Shiv McGraw is the consummate villain in Shanty Gold. An Irish mob boss in Boston’s South side, he shakes down pub owners and other Irish newcomers trying to make an honest buck for “protection.” I decided to ask Shiv a few questions: JC: Shiv, tell me about your childhood. SM: Ah, ‘twas pretty brutal, […]
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Ah, the Glam Life of a Writer!
So now my book is going to be published! Yippedidoo dah! The problem with that is, now I hardly can find the time to write Lace Curtain, the second part of my trilogy. In today’s world, publishers don’t give first-time writers much help in promotion, scheduling of appearances, and generally creating the “buzz” […]
Irish Women: Goddesses & Banshees
One of the most surprising things I learned while writing Shanty Gold happened on my first trip to Ireland. All of a sudden, the women looked like me or like my mother or my aunts. They had my hair—bushy and unmanageable around water of any kind (nice shot, God—considering Ireland is an island where […]
Dreams of an Irish-American Girl
As a child, I was constantly writing—poetry, essays, and short stories. One problem was that because the Sisters where I went to school insisted I should be right handed and switched me from my natural left hand to the right, my handwriting is virtually unintelligible. Even to me sometimes. As a child, I […]
Irish Invaders
Beautiful Ireland has been fighting invaders since before recorded history. In 796 AD, the Vikings became Ireland’s most brutal trespassers. Today, if you visit the glorious Dingle Peninsula (and I surely hope you do), you will see the phenomenen of the beehive huts. These small stone beehives were built by the Irish as fortresses […]
Ten Fun Facts About Jeanne Charters
I love wine. I know, I know, I’m Irish, so it should be beer or whiskey. (Well, sometimes it’s whiskey—especially on St. Patrick’s Day.) I love my therapy dog, Bucky, beyond reason. He’s brought more fun into my life than anyone since Matt. Born in Ohio, I moved to Chicago at age 22 […]
Saving Kamua’s Bacon in Shanty Gold
I may have mentioned that while writing a book, I am unable to outline. I know the beginning and I know the end. That’s it! Wish that were different. I’d probably save myself years of editing. But on the other hand, I kind of love the fact that my characters take control. […]
The Great Irish Potato Famine
The controlling British Crown had developed a strong liking for the taste of beef, so all the meat harvested from Irish cattle was immediately shipped to England. So was all the grain grown in Ireland as well as the fish caught in her waters. Thirty to fifty shiploads left Irish shores every day headed […]
What Makes an Irish Warrior?
Who is the bravest person you have ever known? I think many of today’s young adults would say Katniss of The Hunger Games. And she was quite a warrior, wasn’t she? But she had to be tested. What propelled Katniss into the arena was the need to save her little sister from […]
A Star is Born!
Ta da—this is the premier showing of the book video for Shanty Gold. Thank you, Nathan Chesky. I found Nathan through Asheville Creative Alliance, and I think he did a great job. Came to my home and made me so comfortable that I didn’t flub too many lines. Also, didn’t use the F-bomb once. Yay, […]