Finally, my new website is live! Still a bit to go but here it is for now. My Chopra.com teachers page is the next target...but as I'm back writing don't hold your breath. Technology isn't my passion!
www.siobhanmckenna.ie
Monday, October 14, 2013
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Friday, November 23, 2012
The Next Big Thing
I've been tagged in The Next Big Thing by fellow writer Caroline Finnerty. I'm instructed to tell you all about my next book by answering these questions and then to tag five other authors about their Next Big Thing. For my tagging, I've chosen a mix of well established authors, newly published authors, and authors yet to be published by a publishing house. I hope this blog will help connect these great writers with their readers, past, present and future.
What is the working title of your next book?
The Nicholas Note
Where did the idea come from for the book?
For me, an idea for a book comes from many different sources. The catalyst around which this story is built was a note a neighbour of mine left on the kitchen table for her family. That was in the late seventies and could have been an urban legend. However, many people from the area still remember it today.
What genre does your book fall under?
Contemporary fiction
Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
It’s hard to comment on this at first draft stage. In my previous two books the main character’s physical featured had to be rewritten to fit with the book cover. I’d quite like Owen Wilson for Luke, though. Colin Farrell, I’d write a character for because in fantasyland I’d be on the movie set. You did ask!
What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?
‘Gone to Russia, back in two weeks,’ but Maddie never did return.
Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
This is my third book in my three book publishing deal with Irish publishing house Poolbeg Press.
How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?
Still writing it!
What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
It will be on the lines of my two previous books, with a dysfunctional family drama. Though, I think all families are dysfunctional in their own way so perhaps a better description is modern Irish families. Of course, there will be strong travel theme also.
Who or What inspired you to write this book?
A legally binding contract...Seriously though, writing to contract is different to writing in blind faith. A contract puts structure on your writing technique. The creative inspiration for this book is my mother. She is fighting cancer, as a result we are sharing an emotional time. Previously, we worked together and our relationship wasn’t always easy. Now that I’m older, and she isn’t the power house she once was, a new bond has formed. I wanted to explore the mother/daughter/sister dynamic through this fiction book, and because of our current circumstances I think I’ll be able to write it with authenticity and raw feeling.
What else about your book might pique the reader's interest?
Being a research fiend, there’s an insider look at the perfume industry. Although it is not the focus of the book, merely the career of the main character, I think it will make an interesting backdrop. I hope the scenes set abroad will appeal to readers. I studied in Southern California, and I know the area well. There will also be a few chapters set in Asia. I found from my previous books, readers enjoyed the insight in to different cultures.
My chosen authors are:
Mary E Coen - Emerging author
Kathy Keane - Emerging author
Gillian Duffy - New author of The L.A. Commandments
Fiona O'Brien - Best selling author
Linda Kavanagh - Best selling author
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Deepak Chopra in Dublin
Deepak's back! November 15th RDS, Concert Hall. His talks are inspirational, entertaining and mind boggling! No matter what your take on life, the universe or spirituality is. Deepak is a must-see - he's a world class speaker whose words resonate on many levels.
Monday, July 30, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Thursday, December 1, 2011
SynchroDestiny in Action
Last June a woman read my article in Positive Life magazine, whereby I share my experience of synchronicity. She entered the competition to win my book, The Lingerie Designer, by penning a story of her own. Some time later, she received a parcel in the post. It was my book - she had won the competition and her article would be published in the next edition of Positive Life.
She decided to contact me about my work with The Chopra Centre, and enquire about a workshop I was running in September. She signed up, came to Dublin for the weekend and learnt Primordial Sound Meditation and Ayurvedic Lifestyle, Perfect Health. While on a break from class she wandered into Nourish on Wicklow street, where she saw a copy of Positive life - with her article in print. Her first article and here she was reading it while on The Perfect Health weekend. Well, I'll let her tell you the rest of the story, herself. Below is an email Suzi sent me earlier this week. She is happy that I share it with whoever comes across this blog. It is inspiring in a truly challenging time. I'm looking forward to having Suzi, not only as a student but as a Chopra centre colleague. I'm very proud of her and how she's following her dream through proactive action as oppose to staying stuck in fear. Best of luck on your new path, Suzi - Go For It!
Hi Siobhan, Natalia & Pauline
(if you have any emails for the other ladies we shared perfect health with I am happy if you can send on this email to them.)
Well, I really want to share with you how Seduction of Spirit went in Oct. I have to say it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.
I was really glad that I had been meditating every day for a few weeks before as the first day of the course when we meditated as a group of 300 was pretty special,
hard to describe with words but very powerful. As the week went on it got better and better, the dawn sessions as the sun came up were magical and I gained a lot of insight into myself over the week.
I even had a personal chat with Deepak one morning when I was going through some stuff that I was unsure about, he is such an incredible man, he was very kind and he listened and spoke to me. He said the exact words I needed to hear.....Let it Be.
I made lots of lovely friends and we are all still in contact through Google Groups and Facebook, by the end of the week, I knew what I needed to do when I got home.
I'm not sure if you remember, but when I found myself sitting amongst you all in Dublin, I was so fed up with my job and could not see a way out as I have been our main source of income for the last 7 years, the last 2 have been challenging as I've worked twice as hard for half the salary and stopped enjoying the job, I felt stuck and had no energy, I could not see a way out.
I noticed that when I started meditating things got better, I was able to get lots more done, felt happier and things just seemed to flow effortlessly......Then I left for San Diego feeling better but with no plan as such.
When I returned, I had a clear idea of what I needed to do next, I spoke to my husband and said I can't do it anymore, I am going to close business and I want to sign up for the Teachers Path at the Chopra University. Poor man! well I 'm the lucky one as ...He is supporting me, so I was able to go for it!
Initially I was thinking of the Meditation and Perfect Health Course and then decided that if I was taking a year off I would fully embrace all 3 aspects so I'm taking the Yoga as well, so I'm training to become a Vedic Master. I'm now waiting for my teachers packs to arrive as I wind down my business. I feel like I've been set free, the tightness across my back is gone and although I'm not sure where this will take me, I know it is what I need to do. I am thinking of it as a way to deepen my experience and then who knows?......there are infinite possibililities!
I am also glad to tell you that both my husband and I are going out to California for the last Synchrodestiny with Deepak in Feb. Its his birthday and I really want him to meet the amazing people that work at the Chopra Centre so when I go there 5 more times in the next 12 months he has met the people and seen the place and will know I'm in good hands. I also think it will be an opportunity of a lifetime for us as a couple.
So ladies, there it is, I would never have thought in a million years that going to Dublin in Sept to learn meditation would have had such a profound effect on my life!....but it has, I continue to meditate twice a day and love it. I hope you are all continuing with your practice and reeping the benefits!
I would love to hear from you, to see how the last few months have been for you and if any of you are thinking of attending any of the Chopra events I would say.....GO FOR IT!
Namaste,
Suzi
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