It is always a bit nerve wracking when your new book comes out after a year or two or three of writing, to finally get to hold the published book in your hand and to see it go from the printer’s pallets into the wholesalers, then into the book shops all around the city and country.

Is it any wonder that these past few days that I am torn between excitement and relief and a bit of panic that ‘The Hungry Road is finally published?

It’s been a busy few days signing hundreds of books in Argosy and Eason’s bookshops and Dubray and Hodges Figgis, meeting some of my favourite people – booksellers.

It’s always so good to meet and talk to book lovers and journalists and writers and I really enjoyed a big chat about the book with Ryan Tubridy on Radio One.  I also got such a kind welcome from Mairead Ronan on Today FM and Alan Hughes and Karen Koster on Ireland Am.

The Hungry Road has at last started its journey

What good news to hear that the stage version of Under the Hawthorn Tree is returning to The Mac Theatre in Belfast at the end of January 2020!

The Cahoots production of my book adapted for the stage by Charles Way and directed by Paul McEneaney is stunning, with a great cast and Garth McConaghie’s music is so evocative.

The very good news is that after its run in Belfast the show will tour around Ireland. It will travel to theaters both in the North and South.  ‘Under the Hawthorn Tree is in Dublin’s Pavilion Theatre for only one day so grab tickets while you can.   I just can’t wait to go and see it again.

‘Under the Hawthorn Tree’ Stage Production Tour Schedule  

30 Jan-9 Feb 2020 | The MAC, Belfast

12 Feb | The Ardhowen, Enniskillen

14 Feb | Íontas Theatre, Castleblayney

16 Feb | Pavilion Theatre, Dún Laoghaire

19 Feb | Cork Opera House

21 Feb | Siamsa Tire, Tralee

23-24 Feb | National Opera House, Wexford

26 Feb | Burnavon, Cookstown

28-29 Feb 2020| Market Place Theatre, Armagh

Marita with writers Oisin McGann and Judi Curtin 

The sun came out and the hens clucked and the donkeys brayed, as hordes of young readers and their families swarmed to the beautiful Airfield Estate in Dundrum for the Dubray StoryFest, an extravaganza of story and illustration held in the acres of wonderful gardens and farm of Airfield.

There were book hunts, cartoon competitions and writers and illustrators galore for young readers to meet during this fun filled day which was organised by the wonderful Sarah Webb and Dubray’s Maria Dickenson and Susan Walsh.

I was involved in ‘The Magical History Tour’ held in the big Green Barn with writers Oisin McGann and Judi Curtin.

It was great to meet so many writers and bookseller friends and to enjoy the supper held afterwards in the old house. Thanks to all who organised such a special story filled day!

Marita with Sarah Webb and Don Conroy         Sunflowers and cabbages 

What a fabulous day meeting 70 brilliant young writers at the very special Young Writer’s Day in Dun Laoghaire’s Lexicon Library! The day was part of Cruinniu na nOg –Ireland’s national day of creativity for young people with events held all over the country.

The morning kicked off with a big panel discussion with Dave Rudden, Deirdre O’Sullivan, Alan Nolan and me talking to Grainne Clear about how we all got started writing and illustrating. There were lots of brilliant question from the young writers and illustrators… Many of whom are already working on books…. amazing!!

Then it was time to get writing and drawing at the workshops… followed by a really great talk about  publishing  your books with Eoin O’Brien from O’Brien Press and Grainne Clear from Little Island Books .

I also took time out at the weekend to visit the Dalkey Book Festival and attended a brilliant discussion with historian and author Peter Frankopan and Diarmaid Ferriter on ‘Why History Matters.’ My brain was buzzing after it!

Then to the Dalkey Heritage Centre where my friend author Martina Devlin and Andrea Catherwood gave a fascinating insight into the life of one of my great hero’s Countess Constance Markievicz.  Books and writing … can a weekend get any better!