Speaking before distinctive audiences of high-level academics, medical leaders, journalists and editors in diverse settings across the United States recently about the genesis of my novel, ‘Pretty Ugly,’ has been a most exhilarating and fun-filled experience. Now back in the quiet, bucolic northwest coast of of Ireland where much of the book’s drama takes place, I find myself recalling many of the enjoyable and challenging moments during those memorable weeks in March, while

Watching tens of thousands of people strolling across the spacious campus at the University of Arizona recently in bright sunshine at the annual Tucson Festival of Books was truly impressive. Even more so when I picked up a copy of the festival program with the motto ‘Where Words & Imagination Come To Life’ and perused the immense number and diversity of author readings, round-table discussions, creative writing workshops, musical events, food booths and exhibits. And I was p