Archives
See also
Twitter Updates
Ask Sheila
I’m always happy to answer questions people have about how I started writing and the two links below will give you most of the information you need! But if there’s anything else you want to ask just post your question in the comment box at the end of the page.
About me….
As you can see, a Dubliner all my life. My parents owned a grocery shop in the Iveagh Markets, in the Liberties area of the city and I guess city blood runs through my veins.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most popular questions about my writing and getting your own book published
#1 by Johanna at January 31st, 2010
| Quote
Hi Sheila
My name is Johanna and I’m from Stockholm, Sweden. I just finished your book “Yours, Faithfully”, which I’m now writing a paper on. Therefor I wonder which year you were born? I can’t seem to find it here on the website and it’s something I need to know for my school-assignment.
Love,
Johanna
#2 by Sheila at February 2nd, 2010
| Quote
Hi Johanna
Good luck with your paper! I was born in 1958.
best wishes
Sheila
#3 by BEGOÑA at January 25th, 2010
| Quote
He leido muchas novelas románticas de muchas autoras, pero una de las que más me ha gustado, sino la que más, ha sido ¿Como lo reconoceré?.
Se refleja muchísimo amor entre la protagonista y el jardinero.
#4 by Sheila at February 2nd, 2010
| Quote
Hola Begona
Gracias por su amiable mensaje. Me encanta que a ti, te guste la novela. Hay 2 otras traducidos a espanol – De Nuevo sin Pareja y Amor a Primera Vista.!Espero que te gusten tambien!
un abrazo
Sheila
#5 by laura griffin at January 11th, 2010
| Quote
Hey sheila
firstly i liek to say i love all your books that i have read so far they make me cry and cry with laughter in some parts.
my question is in the short story novel destinations is there a book out already solely with the story of the young women who is getting married ( sorry i cant remember the name) i jus loved that story so much. i hope for you to keep on writing and i look forward to reading more.
yours faithfully
Laura
xx
#6 by Sheila at February 2nd, 2010
| Quote
Hi Laura
Are you thinking of the Connections collection? There’s a story in that called Jennifer about a girl who’s about to be married and I adapted that for the Open Door series as a short novel called Three’s A Crowd. The Open Door series is for people who’ve come to reading late in life and so they’re simpler novels than my usual full-length ones. You might also be thinking of the story called Isobel, which is a kind of sequel to my novel Isobel’s Wedding.
Hope this helps!
Sheila
#7 by Edel at January 4th, 2010
| Quote
Hi i just finished Isobels Wedding and i was wondering is there a follow up book to it because i really liked, i couldnt leave it out of my hands
Thanks Delly
#8 by Sheila at January 6th, 2010
| Quote
Hi Delly
I’ve got sort-of good news for you. Although there isn’t a full length sequel to Isobel’s Wedding you can read more of her story in my Connections collection. I hope you’ll be happy with how things turn out for her….
all the best
Sheila
#9 by Phoebe at January 3rd, 2010
| Quote
Dear Shelia,
I’m ten years old and are halfway through a book, should I try and complete and see if it can be published?
#10 by Sheila at January 6th, 2010
| Quote
Hi Phoebe
Congratulations on having written so much already! If you are really interested in the story that you’re writing you will want to finish it. Of course thre’s no guarantee that it will be published but that’s the risk all writers take. However anyone who wants to write has usually written a lot of different things (short stories, essays etc) before they eventually get something published. This helps you to improve your writing all the time. So if you don’t succeed this time, it is still excellent experience.
Good luck!
Sheila
#11 by Lily Evans at December 31st, 2009
| Quote
Hi Sheila!
I am a big fan of your books and i would like to say that they are great and i love them! Keep Writing. Also my question is that, i want to become a writer as i have a passion for writing, i wanted to know how would i go about publishing the book? As in would i need an agent or somethng first? Please refrain from laughing at me if these questions sound stupid! But it would help a lot!
Thank You!
X =D
#12 by Sheila at January 6th, 2010
| Quote
Hi Lily
Check out the FAQ part of the site this will give you the information you’re looking for. Best of luck with your own writing!
http://www.sheilaoflanagan.net/aboutme/faq/
Sheila
#13 by laura mcfadden at December 27th, 2009
| Quote
hi sheila. came across you by accident when i read somewhere that your books were a bit like maeve binchy’s. so bought one and found out that was rubbish, they are nothing like them. have gone on to read all your books now, and love them. am half way through “someone special” and i think it’s your best yet. reminds me of my own disfunctional family. i left dublin for london in the ’60’s and i think i would feel like a foreigner if i went back now, what with divorce etc. and about time too. hope you keep on writing, i certainly will keep on buying.regards, laura
#14 by Marianne Ihse at December 14th, 2009
| Quote
Hello
I would like to know the English title of a fantastic book I have just read. Brothers and sisters´love about a woman Romy.
I must read more about you. I enjoyed very much
Marianne
#15 by Sheila at December 16th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Marianne
The English title of the book you’re asking about is: Someone Special. I’m delighted to hear you enjoyed it!
best wishes
Sheila
#16 by Carola at December 8th, 2009
| Quote
Dear Sheila
Im a HUGE reader, but Im a bit sad because there a three books I cannot buy here in Holland and those are The Perfect Man
Someone Special
Maggie’s Story
Do you know if those books will come to Holland?
I hope you keep on writing because I have all your books (besides those three ofcourse) And Im a HUGE fan
Love
Carola
#17 by Sheila at December 16th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Carola
It’s lovely to hear from a huge fan! I can tell you that Maggie’s Story will not be published in Holland as it is part of a series of books for people who have had reading difficulties. So it’s not a full-length novel like my other novels. Someone Special and The Perfect Man have not yet been translated into Dutch but hopefully they will be soon. I will post info on site as soon as I know the possible publication dates.
very best wishes
Sheila
#18 by Phoebe at December 6th, 2009
| Quote
Dear Shelia,
I love your books Connections and Destinations. Will you have another book of short stories out soon?
Yours Sincerely,
Phoebe
#19 by Phoebe at December 6th, 2009
| Quote
Dear Sheila,
Me and my mum love your books (don’t worry she vetts through so I don’t read any rude bits). I especially like Destionations the Helena, Greg and Kimberely stories. Will their stories be continued?
Please consider this.
Yours Sincerely,
Phoebe
#20 by Sheila at December 16th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Phoebe
I’m so pleased that both you and your mum enjoy my books. I don’t have any plans to write more about Helena, Greg and Kimberley yet but watch out for information next year on another collection of short stories which I hope you’ll enjoy too……
all the best
Sheila
#21 by Nerida at November 20th, 2009
| Quote
Hello Sheila,
I am bit like probably many of your readers in that I have read all your books and cant wait for the next one. When will it be published? I am not a bit reader, but your style of writing has certainly got me into reading for which I thank you.
Best wishes,
Nerida
#22 by Sheila at November 29th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Nerida
I’m so glad to hear that my books have got you into reading! The paperback edition of The Perfect Man will be published in May 2010 and the hardback edition of the brand new book, Stand By Me, will come out in October 2010. I hope you enjoy them!
all the best
Sheila
#23 by Joan Truscott at November 19th, 2009
| Quote
Dear Sheila,
Busy reading your book Connections. It is so good having read your other books to catch up with some of the characters.
#24 by Emma at November 13th, 2009
| Quote
Hello!
I begin by apologizing for my bad English.
But my question is if you know when and if it will translate more of your books in to Swedish. I love them very much, but I has no ability to read them in English beacuse that take too long time for me then.
So I am keeping my fingers crossed, and hope that it soon will be a new book in Swedish.
Continue doing a good job and take care of you!
Best wishes
Emma
#25 by Sheila at November 29th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Emma
At the moment I’m not sure when more books will be published in Swedish. I think there are some plans and as soon as I have more information I will post it on my site. I hope you’ll enjoy them too!
best wishes
Sheila
#26 by Ileen Branderbit at November 12th, 2009
| Quote
How can I find your new books in the US?
#27 by Ileen Branderbit at November 12th, 2009
| Quote
How can I buy your new book in the US?
#28 by Sheila at November 16th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Ileen
Unfortunately it’s not yet published in the US – at the moment only 2 of my books are available in US editions. If you’re anywhere near Canada you can get all of my books there! Otherwisse I guess Amazon is your best bet.
Good luck
Sheila
#29 by Maree at November 8th, 2009
| Quote
Hi, I am devastated! I have just finished ” a Perfect Man” and now have read all your books, I THOROUGHLY enjoyed ALL of them, what a wonderful writer you are and PLEASE PLEASE keep them coming. ( It is only in the last couple of years I have switched from murder and intrigue to your books and I must say I will never go back! Hooray for a good laugh and books that I have trouble putting down and even have been known to be making dinner and still reading in between!! Kindest Regards Maree
#30 by Vari at November 3rd, 2009
| Quote
Hi Sheila
I am not sure if you have time to read all these comments but I just wanted to let you know that I LOVE your books…. I have read every single one and your books are a must have and a must read (over and over again I must admit). Please keep writing:) I can not wait for the next one:)
#31 by Sheila at November 16th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Vari
I do indeed read all the comments on my site and I’m always pleased to hear from my readers! I’m delighted that you enjoy my books enough to read over again and I hope you’ll enjoy the next one too. Keep checking back for info on publication dates etc.
best wishes
Sheila
#32 by Anna Collison at October 28th, 2009
| Quote
I absolutely have enjoyed all of your books, written in a way that I picture all the characters, everytime I read one I always hope I will see the book you’ve written at the cinema (although I know the book will be far greater), is there anything in the pipeline to have any of your books made as films? Looking forward to your next book now I’ve finished The Perfect Man
#33 by Sheila at November 3rd, 2009
| Quote
Hi Anna
Thank you for your lovely comments! The situation regarding adapting the books for film ebbs and flows. There have been times when it looks like it might happen and then, for various reasons, the projects get put on hold or don’t get the financing or whatever. I’m hoping that maybe one day we’ll actually get out of the starting blocks and bring some of my characters to the screen, although I think you’re right – it’s always hard for a film to live up to the book! If it ever happens, though, I’ll certainly post on site and let you all know.
best wishes
Sheila
#34 by Kirsten at October 24th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Sheila,
I’m German but I like to read your books in the original version to improve my English! Normally it’s no problem,but in “Someone Special” it was really hard work because the names of the two different characters “Dermot” and “Darragh” are totally unfamiliar to me and I got them mixed up during the whole book and I had to re-read so many sentences that it was less fun. So I was totally happy to be able to get lost in “The Perfect Man” again because of the “easy names” and no confusions because of language problems!! Thank you so much for your stories, Kirsten from Germany
#35 by Sheila at November 3rd, 2009
| Quote
Hi Kirsten
I’m glad to hear that my books are helping to improve your English though sorry that you had such difficulties with Dermot and Darragh! Perhaps when the German translation is published you could enjoy it more in your own language. If you haven’t checked already you can learn a little more about the history of their names in the Irish Names & Irish Legends Section of the site: http://www.sheilaoflanagan.net/aboutme/irish-names-explained/
I’m also glad to hear that you were able to cope with the names in The Perfect Man and so enjoyed it more!
glückliche Lesung
all the best
Sheila
#36 by Grace O Sullivan at October 20th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Sheila!
I was hoping you might be able to shed some light on how to go about getting a novel edited or critiqued by a professional that isn’t going to cost the earth? I have just finished my fisrt book but want someone to proof read it and give me an honest opinion on how to improve bits that need improving.
I’d be grateful for any advice you may have!
Thanks, Grace.
#37 by Sheila at October 22nd, 2009
| Quote
Hi Grace
I had a question recently which is very similar to yours and I’m going to give you more or less the same answer. The thing is that lots of writers want their wroks critiqued and edited before they send it to a publisher. However I would recommend you get in touch with an agent. As I said to Jo, the best resource for this is the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook which you can subscribe to online (for some reason my links aren’t working here but Google Writers’ & Artists’).
Some agents offer a critique service but the truth is that if they think the book is good enough to submit to a publishing house the editor will give you all of the writing advice you need and it won’t cost you a penny.
Good luck!
Sheila
#38 by Magda at October 20th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Sheila,
just wanted to say I am really enjoying your books! Started from ‘Isobel’s wedding’ found in the charity shop, when I was looking for some nice feminine lecture for bedtime and then I’ve fallen for your writing!
Little cheeky question – as the Isobel’s antics remains my favourite I was wondering whether you were ever thinking of writing second part for it? Just asking because I would really enjoy reading about how did it turned out for her….. Might sound crazy but I really liked the novel and would love to see a continuation:)
All best,
Magda.
#39 by Sheila at October 22nd, 2009
| Quote
Hi Magda
I’ve a bit of good news for you! I don’t actually write sequels to novels because I always feel I’ve put my characters through enough and the idea of giving them another book’s worth of trouble is a bit much for me. However lots of people ask about Isobel and I know that Isobel’s Wedding left her on the cusp, so I decided that – while I wouldn’t write a sequel – I would write some more about her. In my short story collection, Connections, you will find a continuation story about Isobel. And I hope that you’ll be happy at how things work out for her…..
all the best
Sheila
#40 by Jo Pagett at October 15th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Sheila, I have left a comment before and you kindly sent me an e-mail. I have all your books and am reading the perfect man now. I’m actually asking your advice. My 12 year old daughter has written a fantastic book which we would like to get published. I’ve googled lots of different sites but am struggling to find out how to get it published. Can you please tell me if you know where I can send her copies just for some-one to read and say if its worth publishing. Thanks for your help and keep writing as we love your books.
xx
#41 by Sheila at October 22nd, 2009
| Quote
Hi Jo
I’m going to give you and your daughter the same advice as I give to adult authors because, bottom line, a book is a book and the process is similar. And so your best bet is getting in touch with an agent. The best resource for this is the Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook which you can subscribe to online – sorry I tried to put a link in but for some reason it didn’t show up! But Google Writers’ & Artists’.
Some agents offer a critique service but the truth is that if they think the book is good enough to submit to a publishing house the editor will give your daughter all of the writing advice she needs (for free!).
best of luck
Sheila
#42 by minnie at October 13th, 2009
| Quote
dear sheila
i really love your books and i consider myself as your big fan; i’ve read a lot of yours including your very first novel.
i’m thai and it’s very difficult to find your books in bangkok so everytime i go to london i have to buy all your books on the shelf……big fan,aren’t i!!!!!
what is your latest one?????
#43 by Sheila at October 13th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Minnie
It’s lovely to hear from such a big fan! I’m sorry my books aren’t widely available in Bangkok but maybe someday….My latest book, The Perfect Man, is available now in the UK in hardback. I hope you like it!!!!
best wishes
Sheila
#44 by Kelly at October 12th, 2009
| Quote
Hi,
I am huge fan of books, and have just finished Someone Special and really enjoyed it. I was just checking out your website and see that you have just released The Perfect Man in the UK, and I was wondering if you knew when the release date for this book is in North America? Canada specifically.
Looking forward to reading your latest book,
Kelly
#45 by Sheila at October 13th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Kelly
The good news is that The Perfect Man will be released in Canada in November. I hope you enjoy it as much as all the others.
best wishes
Sheila
#46 by Sofia at October 8th, 2009
| Quote
Hello!
I’m a girl from Sweden and I love your books. Are they all going to be translated into Swedish?
Best Wishes Sofia
#47 by Sheila at October 13th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Sofia
I’m delighted to hear you enjoy my books. My Swedish publishers are the lovely people at http://www.pocketforlaget.se/
At the moment 3 of my books are available but hopefully they will be translating more soon!
all the best
Sheila
#48 by Belinda at October 3rd, 2009
| Quote
Hi Sheila
I’ve been a fan of your books for years, and I’ve read them all! I pre-ordered ‘The Perfect Man’ and I loved it. You can always read people’s minds and feelings so well and express them in writing.
Do you mind if I ask a personal question? A lot of your characters seem to be rather reserved, at least on the outside (this appeals to be as I am a bit like that myself) – so I’ve been wondering whether you’d describe yourself as a rather outgoing or rather reserved person?
Hope you don’t find this question too nosy.
Keep up your excellent writing!
Bee
#49 by Sheila at October 13th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Belinda
I’m pleased to hear that you enjoyed The Perfect Man especially since you pre-ordered it!
Your question is an interesting one. The answer is that although I am quite a private person I can be outgoing. It depends very much on the circumstances and occasion. But I would never be marked down as the life and soul of a party, that’s for sure!!!
all the best
Sheila
#50 by aoife o'grady at September 29th, 2009
| Quote
To Sheila
i am wondering if i could get any tips and suggestions for short stories if i can please.
I have written a few short stories and i can send you one of the stories that i have written if you want.
thanking you
aoife o’grady
#51 by Sheila at October 3rd, 2009
| Quote
Hi Aoife
Thanks for your post. First of all, though, I don’t read stories or novels from unpublished authors, except on the occasions I’m giving writing workshops. There are two reasons for this: the first is that I’m usually writing myself and I read very little fiction when I’m writing because it messes with my own inner writing voice; secondly, I don’t want to subliminally copy or use anything that anyone else might be writing!
Getting short stories pubished is tricky – certainly for an unknown author it’s almost impossible to have a collection published in book form. Most of us cut our teeth on sending short stories to magazines or entering them in competitions. A good place to look for information is the home page of the Irish Writer’s Union: http://www.ireland-writers.com/
best of luck
Sheila
#52 by Ady at September 28th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Sheila
Yours books are fantastic, i can’t say enough about them. I never want them to end
Thanks for all the lovely reading you have given me
Ady
#53 by Carol Caissie at September 27th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Sheila, is it possible to have list of your books as you wrote them…. i read all your books so far and can’t wait until you have a new one coming out. I read them and then give them to my aunts so they can read them too and i know i have some missing and i wouldn’t want to buy one i already read…. i just wanted to make sure i had bought your latest one. Thanks and keep up the good work!!! :0)
#54 by Sheila at October 3rd, 2009
| Quote
Hi Carole
When you click the dropdown menu under Books on the site they appear in the order I wrote them, although I only realised after your post that the linked list on the books page itself has them in alphabetical order. I have to get my website guy to look at it for me because although I tried to change it and put in the date of publication I couldn’t! (Sometimes the technology defeats me!). You don’t have to read my books in order of publication because they’re all stand-alone novels, but there are follow on stories about Isobel (from Isobel’s Wedding) and Bree (from He’s Got to Go) in the Connections short story collection.
Heres the list again and hopefully it’ll soon be on the site this way too….
Dreaming of a Stranger (1997)
Caroline’s Sister (1998)
Isobel’s Wedding (1999)
Suddenly Single (1999)
Far From Over (2000)
My Favourite Goodbye (2001)
He’s Got to Go (2002)
Too Good to be True (2003)
Anyone But Him (2004)
How Will I Know (2005)
Your’s Faithfully (2006)
Bad Behaviour (2007)
Someone Special (2008)
The Perfect Man (2009)
Destinations – short story collection (2003)
Connections – short story collection (2006)
Maggie’s Story – Open Door Adult Literacy Novel (1999)
Three’s A Crowd – Open Door Adult Literacy Novel (2008)
#55 by Jeannette at September 22nd, 2009
| Quote
Hello there Shelia
Looking forward to the next novel – keep writing. Jeannette x
Just wanted to say a big Thank you for the Perfect Man I loved every min of it and stayed up late to finish it. Like all your books it had me wanting more and to find out if all the characters lived happily ever after, it also had me dreaming of a cruise and of course hoping the perfect man knocks on my door soon
#56 by tony sweney at September 22nd, 2009
| Quote
Hi Sheila from our work past!
Deirdre my wife since she met you is now at long last reading your books!
I note from the posts above that it appears that perhaps only women are reading your books!
Would that be correct?
Do you think that males would enjoy them too?
Your website is a breeze to navigate for me as a blind persson I’m delighted to say!
Well done on your books and the site too!
Keep up the great work!
Your friend Tony
#57 by Sheila at September 25th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Tony
It’s so lovely to hear from you! I hope you’re keeping well. I’m delighted to hear that Deirdre is reading my books – have you read any of the Braille editions? You’re right in that most of my readers are women because the storylines focus mainly on issues that affect or are of interest to women, but I do have a nice group of male readers too. So it depends on what you like reading. (A man recently told me he’d read Suddenly Single and now he understood why is girlfiriend had broken up with him!!!)
Glad you find navigating the website easy.
all the very best
Sheila
#58 by samantha at September 20th, 2009
| Quote
hello jus wondering when you will be releasing a new book. I have read 2 of yours allread Bad Behaviour and Connections of which both of them i could not put down. Just starting to read Someone Special now. I have just written down a list of all your books off your website so i can tick as i go.
So when is the next one???????????
#59 by Sheila at September 22nd, 2009
| Quote
Hi Samantha
Lovely to hear from you and I’m delighted you’ve enjoyed the books you’ve read so far! The Perfect Man is now on sale in the UK in hardback and it’ll be published in paperback sometime next year. And I’m working on the book after that too…..so plenty of reading for you!
all the best
Sheila
#60 by morag at September 20th, 2009
| Quote
Hello Shelia, I am in the middle of Caroline’s sister, you are keeping me up too late, i just cant put your books down and I am not really a book lover but i just love your books. Please keep writing more novels.
#61 by Karen Taylor at September 13th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Sheila I am a big fan of your books and have purchased them all. I’m afraid I have to say that reading Yours Faithfully, a fantastic story very well written was totally spoiled for me by the number of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors in it. I would sack whoever did the proof reading for you. Call me an anorak but it did take away from the enjoyment of the book for me. Here’s hoping the next book was proof read by someone who can read.
Keep on writing your brilliant stories.
Regards
Karen Taylor
#62 by Sheila at September 22nd, 2009
| Quote
Hi Karen
I’m sorry that your enjoyment of Yours, Faithfully was spoiled by spelling mistakes and grammatical errors. Every book is proof read twice before it goes to print and usually most of them are caught so I’m disappointed that so many seem to have got through. I’ve passed your comments to my publishers so they can check it for themselves.
best wishes
Sheila
#63 by sheryl at September 9th, 2009
| Quote
i always use to read but i stopped for a long while i read when i go on holiday this year i picked up your book someone special i finished this book before i left and now i have bought all your books i have now finished another 5 i love reading your books i have got back into reading again thanks for that
#64 by Meena at September 6th, 2009
| Quote
Hey, Sheila
I read your book “Someone Special”, it’s fantastic. It makes me want to read your other creations too, which i intend on doing. I told my cousin in Paris about “Someone Special” and she was woundering if she can get a copy in french. Do you have any copies of your books in french?
#65 by Sheila at September 10th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Meena
Thanks for your post, I’m delighted you enjoyed Someone Special and I hope you enjoy my other books too. Unfortunately, although they are published in more than 20 languages, French isn’t one of them! Hopefully that will change someday.
best wishes
Sheila
#66 by Pearl ward at August 31st, 2009
| Quote
hi Sheila,
I am a big fan of your books and have read them all, over and over again as they as so enjoyable. I can’t wait for your next book to be released. I was wondering if it would be possible for me to get a signed photo of yourself.
best wishes
Pearl
#67 by Sheila at September 2nd, 2009
| Quote
Hi Pearl
Thanks for your lovely comments. I hope you’ll continue to enjoy my books.
I’d be happy to send you a signed photo if I had one, but I don’t actually keep photos of myself! I never like how I look in them….
all the best
Sheila
#68 by becci chapman at August 30th, 2009
| Quote
hello sheila,
I have recently finished reading “He’s got to go”, brilliant book! but i’ve been informed that there is a book that follows on from this and possibly more? please advise.
kind regards
Rebecca chapman
#69 by Sheila at September 2nd, 2009
| Quote
Hi Rebecca
I don’t write sequels (they’re not generally my thing!) but I have been asked sometimes about various different characters in books and what might have happened to them. In my short story collection, Connections, I included two stories which followed characters from novels. One was Isobel, from Isobel’s Wedding and the other was Bree, from He’s Got To Go. So perhaps that’s what you might have heard about. I hope if you read the story you’ll be happy about how Bree’s life is going!
all the best
Sheila
#70 by lisa lonergan at August 24th, 2009
| Quote
hi shelia. i thaught each and every one of your books are fab. i loved some one special as wit all your books i cant seem to put tjem down. i love absolutely loved the perfect man i just wonder wat happened to mia. did she find that extra bit of happiness
#71 by Sheila at August 30th, 2009
| Quote
Hi again Lisa
I’m glad you enjoyed The Perfect Man!
I deliberately left Mia with the opportunities to find happiness but without saying exactly what she does because I think that at this point in her story she still has a bit to go…..
all the best
Sheila
#72 by ELAINE at August 23rd, 2009
| Quote
Shelia,
I am currently reading “Someone Special” and I am roughly two thirds of the way through the book and I am deliberating whether or not I will finish it. The story is so drawn out – the whole book seems to be about Romy’s bitterness. To be honest I couldn’t recommend anybody to read it – there is absolutely no life to the story – usually when I am reading a book I find it hard to put it down but unfortunately I can’t say the same for this one!
#73 by Sheila at August 30th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Elaine
I’m sorry that you’re not enjoying Someone Special. My aim in the story was to show how our past affects our present but obviously, for you, I didn’t do it in an interesting enough way. Hopefully, by now, you’re reading something by an author you enjoy!
best wishes
Sheila
#74 by Norma Paul at August 18th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Sheila,
I’ve read all of your books and really love them. Most of them I’ve read over again. In fact, Can’t wait to read “The Perfct Man”. I go on holiday on 12 September so hope I can buy it before I go.
Do you every come to Scotland for book signings?
Kind regards,
Norma
#75 by Sheila at August 24th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Norma
I love to hear from readers who enjoy the books so much they re-read them. That’s such a compliment. I do hope you enjoy The Perfect Man. (Don’t forget to enter the competition, it might be your next holiday!) It’s released in the UK on 3rd September so you should be able to get a copy before you go away.
I did a signing in Scotland last year and have been to Glasgow and Edinburgh a few times. Any time I’m doing signings I put up info on the website or on my Facebook or Twitter pages (so many ways to keep in touch these days!) So do check them out.
Have a great holiday
Sheila
#76 by Zarine (your young fa) at August 17th, 2009
| Quote
dear Sheila,
hi how are you?
i recently sent my cousin in Dominica a few of your books and she loved them, she wants to know if she can buy them in Dominica, or order them online and have them sent to her.
Best Wishes..
Zarine Glenn.x
#77 by Sheila at August 24th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Zarine
Hope you’re keeping well. I’m delighted your cousin liked my books. Yes, she can buy them in Dominica, although I suppose the stock would be more limited there. But my publishers do distribute there so she could ask her local bookshop to order them for her.
all the best
Sheila
#78 by Roz at August 13th, 2009
| Quote
I enjoy your books thoroughly however in Bad Behaviour you were talking about an e-mail shortcut, MILS – what does it mean? I am in Canada and we don’t use that here.
Thanks and keep up the great work!
#79 by Sheila at August 23rd, 2009
| Quote
Hi Roz
D’you know, I’m not sure what you’re referencing here! I don’t remember talking about MILS and don’t know what it is. I’ve checked through my manuscript and can’t see it either! If you give me the chapter you found it in, I’ll look again!
best wishes
Sheila
#80 by Claire at August 7th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Sheila,
Thanks for the many hours of enjoyment you have provided me (and my family and friends) with! Do you have any plans for a book tour in Australia? We would love to see you!
Best wishes,
Claire.
#81 by Sheila at August 9th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Claire
It’s a few years since I did a book tour of Australia and I would love to come back. (You can see some pix of the visit in the Gallery.) Unfortunately it’s not on the cards for the immediate future but as soon as I have any news on a possible trip I’ll be sure to post it on the site straight away.
all the best
Sheila
#82 by Clair at August 4th, 2009
| Quote
Hello Sheila
I have read all your books and cant wait for the next one. When will it be published ?
Thanks
Clair
#83 by Sheila at August 9th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Clair
The Perfect Man will be out very soon! Publication date is 15 August in Ireland and 3 September in the UK. I hope you like it!
best wishes
Sheila
#84 by Nicola Roberts at July 31st, 2009
| Quote
Hi
I went on holiday to a villa last year and they had various books I read one of your but for the life of me cannot remember the title. It was fantastic. It was about a woman whos partner cheated on her then left and she had to start her life all over again with the help of her sister.
Please can you tell me the name of this as I want to recommed it to my friend.
Many Thanks
#85 by Sheila at August 9th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Nicola
I’m wondering if the book you mean is Caroline’s Sister? The story-line is similar, although there are a few more bits and pieces to it…..
Perhaps if you try reading the extracts for each book under the Books heading they’ll jog your memory!
Good luck
Sheila
#86 by JAYNE FORBES at July 21st, 2009
| Quote
I friend of mine has just given me a copy of Yours Faithfully – could you tell me if there is prequel or a sequel to this book as she said the characters were familiar but she can’t remember the title. I look forward to hearing from you thanks, jayne
#87 by Sheila at July 24th, 2009
| Quote
Hi Jayne
None of my books have published prequels or sequels. (The very first published book, Dreaming of a Stranger, has an unpublished prequel which was my first attempt at writing a novel!). I don’t generally write sequels although I have written 2 short stories which catch up with characters (in my Connections collection). But Sally, Iona and everyone else in Yours Faithfully are stand alone characters.
best wishes
Sheila
#88 by Elana Albert at July 21st, 2009
| Quote
Sorry for my stilly question earlier – I see the list in order in Someone Special.
Sorry!
#89 by Elana Albert at July 21st, 2009
| Quote
I am not a huge reader but absolutely love your books. You are my best author!! I think I have read most of your books ………… do you have a list of your books in the order which you have written them? (or rather in order that they have been published) Is Someone Special your most current book?
I am a South African living in Mallorca and just love the Irish!!
Have a good summer
x