Q and A for IRISH MONTH at THE READING LIFE

I am Q&A-ing with Mel Ulm over on The Reading Life blog today. Yesterday he took a look at my short story collection To The World of Men, Welcome (Arlen House) here.

Lots of other writers have taken part in the Q&A - this is Mel's annual Irish Writing Month - and many of them are worth a look to compare responses. Fred Johnston's answers are particularly interesting - honest and provocative. Which makes a change from the PR speak and blandness we are usually subjected to. Other writers interviewed include Pat Jourdan (again, very interesting as always), ditto Órfhlaith Foyle and Geraldine Mills. Are we noticing a Galway bias??!!

MOTHER AMERICA ON THE READING LIFE

Mel Ulm over at The Reading Life blog has posted a review of Mother America as part of his ongoing focus on Irish short story writers. He zones in on several of the stories and says: "I not long ago read a number of short stories by George Moore, who I now regard as among the truly great short story writers of the world, and I saw much the same power and great understanding of people found in the stories in Mother America."

It's always interesting to see which stories people warm to and Mel seems to have really enjoyed one of the two linked historical stories 'My Name is William Clongallen' (which first appeared in Dedalus Press's Shine On anthology).

The (physical) book has been delayed a little at the printers but I should have a copy in my paw next week before I go to the short story festival in Croatia. Here's hoping :)