Category Archives: Uncategorized

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 →

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M C Scott and Rome: The Emperor’s Spy

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

I first ‘met’ M C Scott on a Yahoo discussion group. Reading her comments in the discussions prompted me to check the library for her books. The first one I read was The Crystal Skull. I loved its fantasy escapism and drama so I next read … Continue reading →

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A Song For Ireland’s Own

Posted on January 21, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

January seems to be the month for self-help and spiritual books in my local Easons bookshop. After the Christmas holidays each year the front display shelves are filled with them. I guess the shop knows to prepare for the New Year’s Resolutions brigade. Many people go … Continue reading →

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Overcoming Heartache: Debi Yohn’s ‘Losing Your Only’

Posted on January 7, 2011 by Dianne Ascroft

Welcome to another year with Ascroft, eh?. For the first post of the year I’m hosting author, Debi Yohn, to share an excerpt from her new book, Losing Your Only . The book deals with learning to cope with the death of an only child. We all lose people we … Continue reading →

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Fermanagh Miscellany 2010 Launch Night

Posted on November 14, 2010 by Dianne Ascroft

Thursday evening was blustery – the kind of evening that is best enjoyed beside a roaring fire. But it didn’t deter the hardy crowd that attended the launch of Fermanagh Miscellany 2010. One couple narrowly missed hitting a fallen tree and had to move … Continue reading →

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Magnificent Montserrat’s Natural and Manmade Beauty

Posted on November 12, 2010 by Dianne Ascroft

This week my piece about the monastery and Marian shrine at Montserrat, Spain is printed in Ireland’s Own magazine. I visited Montserrat in June and was moved by its natural beauty and the splendour of its basilica. While my husband trekked up … Continue reading →

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