Write a Book in a Year- Tues 12th Sept

[catherine daly]

Write a Book in a Year
To mark the beginning of Finscéal 2006, Fingal County Libraries
and the Fingal Arts Office are delighted to invite you to the launch
of ‘Write A Book in a Year: A Writing Workshop and Workbook’ by
Jacinta McDevitt .

The launch takes place at
7.30pm on Tuesday 12 September in Malahide Castle.

Jacinta McDevitt is a qualified speech and drama teacher who
began her career by writing sketches for her students to perform.
Years later, she started taking an interest in writing courses and
started writing adult short stories. Her short story Way To Go Dad
was broadcast on RTÉ as part of the Francis McManus short story
competition. She is the author of the hugely successful novels:
Sign’s On, Excess Baggage and Handle with Care.

[Colette Caddle]

Hi everyone. Hoping to get to Jacinta's launch - finally an event happening near me! I think this book is a great idea and knowing Jacinta it will be a great read and hopefully of use to a lot of writers in the making. Hope to meet some of you in Malahide Castle - wish me luck in escaping my little ones! x, Colette, C

[Shirley]

Is this book available in Eason? I had a quick look last night on my way home, but didn't see it - but I didn't have time to ask anyone about it as I was in a rush. I'd love to get it! I wish I had bought it at the Readers' Day on Sat. I deliberately didn't bring too much money with me so I wouldn't buy the bookshop out!!!!! ;D

[jacintamcdevitt]

Hi Shirley
I'm sorry I haven't been in here for ages. All sorts of things stopped me - time was the biggest factor. I'd even forgotten my log in name and password so I had to re-register.
So how are you Shirley? Catherine told me you were at the readers day on Sat. I'm sorry I didn't see you!! It was a good day and a lovely hotel - I was never in it before and I only live in Malahide! Food was really good particularly the chocolate cake with wallnuts mmmmmmmmmmm
Eason's have my book - they have it in the writing section. Please let me know if you cant get one and I can arrange for one to be sent directly to you. Also if you ring Easons and give them your credit card they should be able to post it to you or if you go on to the Easons website you can get it that way.
Hope you enjoy it Shirley - let me know J

[Shirley]

Great stuff Jacinta - cheers. I will ask them to find it for me next time I'm in there! Never got a second to talk to you at all on Saturday, unfortunately - what a hectic but fabulous day! Everytime I saw you, you were engaged in chat with people, and then I didn't see you afterwards - such a shame, but don't worry, I won't be a stranger at future events - I'll be signing up for all future ones as well!!! So we'll deffo have the opportunity to chat again. Saturday was amazing and the advice was invaluable.

[Shirley]

Hey Jacinta, do you know if the book is available in Hodges and Figgis? I got a book voucher for there as a present and I'd love to use it on your book! If not, I'll be buying it in Eason. Can't wait to read it!

[jacintamcdevitt]

Yes it is Shirley - Well they had it last week anyway. If its not on the shelf (maybe its sold out - yipee) they'll order it for you and you can use your token. Don't you love getting book tokens - I think they're the best present. My brother is a great man for giving them - I'll die if he changes one year and buys me a jumper or something.
The best ones to get are the universal ones that you can use in any bookshop - they are my favourites.
I had my photo taken this morning for an article in the Indo on women and different views on things - Its very hard to smile, say cheese and hold your tummy in all at the same time. The photo was taken in my house so the good side is that it made me clean the house and its spotless for the w/end. Pity the photographer wouldn't come every Friday!!
Have a good w/end everyone

[Shirley]

When will the article be in the Indo Jacinta? Will keep an eye out for it!

[Susanne O'Leary]

Hi Jacinta,

Here's a tip: When you're having your picture taken, say S-E-X very slowly. It makes you smile in a certain way and gives you a look in your eyes that is soooo seductive.

That's a tip a picked up from my darling late brother, who died suddenly of a heart attack at age 46. He was a professional photgrapher and I always think of him when I'm having my photo taken (God, I miss him). All the Swedish models loved him because he always made them look stunning (and because he was drop-dead gorgeous too).

If you do that, nobody will notice your tummy or your whether you have done the housework; just that look in yor eyes.

[claire]

i like that one Susanne, must remember the next time the camera is on me!

[Oonagh]

That s a lovey way to make you smile!

[sMurphy]

My hubby has just popped out to get the papers, and I told him to get the Indo too - so hope to see you Jacinta!
Hugs
R

[jacintamcdevitt]

Ah Susanne, that's a lovely story and a bit sad too. Your brother was very young when he died. I'll think of him every time I get my photo taken - thanks for the lovely tip.
Well, the article is in today's indo - would you believe all you can see is a tiny bit of greenery in the garden so I needn't have cleaned the house!!!
I had a fab weekend girls - I was off looking at wedding dresses with my daughter, Lucy, who is getting married next August. Very, very emotional. She looked beautiful even if I do say so myself. My daughter-in-law was with us which means that my grandchild was also with us (grandchild will be born in Jan 2007) We had a very special day and a lovely lunch in the bistro in the Wesbury. Its very reasonable there and the food is delicious. Honestly, a full lunch is only about €10 - €15 and really lovely.
Anyway, after the lunch I headed to the loo and what do they have in the ladies only the new Dyson hand dryer - I had a go of it - it is just fantastic - did any of you see it on the late late - I am one of those people who hate the blow dryer. So I'll be spending my penny in future in the Westbury.
Oh, I forgot to mention I'm on Tubridy on Wed. morning - talking about publishing etc.
talk to you all later
Jacinta xx

[claire]

I'm doing a little plug here Jacinta, my sister owns Alexanders Bridal in Dublin. Shirley got her wedding dress there!

[jacintamcdevitt]

Claire I'll definately go there to have a look - a bridal shop must be a great place to own - everyone is so happy and friendly - its all very exciting

[Shirley]

Oh, do, do do!! It's a fantastic shop with the nicest staff ever! And I'm not just saying that - I think the fact I bought my dress there speaks for itself. They were just dotes to me in there, and they had a great selection of dresses. Ah, sigh....the memories! Enjoy every minute of the dress hunting, Jacinta!

[jacintamcdevitt]

I am enjoying it Shirley. There is so much to do but its all nice stuff if you know what I mean. We have the hotel and the church booked which are all local and that's great. My son, Alan, got married 3 years ago and it was beautiful too. It was in Clare as that's where his wife, Maire is from. It was one of the best w/ends ever.
I'm in the middle of reading 30 and fabulous - there really are fabulous stories in it. Make you laugh, make you cry - all very different. It's funny when you know the writer too - you can nearly imagine them as you're reading it.
Lunch time now - with any luck I'll get another one read with my coffee.
Mind yourselves
Jacinta
ps. I find it very hard to leave and not sign off!!!! I'm tying to train myself but its not working. Its like not saying goodbye on the phone or in person.

[Oonagh]

Ji jacinta. im reading Thirty and fabulous. Im really enjoying it. my good old reliabes didnt leave me down with their story at all, Sarah, Catherine, tracey and colette loved the stories in their. I was disappointed they were finished girls! I have only read after Catherines I think. So loads more stories left.

[claire]

I'm looking forward to getting this one when I come over.

I remember looking for my dress too, I can still see my self in some of them. My sister didn't have her own shop then but did bhelp me pick it out. I still love looking at the dresses and I still love my one which is in the attic.

[catherine daly]

Don't forget Jacinta on RTE radio 1 weds morning
Listen live on line HERE 9am irish time
www.rte.ie/radio1/

If you miss it, you can listen here:
www.rte.ie/radio1/thetubridyshow/
It's usually available for about a week

[susanmay]

I'm sorry to hear about your brother Susanne. He sounded like such a great guy. The next time I'm getting a photograph taken I will think of his motto!

[megan]

I heard Jacinta on the radio yesterday morning. It was a great interview with Ryan Tuberty. I really enjoyed it!

[Mary]

Yes, very well done, Jacinta.

[EmmaH]

My sis is getting married next Friday 20th so I'll be spreading the word on your photography tips Susanne! Its getting very exciting now!

[jacintamcdevitt]

Thanks
You wouldn't believe the trauma I had yesterday morning trying o get to Donnybrook for 8.50. I got stuck in traffic, ababdoned my car in Clontarf and ended up hijacking a poor unfortunate man in a taxi - turned out my sister taught him in school and he knew Ryan T. The taxi driver thought I was a mad case altogether - Maybe he's right, girls!!!! ;D Anyway I got there with only seconds to spare. Ryan was really nice - fair play to him he never tries to put you on the spot or anything he just wants to chat away which is what I love.
By the way, I don't know how anyone can drive into town to work and not end up killing someone with their bare hands en-route. I'm very lucky that I work only about 25 mins from Malahide, where I live. I'd go bananas if I had to face that traffic every day.
And here's another thing - I was all set to park my car (which I love) in a parking space in Stevens Green Shopping Centre on Sat. last - I saw a spot, indicated and stopped and let a car pass me out. Next thing I know a smart ass in a merc. is getting into my parking space. I got out and asked him did he not see my indicator and he had the gaul to say that he had but he got in before me. I so wanted to do physical damage to him.
Now I know that's nothing to do with writing but boy it makes me feel good getting it off my chest.

[Marisa]

Ohmigod, what a dreadful creature. I believe in Karma though... I've a feeling he'll write off that Merc in the not too distant future. I'll put a spell on him

[Shirley]

Hey Jacinta, I bought Write a Book in a Year tonight. I got a good laugh at the story about you meeting Colin Farrell and getting him to sign your corset notebook!!!!!

As for traffic, all I can say is that it is the spawn of the devil. I drove to Sandyford and back on Tuesday and it took me 4 HOURS. I mean, we're talking Sandyford here! It's 15 miles from my place to Sandyford, and it took 2 hrs each way! So I hear ya!

[Shirley]

PS I didn't get to hear the interview as I was at work, but I will listen to the recording of it at the weekend.

[jacintamcdevitt]

Hey Shirley - thanks be to God it was the corset one and not
the "Thongs to Do" one that my daughter bought me at the w/end.

Shirley you'd have walked in a shorter time.

Hi Marissa - if I give you a list could you put a spell on a few other people for me. Now let me think......... who would I most like to put a spell on............? I am going to give this very serious thought and come back to you later with the answer to that one, Marissa.

It is that time of year though for spells and magic and hob goblins yeeeeeks

[Oonagh]

I loved the interview I heard during the week end I could listen to u all day jacinta
I tried the sex thing at a 21 st on saturday night and everyon laughed perfect susanne. I think now though they think i have a one track mind. ah well