Category Archives: Uncategorized

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 →

Posted in May 2011, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Airing My Expat Experiences

Posted on May 3, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

Last Thursday evening I had to chance to test my newfound Skype skills when I chatted with Expats Radio presenter, Peter Anstis, about being a Canadian in Northern Ireland. Although I’m not a keen public speaker, I had fun with this as Skype’s … Continue reading →

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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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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 →

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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 →

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The Poet Rambling Round My Mind

Posted on February 18, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

I recently volunteered to post a review of The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson as part of the author’s blog tour. Sometimes when you agree to review a book, you have second thoughts once you start reading it if you can’t find anything positive to … Continue reading →

Posted in February 2011, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments