Hello again from Wales, folks!
I don’t know anyone who hates winter as much as I do, so signs of spring in the garden always brighten my spirits. The snowdrops are behind this year. By now I usually have a whole bank of them flowering, but they’re only just budding. At least the red kites are back, soaring above the garden on a daily basis, and last week a flock of wild geese heralded their arrival with a great honking chorus which cheered me no end.
Which brings me to the subject of birds…
Many of you will know that almost every book or short story I write features birds. I’ve been termed ‘The Bird Whisperer’ by one of my author friends, and this week my husband crowned me ‘Queen of Crows.’ I love nothing better than to sit in an old cemetery and listen to the cacophony of kraas as they squabble over territory.
So Gothic!
You might also know that my husband’s an artist. This week, he created an avatar of me. What do you think?
You can see more of his artwork and photography here:
https://www.celtic-eye.com/
My current work in progress (a novel) also features birds, specifically an owl, or half an owl I should say. I know that’s cryptic, but I’ll say no more for now.
Now for the ‘Spanish stained glass’ reference (see subtitle)…
This week, the fabulous Spanish Press, Dilatando Mentes, announced they’ll be publishing a Spanish version of my novella, Mosaic, next year. They’re a joy to work with and have a great ethic, so I’m very much looking forward to the release of what will be my first ever translated work.
In other news, I’m still waiting to hear about a novella I have out on submission. It’s shortlisted, so it’s getting a bit tense, but what will be will be as they say.
I also received a ‘hold’ notice this week for one of my short stories from a very prestigious magazine. A bolt from the blue for sure, and in typical McCarthy fashion I expect it to go no further (glass half empty and all that). I wish I could change my negative expectation, but I guess it comes down to how I was raised as much as it does personality. Ah well, at least the disappointment doesn’t bite as hard when things don’t work out, and, of course, when things do turn positive it tastes all the sweeter.
That’s all from me for now, except to ask a small favour…
If you have read any of my books, I would love you to leave a few words on Amazon, and if you’ve already posted a review to Goodreads you will earn a special place in my cold crow heart if you’d copy it to Amazon. Reviews help with the algorithm and therefore drive sales. It doesn’t need to be a lengthy review. A quick ‘I enjoyed this book,’ or ‘This one wasn’t to my taste’ will suffice.
I’ll end with a famous line from the movie The Crow…
It can’t rain all the time.
Sometimes, though, living in Wales I wonder if this is true.
P.S. The Welsh word for crow is brân.
Fly, friends!
Catherine McCarthy
Wishing you great success on the novella and story! And I think your Queen of the Crows persona deserves a short story or more in her honor. 🐦⬛
Exciting times, Queen of Crows! 🐦⬛ Love your alter ego, she’s a little scary I must say! Awesome! 🤩 Good luck with everything you’re awaiting news on, Cath. As always I myself await with bated breath for news of your latest work ☺️