Last year I promised my publishers that I’d write a book – the only problem was, I had no idea what it was going to be about.
Then my daughter asked me to go with her while she was having her nails done. While she was working, Sheena, the lovely nail technician, told us the most beautiful story. Here it is:
One day Sheena was feeling sad and she decided that the only cure would be to visit her granny – who lived in a nursing home a hundred miles away in Mayo. After work Sheena jumped in her car and started to drive. When she got to the nursing home, it was all locked up for the night, and everyone was in bed. Sheena knew the security code for the door though, so she let herself in and tiptoed upstairs, where she snuggled up in bed with her granny, and slept for the rest of the night. Very early next morning, Sheena went to the kitchen and made tea and toast for herself and her granny, and they chatted for a long time. Then, before anyone else woke up, Sheena tucked her granny back into bed, and got back in her car and drove home for work.
I loved this story so much, I asked Sheena if I could use part of it for my new book, and she very kindly agreed. Then with another story strand about an asylum seeker, and with some help from my writing friends Sarah Webb and Oisin McGann, my book began to take shape.
Here’s Sheena with the first copy.

This post first appeared here: www.girlsheartbooks.com

On Friday I strapped the girls into my car for our first ever visit to Feile na Bealtaine in Dingle.

Even though Dingle was about as wet and windswept as a place can be, there was a great atmosphere in the town. (It’s Kerry after all, I guess they’re used to rain.)

In the library I posed for photos with Claire, and then settled down for my talk. The audience was small but enthusiastic, and I think everyone had a good time.

Afterwards, Carol made a friend, and then it was time to head back home.

Sharp-eyed readers might have noticed that I haven’t been updating this site lately. This wasn’t (solely) due to laziness. Due to my own meddling, I managed to get locked out, and it was only due to the kindness of super-techie person, Shane McDonald, that I’m now back in control.

I’ve updated my events page with what’s happening over the next month or two.

Will post more over the next few week – I promise. In the meantime, here’s a pic of the tulips on my front doorstep – they make me happy every time I arrive and leave.

Here’s Carol, the doll I got for my seventh birthday.

When I was seven, I didn’t like her very much. (I couldn’t forgive her for not being a book.) As a result, she has spent most of her long life in my attic, along with all the other stuff I never use, but can’t bring myself to throw out.

Recently though, Carol has escaped from the attic and started a new life. I’ve been bringing her on my talks, where she’s been the centre of attention.
Here she is in action:

Modelling her best dress.

 
In fact, Carol has been so popular, lots of people have offered to adopt her. I’ve realised, though, that I can’t part with her. It’s taken me a while, but I think I’m a little bit in love.
(This post previously appeared on www.girlsheartbooks.com)

Last night was the launch of Beyond the Stars. It was an amazing evening, and it was an honour to be in the presence of so many talented authors and illustrators. Sarah Webb and the team from HarperCollins, did a great job, and I imagine the book will sell by the shedload, making loads of money for Fighting Words.

Here are some pics:

Chris Judge’s amazing illustration for my story.