new things
hi everyone
I’m writing to update you on a few things I’ve been up to recently. Most excitingly, my book Hearts and Bones: Love Songs for Late Youth is almost ready to exist in the world. If you like my writing and if In the Read was ever any way useful to you, please do consider pre-ordering it from you local bookshop or online.
I’ve also been extremely surprised and thrilled and delighted to receive some words of encouragement from fellow writers – see below. The blurb economy in publishing is one we all have to deal with and I felt extremely awkward asking people to spend their time reading yet another proof from some person they might feel vaguely obliged to be nice about, but people were extremely kind and took the time, and seem to like it. It’s also been thrilling to see keen readers on Instagram and Net Galley read it and like it too. I’m trying to get more into Insta, if you are on there, I’m @niamhiam
One of the stories from the book is online at Banshee – you can read it here, if you’d like.
The book is coming out June 23rd and I’ll be doing events in Manchester, London and Dublin – will share details when I have them.
Other things
I have finally got my website in vague working order. Alongside my own writing, I also work one–on–one with writers via Zoom as a “coach” at the moment – it’s a new way of working that evolved from my editorial work and my work with the London Writers Salon. It works really well for people who are stuck in their writing process – particularly those who have not been published yet. It’s basically the kind of thing I wished was available when I was writing my own “apprentice” novels. I love working like this and am currently working with a thriller writer, a writer of a Christian memoir and a picture book writer. If you or anyone you know would like to talk about this service, I offer free twenty minute consultations – details on my website or just reply to this email.
The other big thing happening in my life at the moment is that my family and I are planning a move back to Ireland from London. I mention this here because I would love to hear from anyone who has made this move or a similar one. I feel quite split in two over it: heartbroken to leave the best city in the world (it really is) but also excited about a new life back home.
reading/watching/drinking
I noticed some brouhaha on Twitter about whether people should read fiction or history at the moment – one great thing about not being on there very often is how much easier it is to see how absolutely insane it makes everyone – but anyway, I have the answer to that question which is: The Imposter by Javier Cercas. It’s the true story of a Spanish man who pretended to be a survivor of a Nazi concentration camp and it touches on things all too relevant to our moment: narcissism, the idea of a “mediopath” (being addicted to media attention), memory v history, what role fiction plays in figuring out the truth and how we (individuals and societies) come to believe things we want to believe. I don’t know a lot about twentieth century Spanish history and would like to read more, if anyone has recommendations, please share.
TV-wise, I liked Yellowjackets because rather than despite its silliness, it was extremely fun. Also loved the Stephen Graham film Boiling Point, it’s on Netflix. And other than that the only thing is Bamber Gascoigne’s historical documentaries that you can get on YouTube, I watch them while sipping a whiskey, it reminds me of when people who smoke weed watch David Attenborough docs (I’m personally not that into either), very relaxing and meditative. Highly recommended.
nice things people have said about Hearts and Bones
‘Using crisp prose and, it seems, almost total recall, Niamh Mulvey's stories chronicle a changing Ireland. Hearts and Bones is a terrific debut collection from a writer full of promise.’
Sinéad Crowley
‘These stories are vivid, memorable and beautifully crafted. I was delighted to discover Niamh Mulvey’s work.’
Sarah Moss
‘A brilliant collection, from a remarkable talent. These powerful stories come to us zinging with truth and wit, with pain and insight and joy.’
Joseph O'Connor
‘A hugely impressive debut that pivots on tiny moments rendered large, with such skill. Panoramic, precise, written in controlled, stunning prose.’
Sinéad Gleeson
‘Honest, daringly fresh and stunningly written, these stories cut right to the very essence of what it means to be young.’
Jan Carson
‘Mulvey's precision, humour and economy are a kind of close up magic, albeit one that kicks you in the heart. Monolithic themes brought to a shimmering, livid clarity. Exceptional.’
Rhik Samadder
‘Niamh Mulvey's stories are compassionate yet unflinchingly honest. She is a remarkable new talent with a distinctive voice and viewpoint. I can't wait to read more of her work.’
Jane Casey