Rozz.ie

New things to read!
I asked the nice book lady in Hodges Figgis bookshop where I might find the Irish Short Story section. I shouldn’t have as I became overwhelmed by all the books I can buy! I narrowed it down to 2. Eilis ni Dhuibhne’s “The shelter of neighbours” and Mary Costello “The China Factory”
I had consumed Kevin Barry’s 2 short story collections and needed some new Irish fiction to keep me going.
“the shelter of neighbours” is Eilis Ni Dhuibhne’s 6th short story collection, I am a complete-ish newbie to all of this. Having finished an English and classics degree in UCD and having typical student priorities, I know I have missed out on some brilliant stuff so…I’m taking my time now!
Eilis’ first story is called “The man who has no story” the title being a reference to an old Irish folk tale of a man who…didn’t have a story! Anyway, this short story is about a teacher, Finn of creative writing who doesn’t have a a story, doesn’t have a marriage, happy life but deserves it. Well, I think he does. He wants to write but can’t. His life is a blur of dreams, a narky wife with a back problem, an adult son who sleeps all day and…rats invade his house. The ending is crafted well, Finn drives by a sign on the road and it just leaves us with a bit of hope…

My buddy is a real poet!
It had to happen.
I’m an obsessive member of the Carlow Writers Co-operative group and the leading member is a guy called Derek Coyle. Derek has been writing, reading and generally studying the poetic craft for years and years now. Last Tuesday, he was selected by Poetry Ireland to read a selection of his poetry in the Irish Writers’ Centre in Dublin.
He did brilliantly, keeping the crowd entertained with background information and amusing observations…and he read a couple of his poems. I think he is completely unique and I think his writing is very important. We are proud of Derek!
Keep an eye out for Mr Coyle!

This is John Banville’s office where he creates. The Guardian have taken many photos of author’s rooms. Maybe, I should take a picture of where I write? Problem is that I work anywhere! Costa coffee? Big sofa in sitting room? In our own office? And even in the bathroom? Nah, I’m joking the last one was a lie.

The pram-a short story by Roddy Doyle

Roddy, associated with swearing, pregnancy, chipper vans and talking dogs. And now, a little story of brilliant and correctness of a “well to do” family and the Eastern European nanny, Alina. Alina is the heroine of this story clearly as the dragon like, uber masculine O’ Reilly mother is pitted against her in an unexpected fight to the end. O’ Reilly and her silly children make it clear of all that has gone wrong in Ireland. All that money and pretentiousness can bring. That and a corrupt government that fooled us into thinking that money equals happiness, an Eastern European nanny and children that you just can’t stand.
Doyle doesn’t mention politics in “The pram” but instead uses a ghost story to spell out the end for this family and their way of living. I loved the ending, I won’t spoil it for you but if you like an uncosy “What the hell happened?” ending then you will like “the Pram”

So, I’m a member of the Carlow writers co-op group and we showcasing our work in the eigse festival on Tuesday, 12th June at 6:30 in Carlow Library and afterwards in the Teach Dolmen pub. Be afraid.

She is quite possibly the best cat in the world! The cuteness.

At last! White eggs…in a pink box…raising money for cancer support…life is good again!

In kai restaurant, galway…let you know if it works out but it looks v different and cool…

Mmmmm…flourishing at the g hotel…