Aine Greaney

I guess I expected more from this book. It didn't really offer any new information from what is already available in blogs on the Internet or in other writing books. I'm still working and writing full time, but not doing it any differently because of reading this book. However, some of the exercises. although really having nothing to do with writing while holding down a day job, were interesting and helpful. If you're looking for some fun, basic writing information, you'll find it here. But, if you're looking for magical tips to help you write while working out of the home, this won't be all that useful.… (meer)

In this short book of essays, Áine Greaney shares her journey from Irish citizen to naturalized US citizenship. The essays offer an intimate look at the feelings that she went through - feelings of fear of leaving Ireland and starting a new life and her assimilation to American life - issues that are felt by all immigrants no matter where in the world they come from or emigrate to.

A few of the topics of the essays are

America the Story about how Americans have told her how brave she was to make the move and she knows how unsure of herself she really was.
St. Patrick's Day - Her first St. Patrick's day in America was in 1987 and she found it totally different than the way it is celebrated in Ireland.
Green Card - her nervousness when she had to be interviewed for her green card.
Citizen Me is about when she decided to become an naturalized citizen.

This is an interesting little book with a lot of information on being a new immigrant in America - no matter where you come from. In this day of political discussions on immigration, it was refreshing to read her essays.… (meer)

There were some super-helpful nuggets for me in this book, such as:
~ Be grateful for your day job!
~ It IS possible to fit writing into your daily routine
~ Self-doubt is normal; allow yourself to write (your first draft) badly.

However, I'm not sure there was a whole book-worth of material here, and I skipped over the writing exercises as they seemed more aimed at unleashing creativity in those who suspect they want to write, rather than those of us with too many ideas and to little time.

But if you're looking for a nudge to get started, or even just to let go of your belief that it's impossible to hold down a day job and complete a novel or large writing project, this book is well worth a look.… (meer)

Moira Walsh is at a lobster festival when she recognizes "the look" between her husband and a young woman from his workplace. Demanding to know how long the affair has been going on, he finally admits to "about a year." That is 4 years less than Moira's own affair with a married man. Unlike her husband Frank, Moira sees her lover only when she is out of town on business. There are no "close encounters" generated by living in the same locale and socializing in the same circles such as the lobster festival.

Resolving that her marriage is over, Moira decides that her affair needs to be terminated as well. She wants freedom and new direction. Unhooking with lover Alan Power should be easy, as neither has ever had any emotional attachment to the other. Their meetings were strictly for physical satisfaction. Unknown to Moira, Alan has reached the same conclusion, more or less.

Alan had decided to definitely end it with Moira until his wife took a receptionist job at La Belle Femme, the hair salon she patronizes. Maybe he should wait awhile before ending it with Moira.

How these two people manage ending their affair is interesting, humorous, very human and a bit poignant. Moira is a no-nonsense proactive woman. Alan is rather wishy-washy and heads for a beer when making a decision. The characters are very well described as as are the subtle shifts in their relationships. The author keeps the plot moving along at a just-right pace. This is a warm and satisfying albeit short reading. I am looking for more by author Aine Greaney.… (meer)