26 Comments
Jan 18, 2021Liked by Helen Walsh

The mystery and mystic of Ireland. What a great topic.

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Love your avatar! (My original comment seemed to duplicate then delete. It's play silly buggers, as mother used to say.)

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Haha when I say silly buggers to people they look at me cautiously and slightly concerned, not quite sure if I just swore at them or not.🤣

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Happy New Year and congratulations on your novel, Helen! Thanks for your newsletter; I enjoyed reading your personal shares. Hope you’re well.

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Another great addition filled with interesting & informative material. Brava, Helen!

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Thanks, Penny! Very kind of you.

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Thanks Helen ! It was as usual a wonderful, informative read about the current Canlit market. Ireland is high on my list of places to travel. Cannot wait to visit.

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That's very kind of you. You'll have a great time in Ireland, once we can all move around again (:

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very excited for the Mick Herron adaptations!

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I know! Me too.

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any idea when they are to be released?

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"Apple sees it as one season [aka the first 12 epsiodes], but declined to comment on release plans." They started production then it got halted due to Covid but re-started in December. They are reportedly already interviewing directors for a second season.

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GREAT! thanks.

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Dear Helen: Excellent blog issue. I am now ready to move to Ireland. I too have been greatly influenced by the classic Irish writers, like Beckett: "Dance first. Think later. It's the natural order."

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Thanks, David! Brought to you by the Irish Tourism board (:

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Very interesting Helen. Thanks. You may be interested in a radio programme currently on BBC Radio 4 called How the Irish Shaped Britain. Hosted by Fergal Keane

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Thanks for the suggestion, Gillian. I'll look for it.

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love this, Helen! Informative, fun, interesting, lots of options for filling pandemic time, if you are not writing.

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Looking forward to your new novel on April 6th!

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Love this! Keep them coming Helen. I've found myself reading Irish authors of late, somewhat haphazardly and have loved "being there". Would love to get there in person some day. Your newsletter is a treat!

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Thanks so much, Gillian. Cheers to a trip one day!

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Thanks for this wonderful news letter, and I can truly identify with your feelings about Ireland, because I love it too. It is the home of my ancestors, and I felt that connection immediately upon arrival on Irish soil...it was immediate and profound. The very first morning after getting up and having a full Irish breakfast, I walked to the edge of a cliff on the north coast of Co. Antrim, and said out loud "I'm back," and it was like electricity flowed through me...never have I had a feeling like that before anywhere. Congratulations on your new script, and hopefully the work will continue until a film is made! All the best, and stay safe Helen!

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I think one of the reasons I loved that painting of yours I bought was that it reminded me of Ireland. I look at it every day and it brings a smile and sense of peace and happiness. Antrim is beautiful, isn't it? Thanks for the kind words and well wishes, Blair. Much appreciated.

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Thanks so much Helen, I have done quite a large series of paintings based on my experiences in Ireland, and as yet they have not been exhibited. Every county has its own personality and scenery..a marvelous country!!

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Absolutely true. Are they on your website?

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No, but soon they will be.

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