What pisses me off? When my Irish creeps back into my life…

What pisses me off is ‘The Irish’ way I describe events in the books I write. I will explain my problem.  I was brought up by a teenage aunt and a ‘very Irish’ happy grandmother, both of which I loved enormously.

I would like to ask if there are any retired English teachers / writers involved in Starts at 60 who need a challenge to help me in my quest of taking the ‘Irish out of my writing’…

I could offer you a new paperback of Haunting at Beach to read and edit and then a revised version when the book is ready for readers to enjoy instead of confusing them by my style.

I wrote Haunting at the Beach during ‘The National Writing in November’ where you needed to write at least 50,000 words in 30 days to be eligible for a prize.

I did this, although I did not realise how much of my ‘Irish’ language came through into my writing until I had my book reviewed by one of the Over 60s writers.

During the month of November 2013, I carried a notepad and pen everywhere I went when I was not writing at my computer, even to bed, so if I woke up with a thought I would write it down. Not that there was much sleeping done in November. I would start my day very early before my sick partner woke up and continue writing every spare moment between taking him to doctors, specialists and pathologists, as well as running to the chemist for his medication.

I sometimes would start writing in my nightdress and end my day in my nightdress only stopping then to shower and put on a new one. I need to say, it was a funny experience, my friends and family would laugh at me when visiting.

As I wrote during, ‘The National Writing in November’ aiming to write at least 50,000 words in 30 days, I was writing as fast as my fingers would type. I did not pause to think about style. There was hardly time to think and no time to consider grammar or punctuation so I typed on regardless, promising myself to ‘edit’ at the end of November, which I did briefly in December after I slept for days.

I won a free hardback copy of my book from one of the sponsors Lulu.Com, and used their website to create a paperback and eBook. In addition, I created a coloured hardback collectors copy to keep.  This was an interesting process and gave me an insight into what was involved in getting an idea written and then published, it was fun. After I received the email in January informing me of my win I completed my book and began the process on the Lulu.Com website of making my book, it was harder than the writing although very rewarding.

My problem is there is an obvious need to get the ‘Irish’ out of my Novel and correct spelling and punctuation. That really pisses me off. I did it to myself and now I need help!

Have your roots or cultural and historic habits ever gotten in your way? What of your cultural traits do you love and what can’t you stand? Tell us in the comments below… 

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