Category Archives: Archives

Trade Winds Carried Me Along

Posted on May 30, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

When I first met Christina Courtenay at the Historical Novel Society’s UK conference last October, she was excited that her first novel, Trade Winds, had just been released. Her description of it prompted me to order a copy and I … Continue reading →

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Historical Novel Society’s Irish Chapter

Posted on May 16, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

On Saturday the Irish chapter of the Historical Novel Society had our second meeting. We alternate between Belfast and Dublin so our members, no matter where they live, can attend meetings. We met in the Writers’ Room (that wasn’t pre-planned … Continue reading →

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Peek Into ‘And Twice The Marrow Of Her Bones’

Posted on May 9, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

Today I’ve invited Susan Avitzour, who is currently on a blog tour, to share an excerpt from her memoir, And Twice the Marrow of Her Bones. Her book tells the story of her life as she coped with her daughter’s leukemia and eventual death. The … Continue reading →

Posted in May 2011 | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Bealtaine Beckons

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

Sunday begins Ireland’s Bealtaine Festival which runs throughout May. The countrywide festival turns the spotlight on older people and the arts – celebrating our achievements and encouraging everyone in this age group to get involved and unleash our creativity. In this week’s … Continue reading →

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A Closer Look At The Devil To Pay

Posted on April 19, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

Today I’m continuing my interview with Hugh Fitzgerald Ryan, author of The Devil To Pay. As I said yesterday, I was intrigued by the historic events the novel is based on and wanted to know more about them but it was the novel itself  that first captivated … Continue reading →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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 →

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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