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Post by Marisa on Jun 10, 2008 14:58:36 GMT
Hi everyone. Just to let you know that Party Animal will be launched on Tues, July 1st at 6.30pm in Hughes and Hughes, Stephen's Green.
It is a wonderful collection of animal short stories and all the profits will go to six animal charities.
These are: Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind Ash Animal rescue Drogheda Animal Rescue Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary Irish Donkey Sanctuary Longford SPCA
If you would like to come along on the night, please let me know so that I can have some ideas of numbers. Many thanks, Marisa
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Post by Shirley on Jun 14, 2008 20:58:54 GMT
Marisa, I only saw this thread now - good on ya! I will deffo be buying the book as I love animals, & I sponsor a donkey in the donkey sanctuary in Liscarroll. I'd love to make it to the launch, but my days out are a lot more limited now with the new baby in the house. But best of luck with it! Looking forward to reading the book.
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Post by Susanne O'Leary on Jun 15, 2008 8:18:28 GMT
I'll be there, as I am one oft he contributors. I wrote a story about my lovely dog Sheba, who died two years ago (sniff).
I hope to see many of you there.
Susanne x
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Post by Marisa on Jun 17, 2008 9:48:59 GMT
Can't wait to see everyone on the night. Hope you enjoy the book Shirley and please spread the word among fellow animal lovers! The writers in the collection are me of course, as well as Colette Caddle, Sarah Webb, Jacinta McDevitt, Maeve Binchy, Cathy Kelly, Marian Keyes, Mary Malone, Tracy Culleton, Tara Flynn, Roxanne Parker, Amanda Brunker, Alison Norrington, Linda Martin, Yvonne Kinsella, Sarah McInerney, Evan Fanning, Alex Best, Dawn Cairns, Sarah Ball, Judi Curtin, Julie Parsons, Catherine Daly, Mary Bond, Andrea Semple, Gemma English, Patricia O’ Reilly, Patricia Scanlan, Melissa Hill, Claudia Carroll, Suzanne Higgins, Ciara Elliot, Mary Stanley, Pixie Pirelli (Kate Thompson), Clare Dowling and Susanne O’ Leary.
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Post by SarahW on Jun 17, 2008 18:02:57 GMT
Sorry I won't be able to make it, Marisa, I'll be on my holidays. Hope the launch goes really well. Best, Sarah
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Post by susanmay on Jun 17, 2008 18:25:29 GMT
Marisa, As a lover of animals I hope this book sells by the dozen. Best of luck with it.
Enjoy your holidays Sarah.
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Post by franmt on Jun 17, 2008 22:11:59 GMT
Have a great holiday Sarah. I envy you getting away from this awful weather. Marisa I love animals too, will definately buy the book and I'm really looking forward to reading it.
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Post by Oonagh on Jun 19, 2008 14:22:54 GMT
enjoy ur hols sarah. x
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Post by Mary on Jun 19, 2008 19:37:49 GMT
I'm a contributor too but unfortunately won't make it to Dublin for the launch due to work commitments. However, I will be promoting it from the rooftops here in the south of Ireland!!
Between us all we should push to get it to number 1!`
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Post by Judi Curtin on Jun 28, 2008 14:49:43 GMT
Sounds like it's going to be a great night, and I hope to be able to make it.
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Post by Marisa on Jun 29, 2008 10:18:33 GMT
Hi Judi. I really hope you can make it and we'll get you to sign some copies on the night... your story about the stick insect is hilarious and I'm sure every mother of a young boy will relate to it!!!
Just a reminder to everyone else that Party Animal is being launched in Hughes & Hughes, Stephen's Green on Tues at 6.30pm and all the proftis raised are going to animal charities. Please, PLEASE come along if you can. Alex Best will say a few words and I believe Marian Keyes, Cathy Kelly, Colette Caddle, Claudia Carroll, Marita Conlon-McKenna etc will all be there ...
Animal lover Rosanna Davison is also attending as is RTE's lovely Laura Woods and former Miss Irelands Aoife Cogan, Amanda Brunker (of course!) and Sarah Morrissey plus loads, loads more...
Should be a good (and a late!) night. Whiskas are kindly sponsoring the launch. If you can't make it on the night please buy the book anyway, and if you want to catch the launch on TV, the glamorous Glenda Gilson will be covering the launch for TV3's Xpose.
Of course none of this would ever have been possible without the amazing generosity of the the 36 writers who kindly came on board. So thanks a million times over to everybody involved. Although I say so myself, it is a BRILLIANT read and a perfect birthday present or a nice book to give someone who is in bed sick and needs cheering up. Or of course a treat for yourself to read on the beach....
To give you an idea of what the stories are about... Marian Keyes has written an extremely funny story about two imaginary dogs, Maeve Binchy wrote about an intelligent, quirky and loveable cat called Sheelagh, Jacinta McDevitt wrote a really cute rabbit story, Melissa Hill's fabulous story about a cat has her usual TWIST IN THE TAIL, Colette's story is about an irresistable, stray dog who gives so much joy to so many people, Mary Bond's story about a family dog will make you cry it's so heartfelt and well written. Patricia Scanlan and Cathy Kelly have written beautiful memories of their pets... but, be warned, you will need a tissue box nearby when you read these! Clare Dowling's doggie story is hysterical and will make you laugh out loud, and reading Claudia Carroll's story will make you realise why she should never be allowed keep a pet (her own admission, btw!). Reading Suzanne Higgins gorgeous story about a family dog will make you want to run out and adopt one of your own as will Mary Malone's wonderful touching story, which also made me shed a tear...Tracy Culleton's story about trying to train her dog will definitely raise a few laughs and will ring true with anybody who's ever owned a disobedient dog. Susanne O' Leary has also written a heartfelt story about the love that can develop between dog and owner. Gemma English, Patricia O' Reilly, Julie Parsons, Pixie Pirelli (aka Kate Thompson), Andrea Semple and Sarah Ball have all written excellent stories about cats and if you weren't a cat lover before now, these truly inspirational stories will definitely convert you. Alison Norrignton has written a hughly amusing story about a jealous parrot and Catherine Daly's story about her dog and her interfering aunt is a wonderful contribution to the book as is Sarah Webb's highly original story which will make you realise that the grass isn't always greener.... Mary Stanley's story about a zebra is outstanding and will really make you think about animals in captivity.
Well, this is just a little taster about what the book is about. I hope it encourages you to read the whole book and that you adore it as much as I do...
Love and Whiskers!!! Marisa XXX
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Post by Judi Curtin on Jul 1, 2008 7:41:06 GMT
Hi Marisa See you tonight. Looking forward to it. Judi
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shaz
Full Member
Posts: 125
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Post by shaz on Jul 1, 2008 8:49:09 GMT
Good luck at the launch tonight. I've got this on pre-order so can't wait to receive it and read it.
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Post by franmt on Jul 1, 2008 22:17:32 GMT
Hope you all have a good night, I haven't seen the book in the shops yet but hopefully this weekend.
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Post by Susanne O'Leary on Jul 2, 2008 7:57:19 GMT
We had a a fabulous evening!
I went up on the train from Tipperary and I wasn't sorry I decided to come. When I walked into Hughes&Hughes, I was confronted by a forest of legs. It was the supermodels, who would we be tall under any circumstances but they had decided to put on their stilettoes, so the average height must have been around 6 foot 6 or so. (I have always consdidered myself tall at 5 foot 8, but here I felt postively puny!)On top of that they were gorgeous, flawless, glowing skin, long flowing locks and perfect teeth. I had made an effort to look good, but, well, it seemed slightly foolish under the circumstances..
The models were photographed against the backdrop of a huge poster of the cover of the book and the photo shoot took a long time, while we all looked on in awe. Rosanna Davison looked... well, fabulous.
Then Marisa arrived, looking even more gorgeous than the supermodels, wearing a lovely blue dress. She had brought her kitten, Jagger who is black and white and adorable. he seemed used to the photographers and calmly licked the top of the cake (it was the 50th anniversary of Whiskas who sponsored the evening) while Marisa was interviewed by TV 3 (another leggy supermodel type- girl).
Then we mingled and drank champagne (a first at a booklaunch) and chatted. The other authors included Catherine Daly, Mary Bond, Judi Curtin, Jacinta Mc Devitt and Mary Stanley.
The book is fantastic and you just have to get a copy, or several to give to friends as the proceeds go to very important charities who rely on our support in order to continue doing their good work for our furry friends. I started reading when I got home and found it hard to stop.
Anyway, after the launch we all went to the Radisson hotel nearby where we were served delicious food and wine and had a great time.
Thanks Marisa and Whiskas!
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shaz
Full Member
Posts: 125
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Post by shaz on Jul 2, 2008 7:57:45 GMT
Sounds brill.
Book on pre-order from Amazon so hopefully should arrive soon
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Post by Mary on Jul 2, 2008 9:02:42 GMT
sounds like a good night, Susanne...so sorry I couldn't make it but I saw Marisa and Claudia interviewed on Ireland am today and am expecting to see another snapshot on Xpose!
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Post by megan on Jul 2, 2008 9:52:16 GMT
Sounds wonderful! Glad you had such a good night, Susanne. Thanks for telling us about it.
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Post by susanmay on Jul 2, 2008 10:39:01 GMT
I have to agree with you Susanne; Rosanna Davidson is stunning. I saw her being interviewed on TV3 some weeks back and I couldn't believe how perfect she looked.
Did anyone see Marisa and Claudia Carroll on Ireland AM this morning?
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Post by Mary on Jul 2, 2008 18:40:18 GMT
Yes, I saw them on TV3 this morning....short interview really - it got sidetracked with 'cat' talk! But thankfully, Marisa got to give Party Animal a good mention as well as Whiskas the sponsor.
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Post by Shirley on Jul 3, 2008 0:34:23 GMT
Must catch the repeat of Xpose in the morning!
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Post by claire on Jul 3, 2008 12:06:28 GMT
thanks for telling us about it, hope the book sells well
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Post by hannah24 on Jul 3, 2008 14:10:30 GMT
Great news to hear it was a wonderful success!
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Post by Oonagh on Jul 3, 2008 15:48:44 GMT
sounds like a great night. I could nt make it what a pity but seems like ye all had a good time.
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Post by Shirley on Jul 3, 2008 17:02:27 GMT
I tried to buy this book in Eason in Blanchardstown today, and they didn't have it...Marisa, you might need to kick some butt! They said they should get it in within the next week, so I'll let you know if that doesn't happen.
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Post by Marisa on Jul 6, 2008 16:32:01 GMT
Ah Shirley, sorry about that. The books were only delivered on Wednesday, the day after the launch. It usually takes a couple of days before they reach the shops, but Blanchardstown etc should have it now. I had ordered in a couple of hundred copies in advance especially for for the launch. I was in town earlier and they've a good display in Easons , O' Connell Street, I was glad to see!!
I've only just about recovered from the launch now. I always enjoy book launches more when I don't have to organise them myself! There was a great turnout on the night.
I was so pleased to see lots of contributors to Party Animal - Mary Bond, Susanne O' Leary, Catherine Daly, Mary Stanley, Jacinta McDevitt and Judi Curtin - all there on the night, as well as Marita Conlon-McKenna who also showed up to lend her support, as did TV producer Yvonne Kinsella, another contributor.
Comedian Tara Flynn who also has a short story in the book was also there looking stunning in a cream dress, and she and myself gave quick interviews to Glenda Gilson from Xpose who very kindly covered the event.
Kind-hearted animal lover Rosanna Davison offered her support by adding glamour to the event. She had just flown in from her Greek holiday and my kitten Jagger (named after Mick and rescued by the DSPCA) took a real shine to her!!!
Also there was RTE presenter Laura Woods who is a very good friend of mine and loves animals also. My best friend Roxanne who is a journalist and also has a story in the book was there with her proud parents and boyfriend James Coyle who donated the illustration of the cat on the front of the book free of charge. I think the cat is fab! The launch was kindly sponsored by Whiskas who are celebrating 50 years in Ireland this summer. I was thrilled to get them on board and they also paid for the printing of the book which means that we can give even more money now to the animal charities.
It was so packed in the shop that I didn't even get to have a glass of wine but I did make up for it at the after party in the trendy new Radisson SAS Hotel around the corner who so kindly sponsored the food for the night.
All in all the night was a success. Representatives from Ash animal Rescue and Drogheda Animal rRescue were also there and I can't wait until their cheques are ready to be handed over. Thank you all once again, Marisa x
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Post by Shirley on Jul 7, 2008 15:08:00 GMT
I'd love to see some pics from the launch if you have any, Marisa. Really looking forward to getting the book this week!
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Post by hannah24 on Jul 9, 2008 20:16:40 GMT
Thanks susan sooooo much what a treat to have this book your an angel so you are!! I would have loved to been there for it....so encouraging to see this kind of enthusiastic support for pets...as Shirley said some photos would be fabulous to see!!!
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Post by Marisa on Jul 14, 2008 8:43:59 GMT
I don't know how to upload photos on this site. I've put some up on my bebo site. If you google MarisaM60, it's the first link that comes up, thanks, Marisa xxx
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Post by Shirley on Jul 14, 2008 10:00:04 GMT
I got the book at the weekend in Eason Blanche. Now all I need is time to read it!
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