Well, I did it! Thanks so much to the judges of the BGEIBA short story award and all the people who took time to read six fantastic short stories and to vote for my story, The Visit! It was hugely appreciated.
I had the best night! But next year I’m going to go back as a guest instead of a nominee and I’m really going to soak up the atmosphere and the company of hundreds of people who love books as much as I do. The time before my category was enjoyable but tense, after my win, I was literally numb! (Now that I think about it…I suppose I would cope if I was a nominee next year… I better start writing!)
I’m so grateful for the crazy roller-coaster journey that my debut collection The Accidental Wife has taken me on.
And thanks to the award, The Accidental Wife is now available in one of Dublin’s iconic bookshops, Dubray Books on Grafton Street… Feel free to rush out and buy half a dozen copies for your Christmas stockings!
Orla McAlinden. 
Dear Orla: I’m so proud of you! Love, Cheryl in California
thanks a million!
SO exciting, Orla! This is amazing and well-deserved.
thanks so much
Congratulations, Orla!! The honors you have received on your book are so richly deserved!! I have just f inished reading it, and was so moved by it. My review on Amazon will be forthcoming!
thanks so much, I look forward to reading your thoughts.
Congratulations and you look fabulous too! Really looking forward to reading The Accidental Wife. I was looking for it in Easons today in the Pavillions Shopping Centre in Swords, but didn’t get it, so will pop into Dubray’s next time I am in Dublin.
Unfortunately Eason’s aren’t stocking it, which is a shame. You can get it free-post at the same price as Dubray from Kennys.ie if you don’t go to Dublin city centre very often. THanks so much for the vote of confidence
Oh good to know, I have ordered from Kenny’s before. They are great and I need another book I can’t seem to get elsewhere so I may just order both. Thanks.