Tuesday 19 December 2017

Looking back over my shoulder 2017

Kanturk Arts Festival. 

Another year is drawing to a close and I wonder was it worth it all in my writing life as I sit and think about the edits of my sequel that await me. 
Well, the answer is yes, it sure was. In fact I intend to celebrate. Some of the events attended during the year have been shared on here in earlier posts. 
My debut novel, My Husband’s Sin, is continuing to do well and as asked for by my readers, I've completed a sequel, Don’t Call Me Mum. I signed the contract for the second novel, in September of this year with Tirgearr Publishing and I'm looking forward to its launch in late spring of 2018. 

The Holly Bough
Earlier this year, I was long-listed in the prestigious literary, Fish Short Story Competition for my story, titled, Knickers, and was also honoured for another story, The Handbag, to be translated and published into German, for the anthology, Kleinkrieg und Frieden. Through the year my memory articles appeared in the Ireland’s Own and also a Christmas story was published in The Holly Bough. 

Working on Flash Fiction in Cloghroe.
I also got to read my work at both, The West Cork Literary Festival in Bantry and also at the Cork County Library. Both initiatives were through the Cork County Library & Arts Services, led by well-known author Denyse Woods. 
I was invited to judge the inaugural Flash Fiction Competition in the Kanturk Arts Festival in March, which I thoroughly enjoyed. 
Farmleigh House, Phoenix Park.
Throughout the year I attended various events. One was a wonderful evening in Farmleigh House, in Dublin, where I was gifted the tickets to attend, a programme of reading and music that invoved writers, Nuala O'Connor and John Boyne. 



But it is you my dear readers who make it all the more wonderful through your continued support and encouragement, for this I thank you all so very much.  


HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A HEALTHY, HAPPY NEW YEAR  

























Monday 11 December 2017

A New Release for Christy in January 2018


It is always nice to host a fellow writer but when that author is also a fellow author of the same publishing house, then it's a real pleasure. Please take time to check out this new release coming on January 10th 2018, from Christy Nicholas. All the information you need is right below. Enjoy.

Misfortune of Vision is book #4 of the Druid's Brooch Series for Christy Nicholas. A historical fantasy set in 12th century Ireland and is available for Pre-Order NOW  


Amazon Celtic Fairies, Fables, and Folklore! Bestselling author (top #100 Amazon Canada, #1 in Paranormal Fantasy, Canada) 


Christy Nicholas, also known as Green Dragon, is an author, artist and accountant. After she failed to become an airline pilot, she quit her ceaseless pursuit of careers that begin with 'A', and decided to concentrate on her writing. Since she has Project Completion Disorder, she is one of the few authors with NO unfinished novels. 
Christy has her hands in many crafts, including digital art, beaded jewelry, writing, and photography. In real life, she's a CPA, but having grown up with art all around her (her mother, grandmother and great-grandmother are/were all artists), it sort of infected her, as it were.
She wants to expose the incredible beauty in this world, hidden beneath the everyday grime of familiarity and habit, and share it with others. She uses characters out of time and places infused with magic and myth.                                                                                 



Blurb for Misfortune of Vision

Prophecy Can Be Dangerous 

In 12th century Ireland, Orlagh has been Seer to her king for forty years. He doesn’t want to hear her prophecies of war and destruction, and dismisses her efforts to warn him. Therefore, she is determined to fulfill her own quest: to find a worthy heir for her magical brooch. 
In the course of events, she must pass judgement on a thief, escape a Norman war camp, and battle wits with a Fae lord. She receives some prophecy of her own and enlists the help of a grizzled old warrior, who happens to be a long-time friend.






To connect with Christy and to pre-order your copy, check out the following links.


I wish Christy wonderful success in her writing and looking forward to reading more from her in the future. 

Wednesday 15 November 2017

THE SWAN'S ROAD

Delighted to introduce a fellow Tirgearr Publishing author to my blog today as he celebrates the launch of his debut novel, The Swan's Road. 




Garth Pettersen is a Canadian writer whose stories have appeared in journals and magazines such as The Spadina Literary Review and The Opening Line Literary 'Zine, and in a number of anthologies. He recently received an honourable mention in The Short Story America 2017 Competition and was one of two runners-up in the Wundor Editions (UK) Short Fiction Prize. The Swan's Road is his first novel. 


The Swan's Road is available now to buy on Amazon and other sites: 
Book Blurb
In the eleventh century, Cnute, the Viking king of Engla-lond and Scandinavia, sails with his son, Harald, and his shield brothers to Rome. Thrown off course by a storm, they follow the route up the Rhine. When Harald hangs back to assist Selia, a beautiful Frisian woman, his path turns perilous. Newfound enemies, retainers of Robert the Devil, Duke of Normandy, pursue them. Harald, Selia, and their companions fail to rendezvous with King Cnute, and are forced to travel cross-country on horseback. If Duke Robert's plan to assassinate Cnute succeeds, an invasion of Engla-lond will follow. Can Harald and Selia reach Rome in time to warn the King?

Friday 10 November 2017

You are invited to read




I invite you to read my short story, It Could Be You on the Short Fiction Break Winter Story Contest. 

Follow the link below, and I'm happy to say it's also up for the Readers' Choice Award, please consider voting for it and If you wish to share this post, thank you. 💖

The link to my story is here /http://shortfictionbreak.com/it-could-be-you/ 

Here is the link to the other stories, enjoy some reading time. 
http://shortfictionbreak.com/winter-17/


Tuesday 7 November 2017

Offer Ends at Midnight Tonight






Last chance to grab your copy of this family drama at the knockout price of 99p for your Kindle. It is the featured book of the day on FKBT site for November 7th. The special offer ends at midnight. Please share.

Follow this link to get your copy

http://fkbt.com/2017/11/07/tuesdays-featured-kindle-book-22/


Monday 16 October 2017

Competition Detail's as Promised





Head over to my Facebook Author Page and enter the competition running at the moment to win a signed copy of my novel or signed copies of my two westerns. Winner gets to choose which they would like. Answer a simple question, and you are in with a chance. 
Good luck to all 



                    

Wednesday 11 October 2017

New Gif


A new gif showcasing my book covers, on the AllAuthor.com site. I so love it  :)

https://allauthor.com/gif/all/maryt.gif


Check out my author profile on this great site too

https://allauthor.com/profile/MaryT/

Friday 6 October 2017

Doing the Happy Dance All Over Again



Like it says in the heading, I'm dancing the happy dance and smiling like the Cheshire cat who got the cream. 😸😸😸😸The start of a new month and another beginning for me. I am excited, thrilled and very happy to share I have signed a new contract for my sequel, Don't Call Me Mum, with Tirgearr Publishing in Ireland. It follows on with Lacey Taylor's life who came to the fore in, My Husband's Sin.
The cover art sheet is filled out and the editing is about to begin, so publication shall be in the Spring, late February of 2018 .
I wish to thank all of you who have read my novel and shared a review on Amazon or Goodreads etc, I really appreciate the support. I look forward to sharing the new cover and release date as soon as I receive them.

Link to get your copy of My Husband's Sin:  http://amzn.to/2xYuV5i

Friday 22 September 2017

Fiona asks me questions




Like I promised, click on the link below to read the full interview I shared with Fiona this week. Fiona is a wonderful support to authors and has given time and space to over 4000 writers on her wonderful interview site. 


https://authorsinterviews.wordpress.com/2017/09/20/here-is-my-interview-with-mary-t-bradford/



Happy writing and reading,
Mary, xx

Wednesday 20 September 2017

Some Secrets I Want to Share ...





I spent this morning answering questions for an interview with a top blogger who has interviewed well over 4000 writers, but more on that interview at a later date.
But some of the questions, Fiona put to me had me really thinking not just about my novel but also my sequel which is at present with my publisher's, (Tirgearr) editor.

So below are some secrets about my novel, My Husband's Sin for your enjoyment.


Fun Facts About My Debut Novel


  1. The scene in the novel where Sally recalls childhood memories of time spent in the Zoo is based on truth. My children loved going to Dublin Zoo, we held a family season ticket, and on one of the trips, they chased a mouse from one enclosure to another with other children joining them. They ignored all the wonderful animals around us and loved the mouse. 
  2. The solicitor, Philip Sherman's love for Ginger Nut biscuits are indeed my own favourites.  
  3. I was inspired while attending a funeral to write my book. I was standing by the graveside when the thought of family secrets first crept in to my head.
  4. The working title for my novel was A Thorn in My Side, but when my writing friend, Marie O'Halloran was reading the manuscript, she said "There's your title", pointing to the words that Lillian Taylor signs off with in her letter. 

Here are the links for you to get your copy: 

Tuesday 22 August 2017

A Writer from Down Under

Meet Robyn, a writing friend of mine from way down under! She released her first book this week and I want to give her a shout out and wish her great success with it. You can read the blurb of A Lunatic's Guide to Interplanetary Relationships below to get a feel of what's instore. So to get to know Robyn, her media links for connecting with her are also available. The author describes her book as soft science fiction. Happy reading and the best of luck to Robyn. 
About the author

R.L Andrew is a former Legal Executive, chronically ill Australian writer and Movie Reviewer. Along with many short stories published in International Anthologies, R.L. is also a regular, long term contributor to the CrypticRock.com Website based in New York.  
Her first book A Lunatic’s Guide to Interplanetary Relationship’s has been published by JaCol Publishing, an American based publisher. The sequel ‘A Demigoddess’s Guide to Menopause and Marriage’ is currently in revision stage and plotting for the third - ‘A Demigoddess’s Guide to Inter-dimensional In Laws’ is underway. 




BLURB
Instead of finding a toaster in the pantry, possible lunatic Earthling Shayne James, is sucked into a wormhole and dumped across the galaxy at the feet of Annu - a man looking for his past. Desperate for answers Shayne and Annu discover they're linked to the ancient Annunaki, and the only way for Shayne to return home is to succeed in an near impossible ascension ritual and defeat an evil God. Despite all the danger, what Shayne doesn't realise is that by the time she can go home, will she still want to or is it all in her head? 

To order your copy: 

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:


Articles & Reviews:      CrypticRock.com  







       


Wednesday 2 August 2017

Competition Time coming up

Hello, everyone. I am going to run a copmetition over on my FaceBook author page if you are interested in entering. The winner shall get a signed paperback copy of my novel, My Husband's Sin. If you already own a copy, thank you, but you could still give it as a present to someone in your life, so nothing to lose by heading over and liking my page, 💓 Also if you prefer, you can ask for a copy of my westerns instead.
FaceBook Author Page.
https://www.facebook.com/Mary-T-Bradford-Author-464343040298924/?pnref=story

If you prefer to get your copy rather than waiting for the competition, use the below link, also on amazon.com
https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Husbands-Sin-Mary-Bradford-ebook/dp/B00MX5TJZ2/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Here are some of my latest reviews for my novel, in case you are wondering if it's your thing, 😀

5.0 out of 5 starsmasterful
ByAmazon Customer on July 29, 2017
Format: Kindle Edition
A difficult idea to come to terms with, which I suppose is the whole point of the novel. What do we really know about each of the characters in the story? What do they know about each other? The author enmeshes us in the situation and it can be difficult to come up for air.
I was intrigued by the publisher’s description and carried on being intrigued as the story worked itself out, always going in directions I hadn’t anticipated.
A masterful piece of writing.


*** 
The fall-out affects every member and they struggle to regain the happy family unit they once sharedJuly 16, 2017
This review is from: My Husband's Sin (Kindle Edition)
This book transported me to Ireland. I smiled, laughed and cried with this book. All I can say without giving spoilers is I loved reading this. It was my first book by Mary T Bradford and I’m now going to look for more. 4.5*

***
A brilliant story, that takes numerous twists and turns22 July 2017
This review is from: My Husband's Sin (Kindle Edition)
A story focused on an Irish family of four siblings who have their world ripped out from under their feet following the reading if their mothers Will and the journey this takes them on.
This book is brimming with strong characters who all have their story to tell alongside the turmoil they have been thrown into.
Demonstrating the strength of family ties and how no matter how well lies are hidden the truth always materialises in the end.
A brilliant story, that takes numerous twists and turns throughout

Wednesday 26 July 2017

A Yarn Of A Different Kind.




While down in West Cork for the literary festival, I came across a wool shop called, Bantry Yarns & Tea Room. Now anyone who knows me, knows I love to crochet, knit, and cross-stitch etc. It is a favourite hobby of mine.
I was thrilled to find this shop as craft shops in my opinion, are a dying breed. The shop was stocked to the rafters with wool, needles, patterns and all things crafty.
The owner, another Mary welcomed us, I was in the company of writer, Mary Angland. I had to purchase, I couldn't possibly not, I was in Heaven. Even though the heavens had opened up outside and the rain was torrential.
Like its name suggests, one can also have a cup of tea and slice of cake while sitting to knit/crochet and of course chatting.


While chatting, we got speaking to a lady named, Carina. She asked if I could highlight a condition she has, called Dystonia. This is a movement disorder in which a person's muscles contract uncontrollably. She explained how it has impacted on her life and to listen to her story was an honour. Her throat muscles are affected which in turn impacts on her speech. Also her eyes involuntary close and she has to wait until the spasm passes before they open again. This can happen at any time, even walking down the street. What she has discovered is when her hands are occupied as in knitting, her eyes do not close. Carina explained there is not much shared about this crippling disease and would like to see it highlighted more.
After purchasing some wool and finishing our chat with both Mary, the shop owner and Carina, we went on our way.

You can find out more about Bantry Yarns & Tea Room on Face Book.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/BantryYarns/community/?ref=page_internal

Also to read more about Dystonia, the link to their page on Face Book is,
https://www.facebook.com/jumpfordystonia/?fref=mentions





Tuesday 18 July 2017

Reading at West Cork Literary Festival



Next Friday, July 21st, along with others, I will be reading at the West Cork Literary Festival. Held in Bantry each year, the festival is a packed week of readings and workshops. Friday's event, starting at 5pm, promises to be a busy and entertaining occasion, held in the local library. This is a wonderful opportunity and I'm so looking forward to it. It is through the Writer-in-Residence programme, (offered by Cork County Council Library & Arts Services) that this opening to perform at one of Ireland's top literary festivals has come about. Representing Charleville with me on the day is talented writer, Kerri FitzGerald. Kerri will be reading one of her many entertaining poems and I shall be reading one of my short stories.

Denyse Woods - Photo by  Mirte Slob 
Denyse Woods, author of five novels with her sixth, Into Tempation, due out in March 2018, is the Cork County Libraries Writer-in-Residence for 2017. Denyse also writes under the name Denyse Devlin. To find out more about this talented lady please click on the link below.
Readers from four other libraries, Bantry, Clonakilty, Macroom and Cobh, which are also involved with Denyse's Writer-in-Residence project, shall be contributing also on the day.



http://www.westcorkmusic.ie/literaryfestival/programme/detail/denyse-woods-cork-county-council-writer-in-residence

Sunday 9 July 2017

Smashwords 50% off Sale


Delighted to share that most Tirgearr Publishing books are part of the Smashwords July Sale. Head on over to the site and enjoy 50% off all the books, including mine, 😊

https://www.smashwords.com/ Use the code SSW50

My Husband's Sin is an ideal read for the holidays, a family drama to keep you entertained during the summer.
If it's not hot enough for you weatherwise, then check out One Night in Barcelona. Set in this lovely city, find out what Natasha and Carlos get up to in one night, Hot! Hot! Hot!

Monday 3 July 2017

Ireland's Own Again.





I am once more delighted to say that the great magazine, Ireland's Own has published another memory piece of mine. This time, the piece centres around my mother-in-law and her connection to the well known Easter Rising of 1916.  It is always a pleasure to be featured in the magazine, and I never stop being pleased to see my name in print in it. Now to get my thinking cap on and to get writing more memory pieces for you all to enjoy.



Tuesday 20 June 2017

Summer time & the livin' is easy

Hello everyone,

A simple post this time, just a few lines to update you on my life. Well, first off is, I have a new little grandson, Liam James. He is adorable and is now a week old. No photos as his parents do not want him on any social media. Another stage in life as I become a Nana. I've always wanted to be a Nana and now that I am, I love it. Imagine the blessing it is to see the next generation arriving, marvellous!!
I am editing my sequel, which I find slower this time than the time I edited my first novel. Why, I've not got a clue but I shall get there.
As regards my newsletter, well, it's been littered with problems for me. So very sorry for those of you who have signed up and are waiting for it. I am working on it, and I have sought expert help. I attended a social media course run by Sandra Quinn of Quinnsquill Munster News. Hopefully it will get sorted as soon as possible.
Ireland is enjoying some wonderful sunshine at present and everywhere is looking gorgeous, gardens are in full bloom and the scent of flowers is all about us.
Ireland's Own magazine
I've had a few memory pieces in an Irish magazine called, Ireland's Own. This magazine is a staple in most Irish homes and I know it is also posted far and wide to other countries where people have family living. I really feel honoured to be included. To keep my mind ticking over storywise while editing, I've entered a couple of short story competitions too.
Kent Family Grave
Also, I have been out and about with writing friends, looking up Irish history, such as a visit to Thomas Kent's grave, in Castlelyons, Co. Cork. Kent came from a noted nationalist family. He was a volunteer waiting for the call up in the 1916 Irish Easter Rising. My companion for that day was writer Mary Angland and as she is also a history teacher, she brought the day to life with her vast knowledge.
To finish off that educational day out, I went to the GPO Experience of the 1916 Easter Rising in Dublin. This is opened all year and gives a wonderful insight to this important part of our Irish history.

That's it for now. Sit back and enjoy the summer. Life is too short not to pay it some attention. Forget the stress if you can and take some timeout to recharge the batteries. Until next time,
happy writing and stay safe.


http://quinnsquillmunsternews.blogspot.ie/
https://maryangland.wordpress.com/


Tuesday 30 May 2017

Post From A Ghost

Our gorgeous hostess & yours truly!

Although the rain poured down on Saturday, May 27th in Dublin, the sun was shining in the most quaint coffee shop in Books Upstairs on D'Olier Street.
I was attending an event hosted by the International Literature Festival Dublin (ILFD), having received my invitation in the post. It kicked off at eleven, our hostess welcoming us and thanking us for turning up on such a bad wet day.                                         .




How did I get involved? Well, on the ILFD website I spotted a piece that sounded interesting and different. I filled in the details required and waited to receive my letter.
I received my Post from A Ghost during the week and it was exciting seeing a gold envelope with a red wax seal on the back flop on to the mat.
My letter was from the pages of The Bridges of Madison County, a favourite book of mine. I plan to frame this letter as it was beautifully written and has special meaning for me, unknown to the organiser!

During the morning, those of us who were there, wrote our own letters and have now posted them out to the world. It is a lovely idea and one I hope to continue. Whenever a piece of writing resonates with me, I will share it through Post from A Ghost.
To explain what it is all about and if you want to get involved, visit the link below to learn more.
                   
  https://postfromaghost.com/

Monday 24 April 2017

SILENCE!

"Quiet please"
I am a person that likes to give books as presents at birthdays and Christmas. This all began when I was not long out of my toddler years. I just fell in love with reading at an early age. I joined my local library when 5 years old. 
I loved Saturdays, it was library day. My brown ticket was my passport to so many worlds. I would be allowed two books for two weeks, but I never lasted two weeks. I would be in to Ms. O’Donnell, the librarian, each Saturday morning.
It wasn’t big, about the size of a large sitting-room, maybe a little bigger but not much bigger, say about twelve feet by sixteen feet. In the centre of the room was a tall dividing set of bookshelves, as in shelves on both sides. This is what decided which section you were allowed into.
An anthology launch
The children’s section was to the right and the adult section to the left of this dividing structure as you walked in. Immediately inside on the right of the door was a large counter where you checked your books in and out. Behind this high counter which was much taller than any child, sat our only librarian. She was a low sized woman with glasses and a deep voice. She ran her library with a firm hand. No-one dared whisper in her presence. If you coughed or sneezed and couldn’t stop, it would not be unusual for her to ask you to leave, although you may be the only one in the room! Ah those were the days, simple and carefree.
Nancy Drew Mysteries, anything by Enid Blyton and of course the classics, Charles Dickens, Mark Twain and the Bronte sisters. Worlds were opened up to me, my imagination was set as high as I allowed it and that was limitless. The choice of books to read was not extensive as you can imagine, not being a big library. So I went around those shelves in deep thought looking for the one book I had not yet read. There were a few of us that frequented the premises so much, it was almost a competition to see who would discover a valuable gem, a book from new stock which sneaked its way in during the week while we were at school. So having had every book in the children’s section read and re-read, the day came when I was allowed to move on. 
Excitement and butterflies danced in my stomach when that Saturday arrived and I told Ms. O’Donnell that I was now thirteen. Once I became a teenager, I was allowed in to the adult section, just six rows of it, mind you. Still I felt grown up, especially as my library ticket was now upgraded to a green one. Of course, once I read the six rows of books, I was back over in the children’s section looking for new stock. Oh the joys and innocence of growing up then for me.
Launch night of, A Baker's Dozen, 2012 in present day library.
My love for books never died. I still enjoy reading and still encourage anyone who will listen to me, to join their local library. It is a treasure trove for children and adults alike. The old library is now deserted, having outgrown its small room. It is now housed in what was before the protestant church. What a beautiful setting to read and write in. There are the arched windows, two flooring levels and beamed ceilings.  
Long since changed from when it was just a room divided in half, supervised by a lady who sat at the counter. A lady who presided like a judge as us children and I’m sure some adults were so nervous we dare blink in her presence. Her job of maintaining silence well executed. Yet we were all very fond of her and she us. She's long gone to her eternal reward. 
I still use the library, I try to go most mornings where I like to write my books. I've made many friends while writing there. A place so different from that one room long ago, now, computers sit along one wall, stands and stands of books, a colouring corner for the children, a section to go read the daily newspapers, and even a lift! 
I've celebrated receiving my contract from Tirgearr Publishing for my debut novel, My Husband's Sin and I launched my collection of short stories, A Baker's Dozen, both in our local library. Also the launches of two anthologies, that I was involved in, took place there, evenings shared with many friends and family. When I sit at a table there and write my thoughts, I often think of Ms. O’Donnell and wonder what she would make of it all.


Wednesday 5 April 2017

California Dreaming 2017

State flag & Old Glory
I have been quiet on social media recently as I took myself off to California, USA. I had never travelled to the States before so this was an exciting trip for me, in more ways than one. I was also meeting up with some authors for some chat and sharing, all connected to writing of course!
I stayed in Hotel Huntington Beach, which proved to be a lovely hotel with friendly staff and good food.

So who did I get to meet?

First off, I met with writers, Earl Chessher and Mary Ann Osness, both living in the area and members of Fiction Writers Group (FWG). Earl is an accomplished writer with many titles under his belt https://www.amazon.com/Earl-Chessher/e/B011XZY0NS . Mary Ann is starting out and enjoying success with her debut book, Lost https://www.amazon.com/Lost-M-Osness-ebook/dp/B018EYG052


Aleigha & myself with Strider. 
Next up was a lunch with a fellow Tirgearr Publishing author, Aleigha Siron. I was thrilled to meet Aleigha. She and I enjoyed lunch at Rubies, at the end of Huntington Pier.
http://www.tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Siron_Aleigha/index.htm
It was a pleasure to also meet her husband, Bob and her dog, Strider.







Earl, Mary Ann, Myself & Justin 
On the Friday, again it was time to meet with Mary Ann and Earl, but also joining us was another FWG writer, Justin Ames.

A lively discussion took place on all things publishing, inspiration and projects that were ongoing.
Travelling from Ireland, (11 hour direct flight with Aer Lingus) I really appreciated the hospitality and friendship shown to me by so many. It was a wonderful experience and one I intend to repeat. Now to get working on all I decided to do, motivated by all I met.


Monday 13 February 2017

Steaming Hot to Cool & Calm for this Valentine's Day


Valentine's Day is upon us and romance is in the air. Shops are full of lovehearts and all things chocolate and roses. But if shelves of red plastic lips, edible panties, and 'I Love You' balloons don't do it for you, if you prefer to curl up in your PJ's and read a good book, then I can give you a choice. As a writer, I've approached the relationships of two couples in totally different ways.
If you like your reading Hot, Steamy, Sizzling and Detailed, then One Night in Barcelona is for you. A novella that is part of the Hot City Night Series from Tirgearr Publishing http://tirgearrpublishing.com/authors/Bradford_MaryT/. Each book is a stand-alone story, giving you a chance to visit many different cities in a sexy read.

In One Night in Barcelona, Natasha & Carlos meet and sparks fly. What can happen in 24 hours will leaving you wanting more. Grab your book here.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Night-Barcelona-City-Nights-book-ebook/dp/B00YHSM1LM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1434995400&sr=1-1&keywords=One+night+in+Barcelona+by+Mary+T+Bradford











BUT, if you like your romance Soft and Gentle, where a kiss sets you on a trip of passion in your own mind and your heart flutters at the suggestion of love, then Destiny is for you. Set in 1800's America, Charlie and Ahyoka, two people from different cultures, thrown together by fate. Their story has you asking will they ever be together or are they doomed from the start?

If you too wish to be charmed by Charlie, then follow the link below to buy your copy. Destiny is available in both eBook and print format.


https://www.amazon.com/Destiny-Mary-T-Bradford-ebook/dp/B01I5GAKHI/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1468171470&sr=1-2&keywords=destiny+by+mary+t+bradford










Whatever your choice of romance, enjoy this Valentine's Day.

Saturday 11 February 2017

CLOSING DATE, FEB. 19th, HAVE YOU ENTERED?


Time is stealing away and if you have not yet entered this competition, I suggest you get to it now. The closing date will be fast upon us, February 19th to be exact. This is an opportunity to try Flash Fiction, if you have not done so before. A challenging form of story-telling as every word counts. It only takes an email to enter or a postage stamp, (plus your story of course) and there is NO entry fee, that's right, NO entry fee. I wish you all the best of luck and look forward to reading your stories. Oh did I mention, I am judging? 
Kanturk Arts Festival is delighted to announce details of its inaugural Flash Fiction Competition which is being held as part of the town's ninth annual arts festival.Kanturk Arts Festival is taking place from March 16th to March 19th 2017.
READ MORE ABOUT THE FESTIVAL ON THEIR FACEBOOK PAGE, CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO TAKE YOU THERE.

https://www.facebook.com/347366428711953/photos/a.347400812041848.77812.347366428711953/1198231876958733/?type=3

Monday 30 January 2017

Mixing it up a little!


Although I've posted about my writing, it has mainly to do with my books or short stories, so this time I have decided to share another aspect to my writing life, play-writing.
Often through the years, I have written short stories that lent themselves to being a good plot for a play. I didn't know how to go about planning and scripting a play, but that didn't stop me, I shared my views with some writing friends and hey presto, I was soon writing plays.
My first play, a short 15 minute story was my introduction to seeing my work on stage. It was titled Something about Her and I entered it in to the Claremorris Fringe Festival for short work. To my delight it was chosen and it got shown along with others in the festival. I was thrilled to say the least. I got the bug for seeing my words come alive on stage and it was addictive to say the least.
Blessed is he among women!!
Then an opportunity came up to be mentored for a year by director and playwright, John Sheehy of CallBack Theatre, (http://callbacktheatre.com/ ). A chance not to be missed, I signed up along with Marie O'Halloran (http://marieohalloran.blogspot.co.uk/ )  and Mary Anne Bartlett and Mary Angland  (https://maryangland.wordpress.com/ ) 
We had a ball, meeting monthly at first and then weekly as our years mentoring came close to finishing. Each of us worked on our own individual plays. By sharing and reading each others work and listening to John's advice, we enjoyed the experience no end. The year ended on our four plays having a two night rehearsed readings open to the public at Friars Gate Theatre in Co. Limerick. My play was titled Forgive Me Father. The other plays being Coffee Break, Who won the War, and All Grown Up. Both nights had full houses, once more the buzz of seeing your words alive was thrilling.
The following year, under John's mentor-ship, we decided to tackle the task of writing one play by the four of us. Not an easy thing to make work as we had such individual styles in writing. It was time consuming but we were comitted to the project. A lot of editing, rewriting, talking, cups of tea and coffee, laughter, and misunderstandings. But all worth it as our play, Catching The Train, was performed in Friars Gate Theatre, directed by Mandy Donworth. It played to a full house for two nights.
I have since gone on to see The Bench, a 15 min play, be a part of the Kanturk Arts Festival theatre night. I hope to see another, Too Late, be read in the same arts festival in March of this year.
I would strongly encourage you to try other writing projects, even if they are outside your comfort zone. It opens up your mind and self to new ways of thinking when new characters and plots come knocking at the usual 2 or 3 in the morning, while you try to sleep.

Sunday 15 January 2017

WELCOME 2017. ( Being Positive )



So far it has been a crazy start to the New Year but not because I made resolutions, I never do, but with planning some writing strategies. You see, I always have great ideas/intentions. Meeting with fellow writer and playwright, Mary Angland (https://maryangland.wordpress.com/ ) to share and toss around these ideas and listen to hers was the first thing, to kick-start the year.
I don't think strategies is the right word. Anyway, we sat and got out our diaries for 2017 and listed, short story competitions, magazines, and something else that we wanted to be part of. Plays! We are hopeing to have our plays performed again this year. Keep our Blog's up to date too, of course!
Mary A & Mary B
We have the names of the competitions and the closing dates, all the guidelines too for the places we want to submit. Now we just need to write the stories!
Mary and I also took note of the magazines that we must pen articles for. We are taking it, that the editors will want our work, its all about being positive and sending it out to the universe. Not worked for the lotto yet though. Plus I want to aim for two blog posts a month.
In between all of the above, we are writing our novels at present and also we both have a play each to write by February for an Arts Festival. Honestly us ladies don't do things by halves!
It shall be interesting to see if we can stick to our plans. If by some miracle we do, look at the wealth of writing we shall accomplish.
Entering competitions can be expensive so we set a budget for ourselves, €50 for the year. Usually it is €10 per entry, so allowing us 5 competitions. Which means we will be choosy about where we send our work. There are also a lot of free competitions which we hope to take part in too. Plus of course when our articles are published, the payment received will make us back our €50 plus profit. All about positivity, people.
I got off to a good start over the last two weeks. I've entered 3 story competitions, 2 of which are short stories up to 2000 words and 1 a flash fiction piece of 404 words. One comp. was free, the other two cost me €13. This is my blog post. My magazine articles are memory style pieces, so I have been thinking about those.
There you have it, part of my good intentions. Yes, part, because there are loads of other ideas rattling in my head that I need to attend to. Will share more in future posts. It will be interesting to read my last blog post of this year next December and see if my plans worked out.
What have you planned for the year? Let me know, I'd love to hear from you.

Happy writing
🎭