I know it’s only February, and June seems very, very far away, but it’s time to think of Listowel.

Young writers are forever sending me wonderful pieces of writing, and I always say they should be entering competions. Listowel Writers Week has a host of writing competitions for children, and entry is free, so what are you all waiting for???????

The closing date is Friday February 25th, so get your skates on.

I was at Writers Week a few years ago, and absolutely loved it. I’m delighted to say I’ll be back again this year. I’ll be there on opening night, and will be doing events the next day. Maybe I’ll meet some competion winners when they go to collect their prizes.

Start writing now – and good luck!

I’m finally back at my desk after a lovely, peaceful Christmas and New Year – I hope it was the same for all of you.

I got lots of great  e-mails during my break. Thanks to everyone, and special mention has to go to Emma who sent me a brilliant Alice and Megan story, and Siobhan who sent me the story she wrote for her reading buddy.

I always find it hard to settle back after a break, but I have to force myself to be disciplined. I have to finish two (!) books over the next few months.  If I work hard, I can look forward to the publication of sequels to Eva’s Journey, and The Time Spell. So that’s enough blogging for now, and back to real work……

Domino’s only kitten, Rolo, went to live with a very nice family who live near us. Rolo hasn’t forgotten us though, as every Christmas he sends us a card with a picture of him on it. Here is this year’s one, with Rolo enjoying the recent snow.

Doesn’t he look sweet?

So Happy Christmas to you all from Rolo, and from me. xxx

I was honoured to be asked to open the wonderful new library in St Lukes School in Douglas, Cork.  (It’s the third library I’ve opened, so I should be getting the hang of all that ribbon-cutting by now!) It’s a beautiful cosy space, and if I were a pupil, I’d want to spend all my time there.

I received a lovely welcome from the teachers and pupils, and even got to meet my long-lost cousin, Michael.

I forgot to take a picture of the new library, so here is a picture of lovely Limerick Junction where I spent an hour (!!!) waiting for a delayed train on my way to Cork.

The winner of the Wildest Dreams Goodie bag is …..Sitara, who sent her entry to Sophia Bennett.

Congratulations, Sitara, and to everyone else who entered, please pat yourselves on the back  – you are all amazingly talented!