After the success of my book trailer for A LIfe Before, I'm now putting together another, this time for Blue Mercy. Here's the audio, as scripted by Arth of BookBarns. The post Working on th… Read More

Host Orna Ross delves into the first of four Cardinal Creative Virtues: Commitment. Discover the pivotal role creative commitment plays ... Read more The post Go Creative! Podcast #3: Cardin… Read More

Yay! “Circle of Life” is a winner again, this time it's a BookFest Book Gold Award for “exceptional literary achievement”. ... Read more The post Victory Verse: Celeb… Read More

In this patron-only extract from "A Life Before" Maud Gonne meets her half sister. The post Maud Gonne Meets Her Half-Sister: A New Extract for Patrons appeared first on Orna Ross Read More

In this episode, Orna Ross dives more deeply into the mind state that induces creative flow—what she calls the create-state, ... Read more The post Go Creative! Podcast #2: Being Creat… Read More

This poem was inspired by a river that runs through a tiny village in Kent, in the South-East of England, The Nailbourne. The village has an old Norman church and the riverside walkway is at… Read More

This is the first update about the campaign to see a monumental statue of Maud Gonne in O'Connell St, Dublin ... Read more The post Maud Gonne Statue Campaign: Update #1 appeared first on Or… Read More

In this first episode of the Go Creatiive! Podcast, novelist and poet Orna Ross introduces herself as a creative and creativist, and explains what to expect from her new solo podcast, for au… Read More

Thinking of Easter, and of Eostre –the old goddess of spring and fertility who gave the celebration her name--along came another spring poem. I've called it "April in England" and… Read More

In this patron-only extract from "A Life Before" the young Maud Gonne follows her father to his rendezvous with the mysterious "M" and rushes headlong into finding out more that she'd bargai… Read More

In this patron-only extract from "A Life Before" the young Maud Gonne follows her father to his rendezvous with the mysterious "M" and rushes headlong into a meeting with her father's mistre… Read More

Just released: Writing Space, a new poem for patrons from Orna Ross, Irish Novelist & Poet. Patrons receive all Orna's writing first. The post Writing Space: A New Poem for Patrons appea… Read More

Thank you for attending my St Patrick's Day talk "More Than A Muse: Maud Gonne and the Poetry of WB Yeats" at Kino-Teatr, St Leonards on Sea The post Thank You for Coming to My Talk at Kino… Read More

Happy Paddy's Day! What are you doing to celebrate? I'll be giving a talk at Kino-Teatr in St. Leonards, Maud ... Read more The post WB Yeats Poems Inspired By Maud Gonne appeared first on O… Read More

This extract from A Life Before, set in 1992, are the very first pages, soon to go to the editor. ... Read more The post Introduction to A Life Before: Extract for Patrons appeared first on… Read More

It's Mother's Day… time for a poem. I've actually just come back from a trip to Ireland which has prompted ... Read more The post A Poem for Mother’s Day: Trying appeared first… Read More

Over the next few months, I'll be doing a series of events to launch my novel series about the great activist and poet, Maud Gonne, and the poet she inspired, WB Yeats. I'm starting out at h… Read More

Tomorrow is International Women's Day and I'll be using it to write to Minister for Media in Ireland about the ... Read more The post Happy International Women’s Day 2024 appeared firs… Read More

We wandered into a big, old, baroque church in New Orleans, where we admired the shrine, and the ornate carvings of its walls and ceilings, then went to sit in the  courtyard garden. Fr… Read More

I believe Maud Gonne deserves public honor from Dublin for her social and political achievements yes, but her statue is particularly timely now. She embodies the sort of objections those in… Read More

I wanted to tell you about a new product I'm creating for my poetry followers, whereby you can commission a custom-made, personal poetry gift card written by me, for you or a loved one. The… Read More

Enjoy this patron-exclusive extract from my next novel, A Life Before, publishing later this year, in which Maud Gonne expresses her dismay at the Viceroy's Kiss, and tries to bargain her wa… Read More

Enjoy The Coming Change: A St Valentine's Day love poem exclusively for Patrons The post St Valentine’s Day Love Poem for Patrons appeared first on Orna Ross Read More

Last year I did my first Kickstarter project and I was bowled over by how brilliant the platform is for ... Read more The post Why Readers Love Kickstarter appeared first on Orna Ross Read More

Last year I did my first Kickstarter project and I was bowled over by how brilliant it was for authors. ... Read more The post Why Every Serious Reader Should Be On Kickstarter appeared firs… Read More

A new poem for my poetry patrons, hot off the presses, about griefand the dual nature of our knowledge about death. The post Inoperable: A New Poem for Patrons appeared first on Orna R… Read More

It's official. As part of my Kickstarter campaign for my new book, I'm putting together a campaign to press for ... Read more The post Campaign to Create a Maud Gonne Statue for Dublin: Open… Read More

I've had a super busy time of it this past few weeks, and poetry feels far away at the moment. ... Read more The post Keepers: A Poem. Open Poetry Post appeared first on Orna Ross Read More

I've had a super busy time of it this past few weeks, and poetry feels very far away at the ... Read more The post Open Poetry Post: Keepers appeared first on Orna Ross Read More

Enjoy this patron-exclusive extract from my next novel, A Life Before, publishing later this year, in which WB Yeats wants the editor of The Dublin Review to publish his play. So he and his… Read More

Valentine's Day is rapidly approaching. As ever, I love to spread the love through the power of poetry! This year, ... Read more The post Poetry Gifts for Valentine’s Day appeared firs… Read More

The launch of my epic Gonne-Yeats series is getting close. The series kicks off with the coming of age stories ... Read more The post A Life Before. Sign up for the Launch appeared first on… Read More

Happy New Year to You All! I hope you had a lovely festive time. Since coming back, I've been knee-deep ... Read more The post Happy New Year! appeared first on Orna Ross Read More

Enjoy this patron-exclusive extract from my next novel, A Life Before, publishing later this year, in which WB Yeats writes The Lake Isle of Inisfree. The post WB Yeats Writes The Lake Isle… Read More

WB Yeats Was an Indie Author. Join me as I take a deep dive into Yeats's Self-Published Books. This is an open post for all readers. The post Was WB Yeats an Indie Author? Yeats and Self-Pu… Read More

This is part of After the Grave of a Poetess and I read it at the “Poetry as Commemoration” in ... Read more The post After: Part of my “Poetry as Commemoration” poem… Read More

Join my fiction kickstarter for A Life Before to help me launch my Yeats-Gonne series with the first book, a standalone novel in its own right. This is an open post for all readers. The pos… Read More

Stanzas and inspirations from a poem in progress for my poetry patrons--and an upcoming Irish Poetry of Commemoration event in London The post After the Grave of a Poetess: Poem in Progress… Read More

Join me as I take a look at the history of Woodstock House, near Kilkenny, the last residence of Mary Tighe in this open post for all. The post Three Woodstocks: Open Poetry Post appeared f… Read More

Enjoy this patron-exclusive extract from my next novel, A Life Before, publishing later this year, in which WB Yeats attempts to publish his first poems in the Dublin University Review. The… Read More

A new poem in Irish and English for my poetry patrons. I hope you enjoy this translation into English of "Address to My Harp" by Mary Tighe. The post Address to&nbsp&hell…Read More

Join me as I explore some of WB Yeats early work as featured in the Dublin University Review 1885-1886. This is an open post for all readers. The post WB Yeats Poems in the Dublin Universit… Read More

Join me as I explore the captivating world of old, medieval Irish poetry in "My Irish Poems" journey of translation and interpretation. The post My Upcoming Book of Irish Poems: Open Poetry… Read More

Join me as I explore the captivating world of old, medieval Irish poetry in "My Irish Poems" journey of translation and interpretation. The post My Irish Poems: Open Post appeared first on… Read More

Enjoy this patron-exclusive extract from my next novel, A Life Before, publishing later this year, in which WB Yeats meets his first love, Laura Armstrong. The post Fiction for Patrons: WB Y… Read More

A new poem in Irish and English for my poetry patrons. I hope you enjoy this translation into English of "My Hand is Weary from Writing". The post New Poem for Patrons: My Hand is Weary from… Read More

I've finalized the covers for my Yeats-Gonne Series Books 1-3, to reflect WB Yeats interest in ceremonial magic. Hope you like! The post Final Covers for my Yeats-Gonne Series Books 1-3: Ope… Read More

I'm taking a break from the Indie Poetry Please competition, to focus on my own writing for a time. Poets, keep writing. Back soon! The post Indie Poetry Please Is Taking A Break: Open Post… Read More

Enjoy this patron-exclusive extract from my next novel, A Life Before, publishing later this year, in which WB Yeats casts a spell to the Norse goddess, Frigga, to win back his lady love The… Read More

A new poem in Irish and English for my poetry patrons. I hope you enjoy this translation into English of "The Deserted Home", a famous old Irish lament for the loss of loved ones. The post N… Read More

Enjoy 'Tommy's Secret", an extract from my next novel, A Life Before, publishing later this year, in which our heroine takes a late night stroll and makes a startling discovery. The post New… Read More

A new poem for my poetry patrons. Enjoy "Pangur Bán", a poem inspired by the most famous animal in the annals of Early Ireland. The post New Poem for Patrons: Pangur Bán appear… Read More

Today is the funeral of that brave, beautiful, belligerent soul, Sinéad O'Connor. In Ireland we have a saying when a ... Read more The post Sinéad O’Connor: Fight the Rea… Read More

Enjoy this extract from my next novel, A Life Before, publishing later this year, in which our heroine is faced with a dilemma at her coming out ball--shall she allow herself to be kiss… Read More

A fictionalised summary of Maud Gonne's upbringing, based on extracts from, A Life Before, the first book in the Gonne-Yeats series by Orna Ross The post Poor Little Rich Girl: Maud Gonne&rs&hell…Read More

A new poem for my poetry patrons. Enjoy "The Instructions of King Cormac"--a poem in English and Irish for anyone who wants to reign over a fruitful inner life. The post New Poem for Patron… Read More

Somehow, without my willing it, without my even wanting it, my book about Maud Gonne and WB Yeats has become ... Read more The post Fiction Update: How my Maud Gonne and WB Yeats Book becam… Read More

An extract is from A Life Before, a book about the lives of the poet WB Yeats and his muse, the Irish revolutionary Maud Gonne, before they met. (Publishing later this year). In this extrac… Read More

The theme of this week's #IndiePoetryPlease Contest: Ireland. This week's #PoetryContest is inspired by the controversial Irish poet and Republican revolutionary leader Patrick Pearse. He wr… Read More

The Holding of the Sídhe is a new poem in answer to WB Yeats, who wrote a well-known poem called “The Hosting of the Sídhe” in 1890. Poetry patrons enjoy an exclusi… Read More

Please join me in congratulating this week's #IndiePoetryPlease Contest Winner: Lydia (@lydibard), and their winning entry - Tracing Honey The post #IndiePoetryPlease Contest Winner: Lydia a… Read More

Enjoy "I Am. Is Mise": A new Irish language poem by the controversial Irish poet and Republican revolutionary leader Patrick Pearse. Mise Eire. (Pronounced Misheh Aireh). Poetry patrons enjo… Read More

This is extract is from A Life Before, which publishes later this year. Fiction patrons enjoy an exclusive new extract each Friday... plus exclusives, discounts and a monthly update. Th… Read More

Win ebooks and exposure! This week's #PoetryContest is inspired by Aisling (pronounced "ashling"), a famous Irish language form—a patriotic, dream-vision, political poem developed in r… Read More

Enjoy "Instructions for the Dance": A new poem based on ‘The Instructions of King Cormac,' dating from the early ninth century. for poetry and all-access patrons. Poetry patrons enjoy… Read More

This is extract is from XXXXXX, a prequel to Her Secret Rose, which I published some years ago--and which has now morphed into a series of seven books, the first of which will publish in Oct… Read More

Please join me in congratulating this week's #IndiePoetryPlease Contest Winner: Clarence Plank (@nitejokertn), and their winning entry - Beauty The post #IndiePoetryPlease Contest Winner: Cl… Read More

Go Creative! is a captivating podcast that delves deep into the world of creativity, hosted by novelist, poet, creative facilitator, and founder of the Alliance of Independent Authors, Orna… Read More

Enjoy "Brightness of Brightness": A new poem about the universal effect of living from fear and turning from light for poetry and all-access patrons. Poetry patrons enjoy an exclusive new po… Read More

Enjoy "Brightness of Brightness": A new poem about the universal effect of living from fear and turning from light for poetry and all-access patrons. Poetry patrons enjoy an exclusive new po… Read More

Win ebooks and exposure! This week's #PoetryContest is inspired by my fascination with the women labelled witches, past and present, their vilification but mostly their underlying power. The… Read More

Enjoy The Hermit's Song: A poem in both English and Irish. Poetry patrons enjoy an exclusive new poem by Orna Ross every Sunday... and more. Sign up to support indie poetry and receive exclu… Read More

Enjoy The Hermit's Song: A poem in both English and Irish. Poetry patrons enjoy an exclusive new poem by Orna Ross every Sunday... and more. Sign up to support indie poetry and receive exclu… Read More

This is extract is from A Life Before, a prequel to Her Secret Rose, which I published some years ago--and which has now morphed into a series of seven books, the first of which will publish… Read More

Please join me in congratulating this week's #IndiePoetryPlease Contest Winner: Ashe Kaye (@afkayewrites), and their winning entry - When the House Creaks The post #IndiePoetryPlease Contest… Read More

I'm working on a series of poems inspired by old Irish poetry: putting them together in a book I hope ... Read more The post Cailleach or Irish Witchery: A New Poem appeared first on Orna Ro… Read More

This is extract is from A Life Before, a prequel to Her Secret Rose, which I published some years ago--and which has now morphed into a series of seven books, the first of which will publish… Read More

Win ebooks and exposure! This week's #PoetryContest is inspired by the hearth and heart - home. 🏡 The theme of this week's #IndiePoetryPlease Contest: Home Place The post #IndiePoetr… Read More

Enjoy "What I Want": A new poem about freedom, creativity, and connection for poetry and all-access patrons. Poetry patrons enjoy an exclusive new poem by Orna Ross every Sunday... and more… Read More

This is the opening chapter from A Life Before, a prequel to Her Secret Rose, which I published some years ... Read more The post Fiction: Extract from A Life Before: Graignaspiddogue, the H… Read More

Please join me in congratulating this week's #IndiePoetryPlease Contest Winner: Angel Santos (@instarflights65), and his winning entry - Anthropos 🏆 The post #IndiePoetryPlease Conte… Read More

Enjoy "Making Time": A new poem about reflecting on the passing of time for poetry and all-access patrons. Poetry patrons enjoy an exclusive new poem by Orna Ross every Sunday... and more. S… Read More

Enjoy "Night Vision": A new poem about the comfort of the night for poetry and all-access patrons. Poetry patrons enjoy an exclusive new poem by Orna Ross every Sunday... and more. Sign up t… Read More

Today's poem is about beginning. It's for all those who want something but are finding it hard to begin. I ... Read more The post Sunday Poem: In the Beginning appeared first on Orna Ross Read More

My favourite 20th century poet, W.B. Yeats, was not a fan of my favourite 19th century novelist, George Eliot. He ... Read more The post “If she had more religion she would have less m… Read More

I wrote this poem when sitting on a holiday apartment balcony in Malta, gazing at a far sea horizon that ... Read more The post Sunday Poem: Teachers appeared first on Orna Ross Read More

This is the first chapter of A Life Before, in which the narrator Rosy Cross introduces herself and touches on ... Read more The post Fiction for Patrons: Extract from A Life Before: Introdu… Read More

I have made changes to my poetry patronage, moving it off Patreon over here to my own website. As I ... Read more The post Sunday Poetry: Changes to my Poetry Patronage appeared first on Orn… Read More

I have made changes to my fiction patronage, moving it off Patreon over here to my own website. If you've ... Read more The post Friday Fiction: Changes to my Fiction Patronage appeared firs… Read More

As it’s Mother’s Day in the UK on Sunday, this week's poem is for all the mothers out there and ... Read more The post This Week’s Poem: The Mother’s Lullaby appeared… Read More

Thank you for your patience with me while I revamped my reader patronage to bring it over onto my website, ... Read more The post I’m Back and Things Are Changing Around here appeared… Read More

Thank you for the growing response to the “Indie Poetry Please” contest, running weekly on my Instagram account @ornaross.poetry How ... Read more The post Poetry: Indie Poetry P… Read More

Thanks for your patience with me while I worked out how to integrate my fiction news and updates with my ... Read more The post Friday Fiction: I’m Back… with a New Podcast appe… Read More

I'm taking some weeks away from the blog, and other activities, as we go through an upgrade here at Orna ... Read more The post I’m on a Blog Break appeared first on Orna Ross Author W… Read More

I'm getting close to publishing the first three books in my Gonne-Yeats series and have been working on the covers ... Read more The post Friday Fiction: Announcing My First Three Gonne-Yeat… Read More

I've mapped out and finalized the Gonne-Yeats series running order. This involved a lot more plotting than I usually do, ... Read more The post Friday Fiction: My Gonne-Yeats Novel Series Ru… Read More

I write and publish my poetry first on Instagram. Then on Sundays, I post the poem that received the most ... Read more The post This Sunday’s poem of the week is: The Living Moment ap… Read More

The WB Yeats Bedford Park Project is back in post-pandemic action! “Celebrate and Discover WB Yeats” and “Bedford Park 2022” kicked off ... Read more The po… Read More

I write and publish my poetry first on Instagram. Then on Sundays, I post the poem that received the most ... Read more The post This Sunday’s poem of the week is: What I Want appeared… Read More

I write and publish my poetry first on Instagram. Then on Sundays, I post the poem that received the most ... Read more The post This Sunday’s poem of the week is: Fire appeared first… Read More