Right, so. A weekend trip to a place I frequent at least once a year hardly counts as an "invasion," but the news sounds much more salacious that way, don't you think?
There is news, readers, which is that the bane of my existence the source of my drinking problem my unpublished novel has been selected as one of the winners in the inaugural first novel contest sponsored by the Irish Writers' Centre. The centre received over 570 entries and I was honored to learn that my novel, Dear Dirty Dublin, was one of 20 selected for the honor. A full list of winners can be found here, as well as 15 writers selected for honorable mention. I'm flying myself out to Dublin next month to attend the Novel Fair, which will give me the opportunity to share my work with Irish publishers and agents. Whether or not I get any nibbles or offers remains to be seen, but I'm going into the weekend with great enthusiasm and curiosity. The novel's heart is in Dublin, and it feels fitting to return there. I would be very happy to find it a nice home.
To any of my Dublin friends, I hope you'll join me at Sweny's pharmacy the afternoon of Sunday, March 11, where I'll be reading from the novel and providing tea and goodies to celebrate the occasion. I realize it's unusual to give a reading in a pharmacy, but Sweny's (which prides itself on being "quite possibly Dublin's worst pharmacy") is a wonderful combination of used bookstore, historical diorama, soap mongers, and pilgrimage for James Joyce fans: Sweny's is where Leopold Bloom goes to buy Molly a cake of lemon soap in Ulysses. It's currently staffed by ridiculously friendly volunteers and kept alive by their generous spirit and shared love of literature. I can't think of a place I'd rather share my work.
The trip will be a swift one, but I'll be sure to fetch a few numbers while I'm over there -- and to raise a Guinness or two in sheer relief. Toiling in obscurity has its charm, but I'm ready to see what it's like to seek and find some fresh new readers. And naturally, should it find its way into glorious, pulpy, inky print, you'll be among the first to know. Till then, I think this sign says it all:
If this clock is broken, may it never be fixed.
To any of my Dublin friends, I hope you'll join me at Sweny's pharmacy the afternoon of Sunday, March 11, where I'll be reading from the novel and providing tea and goodies to celebrate the occasion. I realize it's unusual to give a reading in a pharmacy, but Sweny's (which prides itself on being "quite possibly Dublin's worst pharmacy") is a wonderful combination of used bookstore, historical diorama, soap mongers, and pilgrimage for James Joyce fans: Sweny's is where Leopold Bloom goes to buy Molly a cake of lemon soap in Ulysses. It's currently staffed by ridiculously friendly volunteers and kept alive by their generous spirit and shared love of literature. I can't think of a place I'd rather share my work.
The trip will be a swift one, but I'll be sure to fetch a few numbers while I'm over there -- and to raise a Guinness or two in sheer relief. Toiling in obscurity has its charm, but I'm ready to see what it's like to seek and find some fresh new readers. And naturally, should it find its way into glorious, pulpy, inky print, you'll be among the first to know. Till then, I think this sign says it all:
16 comments:
Good luck with the book- and I love the numbers theme of "&7" by the way- will be popping back here often.
Chrissy from Manchester: a photo a day at Mancunian Wave
that's great news! see you there.
Haven't seen or spoken to you in ages but good luck, regardless! Maybe you and that man of yours can take a pilgrimage to New Haven for some pizza, pints and bit of music?
Chrissy - Thanks so much! I just dropped by your blog, too, and am excited to find another new place to frequent. Will see you around.
Rosie - Yes, let's definitely make it a point to meet up this time. Counting the days...
Hmmm, "Unknown," that sounds like an excellent plan. How goes all with the music these days?
Grrrrr. I dislike when information I've entered doesn't stick. The music goes well. Teaching myself the upright bass these days, and when not working on that playing with these guys: www.thebackyardcommittee.com (no, that's not me on the recordings.)
(Also, I'd like to point out that the word that I'm being asked to use as verification that I am, in fact, a human being, is "mandolen." So close, yet so far.)
Eerie! Next thing I know, it'll be asking me to put in "acordeon." I'm off to check out them backyard committee folk...
Concratulations upon this achievment !
Can't remember when last I enjoyed a Guinness. Please have a wonderful time.
Hoping for a day off from work on the 11th. If not, will hopefully catch you afterwards. It's great news...
Cheers, Tea!
And: Love the sketch.
Congratulations again, and Hurrah!
Thanks, all, for the good wishes. Everybody go have a Guinness!
Good for you Therese. Much congratulations. May you sell many books now and in the future.
This is fantastic news! I'm so delighted for you and can't WAIT to see you! x
What school do you teach at? You seem intelligent and you're so adorable! I hope you succeed in all your endeavors!
You never told us how the trip went. Was your essay chosen or what? Answer back! XOXOXO
HOW WAS DUBLIN!
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