LAUNCH & LONDON AFTERS

I feel like I am on very fast train with just occasional pitstops in Ballinasloe. When I get to Ballinasloe I either a) do housework and mind kids, or b) sit at my laptop and mind kids. Conclusion? The glamour never ends...

So, the launch in The Winding Stair went off beautifully - lots of people, book sold out, warm atmosphere. Among many others, my dear little Auntie Eta came - she has been such a stalwart supporter. Thanks to all who came - it was a lovely night.

These are some of my friend Karen O'Neill's pics (she is available for weddings!).

Me reading - with rather a funny stance :)

Eoin Purcell launching Mother America

Signing with my mushroom pen - a gift from writer and blogger Rachel Fenton

Signing for writer Monica McInerney (who ran to Easons to buy 3 copies when the Winding Stair sold out - sshhh!)

And then it was a hop, skip and a jump to London, to the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith where I received a warm welcome from the Centre's manager, Catherina Casey and assistant manager, Kelly. I read and was interviewed by Catherina, and it was a relaxed, friendly event.

Art work by Fion Gunn at the Cultural Centre, London

After lunch in the Centre, Bernard O'Donoghue and Claire Keegan did the same - they were interviewed by Dorothy Allen, an Irish journalist who lives in London. Both read beautifully and talked very interestingly about their respective childhoods and how that affects their work. Claire talked about being lucky - she got several good breaks early on, meeting David Marcus for example.

Bernard O'Donoghue, me and Claire Keegan by Hammersmith Bridge

After the readings Catherina brought us for food and drinks to a riverside pub near Hammersmith Bridge - it was buzzy and beautiful and we were joined by an Irish couple, based in Oxford, who had attended the readings. All very jolly!

Barges on the Thames at dusk

Next stop Dalkey Book Festival on Saturday where I am reading at The Magpie Inn, Coliemore Road, with Mary Costello, at 7.30pm.