Ulster University Writer in Residence
Writer in Residence of Ulster University (Sep 2020 to Aug 2023).
PhD: Creative Writing
Composition of a contemporary diary novel.
Dialect in diary novels.
The Ulster Scots family history of the Agnew/Ó Gnímh family.
Female writers writing in Scots and Ulster Scots.
Dialect in diary novels.
The Ulster Scots family history of the Agnew/Ó Gnímh family.
Female writers writing in Scots and Ulster Scots.
Novel Writing
Five novels written — three self-published.
International perspectives of Northern Ireland, shared culture, complex identities.
International perspectives of Northern Ireland, shared culture, complex identities.
Flitting...
My life has been coloured by a constant urge to 'flit'. I lived and worked in France, America and the Netherlands, moving back to Northern Ireland in time for my thirtieth birthday. Soon after that, a role in senior management in an IT company coincided with my first experience of motherhood, and while it all worked well for a number of years, I realised what many women know — travelling globally doesn't fit well around the school routine! I therefore took the bold step of leaving "thon guid job" when my eldest child was five. A 'portfolio career' of writing and various other creative sector activities keeps me busy now. And that's the short version of how I ended up as Ulster University Writer in Residence, travelling mostly in my imagination.
Media Services
Essays for The Irish Times and Belfast Telegraph, Interviews on Radio Ulster Your Place and Mine, John Toal Show and Kintra Show.
Guest contributor on the topic of Irish dancing on BBC's Antiques Road Trip, interviewee on various NVTV and BBC shows regarding Ulster Scots.
Guest contributor on the topic of Irish dancing on BBC's Antiques Road Trip, interviewee on various NVTV and BBC shows regarding Ulster Scots.
Historical & Family History Societies
Irish dancing exhibition with Mid and East Antrim Council; seminars on the history of Irish dancing, novel writing, Ulster Scots for Libraries NI; working with regional councils, Irish Writer's Centre National Museums NI and Scottish libraries.
Voluntary Arts Services
Writing services for a number of voluntary projects in Mid and East Antrim, mainly for Larne Renovation Generation.