countries around the world, all settled away from our homelands. I’m enjoying the community and also benefitting from sharing information and critiquing work with … Continue reading →

Posted in March 2011 | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

If You’re Irish Come Into the Parlour…

Posted on March 17, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

…draw up a chair to the fire and lose yourself in a book. You don’t really want green beer and overcrowded pubs today, do you? Take a break from the festivities and enjoy some Irish culture. Even if you’re not Irish, in honour of St Patrick’s … Continue reading →

Posted in March 2011 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Christina Courtenay’s Scarlet Kimono

Posted on March 11, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

When I visited Manchester one weekend last October I took the opportunity to attend an Evening with Bernard Cornwell at the Royal Northern College of Music. Standing in the queue, waiting to enter the auditorium, I overheard 2 women behind me talking about … Continue reading →

Posted in March 2011, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Spiritual Scribblings In Senior Times

Posted on March 7, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

This week is starting out right – mild weather and bright skies. It’s put a spring in my step. I feel like I’ve left winter behind. Ok, so I’m an optimist…But I’ll remain so until the next onslaught of wind, … Continue reading →

Posted in March 2011 | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

My Favourite To-Do List – My Reading Pile

Posted on March 3, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

Ireland and Britain are celebrating World Book Day today. There’s few things I enjoy doing more than reading and I always have a pile of books waiting for me – I just need more hours in a day to get through them … Continue reading →

Posted in March 2011 | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Sandy Sims Strategy for Creative Thinking

Posted on March 2, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

 Today I’m hosting a question and answer session with Sandy Sims, author of How Frank Lloyd Wright Got Into My Head, Under My Skin And Changed The Way I Think About Thinking, A Creative Thinking Blue Print For the 21st … Continue reading →

Posted in March 2011 | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

The Big Show Stopper: A Cavorting Crime Caper

Posted on February 25, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

Last week I read The Big Show Stopper because I had arranged to review it on Ascroft, eh?.  I found it a relaxing break as I settled down with it for an hour or so each night. The Big Show Stopper by Ken Dalton   … Continue reading →

Posted in February 2011 | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Making a Living as a Writer in the 21st Century

Posted on February 24, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

Today was the first time I’ve attended a seminar or class in the Crescent Arts Centre in nearly 20 years – the building is wonderfully improved from the last time I was there. Compared to what I remembered,  I didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in February 2011, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment