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Alison Wells

@alisonwellswriter.bsky.social
185 followers 147 following 53 posts

Writer. Librarian. Likes to highlight life’s small wonders. Debut short collection Random Acts of Optimism. Psych grad, Mum of 4. Blog and classes on creative resilience. alison-wells.com

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Reposted by Alison Wells
Halfway up the Stairs @halfwayupbooks.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
1/ Our Puffling Seaside Nature Trail is back - the perfect activity for a summer’s day! Just drop in store to sign up on the day. With thanks to Books at One for their support for this initiative with their community funding in 2025.
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Channel 4 News @channel4news.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
The man who rescues books from rubble: Omar Hamad opens Phoenix library in Gaza www.channel4.com/news/the-man...
channel4.com
The man who rescues books from rubble: Omar Hamad opens Phoenix library in Gaza
The recent turmoil in the Middle East began in one place, that is Gaza. Although a ceasefire has been in effect there now for six months, Israel continues to regularly conduct strikes.
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 21/02/2026
Typical take your robot to work day! #SpaceDay at #CabinteelyLibrary
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
Raining and Raining and Raining. I don’t have a picture.
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Statesmen, coherent, intelligent, principled, still exist Mark Carney Davos World Economic Forum speech. Well worth listening to youtu.be/btqHDhO4h10
youtu.be
Mark Carney's full speech at the World Economic Forum
YouTube video by National Post
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
Writing. Writing a novel - involves spemding time writing a whole lot of words while thinking “I’ll probably cut this out later, this won’t stay in.”
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
Want to send someone an uplifting gift?
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
If you are wondering what the hell is going on in life, in the world right now, this might settle your heart, even briefly.
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Reposted by Alison Wells
Stu Hennigan @stuhennigan.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
This is not Queen Annie's best work by a long shot but it's still far better than most. You wanna learn how to write proper dialogue, walk this way; not many folk can even dream of doing it as well as she does. A goddess in my little writing world. Read and learn, kidz, read and learn.
Paperback copy of That Old Ace In the Hole by Annie Proulx, open, face down, on my knee
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
open.substack.com/pub/authorjm... “Skin”, my flash fiction offering in the jam packed new issue of Frazzled Lit @frazzledlit.bsky.social
open.substack.com
Skin
Flash fiction by Alison Wells
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
I have a new story out in Frazzled Lit Mag! I’m very fond of this story called The Philosophical Bug based on a song sung to us as children by our Dad. The bug wants to know what is life all about. Read or listen at the link below. Check out the jam packed mag! open.substack.com/pub/authorjm...
open.substack.com
The Philosopical Bug
A short story by Alison Wells
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Reposted by Alison Wells
fesshole 🧻 @fesshole.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Have started listening to the 'Welcome to Jurassic Park' Theme every morning when I wake up, to start the day. Best thing I have ever done for my mental health. Can literally deal with anything after those 7.55mins. Thoroughly recommend.
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Reposted by Alison Wells
Felicity Hayes-McCoy @fhayesmccoy.bsky.social · 30/10/2025
Looking forward to being one of Deirdre Walsh's guests on @radiokerry.bsky.social 's Talkabout programme today. We'll be chatting about my new novel ONCE A YEAR - what inspired it, what it's about, and where to find it in the Kingdom's brilliant bookshops and libraries #spéirgorm #booksky #Books 💙📚
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
Delighted to represent writers in Arlen House anthology Fire - Brigid and the Sacred Feminine today in Books Upstairs. Compered by Shauna Gilligan,with an illustrious spectrum of Arlen House authors: Rosemary Jenkinson,Ger Reidy& Celia de Fréine Fire-Brigid and the Sacred Feminine shorturl.at/uZ4em
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Reposted by Alison Wells
Sinéad Gleeson @sineadgleeson.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
Our friend, poet and activist @sarahmaintains.bsky.social has been illegally detained by the IDF and is being held in an Israeli jail. There are reports of mistreatment and human rights violations. Please keep pressure on the Irish government and embassy to secure the release of Sarah and others. 🇵🇸🇮🇪
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Reposted by Alison Wells
Erika McGann @erikamcgann.bsky.social · 29/09/2025
🎉 ANOTHER PUB DAY!🎉 A new retelling of Tír na nÓg from me and Conor Busuttil, following Niamh as she learns about the beauty of being vulnerable and human. Conor’s artwork is absolutely stunning 🌟 And thank you Huw Davies for the gorgeous animation below!
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 04/10/2025
Come along tomorrow to Books Upstairs at 4pm, we’d love to see you.
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
Eminently relevant St. Brigid’s weekend reading for a future world writing project. Two Lives of St. Brigid, The Book of St. Brigid, Female Monasticism in Medieval Ireland and Sacred Whore (Sheela Goddess of the Celts). All borrowed from the (public) library.
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
Wow, this is something. Do you know what they played first?
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 04/01/2025
Patrick Kavanagh’s Self-Portrait published by Dolmen Press was recently returned to Deansgrange library after 47 years! Publishedin 1964 and last issued in 1977 it contains the text of an autobiographical discourse on Telifis Eireann in 1962.
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 24/12/2024
Happy Christmas Eve. Working in the library till lunchtime.
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 09/12/2024
Last year following publication of Random Acts of Optimism short story collection I created an uplifting pack: book, gratitude journal, bamboo pen and nature bookmark. If you would like me to send this lovely gift set to you or a friend, follow link or message me alison-wells.com/purchase-sig...
alison-wells.com
Purchase signed books & gifts
For UK and Worldwide Prices including Delivery (or for Irish recipients paying by Revolut) use the Contact Form and I will give you the details for Paypal or Revolut transfer. Random Acts of Optimi…
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Reposted by Alison Wells
Ruth Ennis @rurooie.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
In the lead up to the #LateLateToyShow, I'm giving personalised book recommendations for the young readers in your life. Just tell me their age (0-18 years) and a bit about their interests and I'll share a book I think they'll love! #BookElves2024 @sarahwebbwriter.bsky.social @rte.ie
Rainbow bookshelves
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Reposted by Alison Wells
RTÉ News @news.rte.ie · 05/12/2024
The practice of dry stone wall construction in Ireland has been added to UNESCO's list of protected cultural heritages around the world
rte.ie
Irish dry stone wall construction added to UNESCO list
The practice of dry stone wall construction in Ireland has been added to UNESCO's list of protected cultural heritages around the world.
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 06/12/2024
The meeting of the waters Avoca through a lichen speckled bench.
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 28/11/2024
#EverydayBeauty Bray, Co. Wicklow.
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
In my library job we work alternate Fridays and Saturdays each week. I had all sorts of plans for my day off today but mainly paired a lot of socks. Here are some of them 🤦‍♀️
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 22/11/2024
Library colleague created a replica of my short story collection Random Acts of Optimism. ❤️❤️❤️ Cover art by Beatrice Mecking.
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
Secret peek inside the old Dun Laoghaire Carnegie Library which is to be part of an extended IADT campus.
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
When you find an old photo of your now 22 and 24 year old boys driving their Thomas trains on the garden bench.
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Reposted by Alison Wells
Brian Bilston @brianbilston.bsky.social · 21/11/2024
Today’s poem is called ‘She’d Dance’.
She’d Dance
 
She’d dance like no one was watching
although she liked to think he was.
The kitchen was her grand ballroom;
her partner was a mop.
 
She’d foxtrot among the pots and pans,
she’d paso doble to the sink,
and as she swept across the floor,
her mind danced, too. She’d think
 
of how he’d held her in his arms
at the Locarno and the Ritz -
whirling, waltzing, a world apart -
in the years before the kids,
 
and longer still before the shadow
the doctor spotted on his lungs.
How dazzlingly they had danced!
How dizzyingly she had spun!
 
Her neighbours saw her sometimes,
shuffling bent-backed to the shops.
But at home, she’d dance like no one was watching
although she liked to think he was.


Brian Bilston
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
Have been out of creative writing for quite a while due to Library Masters course and full time work, should I dabble & play or get stuck in to regular writing on half complete or ekse brand new long project?
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Reposted by Alison Wells
Raven Books @ravenbooks.bsky.social · 09/03/2024
Mary Cassatt
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 01/02/2024
Really great to be with Books Ireland Magazine reading from Random Acts of Optimism (published by Wordsonthestreet) for The First Page booksirelandmagazine.com/the-first-pa...
booksirelandmagazine.com
The First Page—Alison Wells - Books Ireland
Alison Wells reads from her short story collection Random Acts of Optimism (Wordsonthestreet).
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 01/02/2024
Really great to be with Books Ireland Magazine reading from Random Acts of Optimism (published by Wordsonthestreet) for The First Page booksirelandmagazine.com/the-first-pa...
booksirelandmagazine.com
The First Page—Alison Wells - Books Ireland
Alison Wells reads from her short story collection Random Acts of Optimism (Wordsonthestreet).
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Reposted by Alison Wells
Open Culture @openculture.bsky.social · 15/12/2023
What Was Actually Lost When the Library of Alexandria Burned? www.openculture.com/2022/03/what...
openculture.com
What Was Actually Lost When the Library of Alexandria Burned?
The Library of Alexandria has been physically gone for about eighteen centuries now, but the institution endures as a powerful symbol. Today we have the internet, which none can deny is at least well ...
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 15/12/2023
For gift giving season, a lovely ‘Optimism’ gift set for a positive, determined path: My book of short stories Random Acts of Optimism,gratitude & affirmation journal, eco pen & nature/bookmark/ruler. Limited no, I will send immediately to chosen address. alison-wells.com/purchase-sig...
alison-wells.com
Purchase signed books & gifts
For UK and Worldwide Prices including Delivery (or for Irish recipients paying by Revolut) use the Contact Form and I will give you the details for Paypal or Revolut transfer. Random Acts of Optimism ...
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 02/12/2023
The moon at Dun Laoghaire Harbour 3 years ago tonight.
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Reposted by Alison Wells
Kit de Waal @kitdewaal.com · 28/11/2023
Please share - New Prize for non-fiction for black women writers, amplifying us as knowledge-makers and critical thinkers. Global scope with a $20,000 award for exceptional work by black cis, trans and genderqueer women. Details here. Judged by Bernadine Evaristo.
cassavarepublic.biz
MANUSCRIPT PRIZE
Cassava Republic Press’s Global Black Women’s Non-Fiction Manuscript Prize is dedicated to exceptional works of non-fiction by Black women.
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 30/11/2023
Lovely “optimism” package includes my new book Random Acts of Optimism short stories, gratitude/affirmation journal, bamboo pen, nature bookmark. Can post direct as gift. alison-wells.com/purchase-sig...
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 30/11/2023
Really wonderful lift to the day this morning, have had a poem accepted in a journal for the first time. I’ve concentrated on other forms of writing so this is very special.
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 21/11/2023
If you are a little battered and bruised by life, you will love this book - ostensibly for children but full of warmth and love for all the weird stuff and mixed up people in the world - Flora & Ulysses by Kate diCamillo
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 30/10/2023
Competiton! Are you in a book club? I am giving away copies of my short story book Random Acts of Optimism & optional Zoom call. Enter by telling me a bit about your group. Please Repost Thanks! alison-wells.com/2023/10/28/w...
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 23/10/2023
Seaweed hills on Bray beach after the storm.
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 23/10/2023
If you are nosy about other people’s writing & lives, grab litmag Crannòg 59 where I spill the beans on background & process, neuroscience & short collection debuts. With a fabulous host of writers’ stories & poems too crannogmagazine.com
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 21/10/2023
Random Acts of Optimism launch pictures. Fantastic launch w @inkwellHQ & @wordsstreet with the help of @dlrlibraries staff at @dlrLexicon. Thanks to above family &friends, Atrium Writers & book club members at Shankill Library for making it so special. alison-wells.com/2023/10/13/w...
alison-wells.com
What a fantastic launch!
There are moments in time that are so fantastic, you know they are extra-special and never to be repeated. The launch of Random Acts of Optimism in the Lexicon library on Wednesday 20th of September l...
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 21/10/2023
The Memory Jar (Story 3)"In the galley kitchen with the painted white units, Sarah decanted her memories into the jars. Next,she added labels,dating them like her mother's homemade jam or her father's photo album; Summer 2010, Christmas 1989, Autumn 1977." www.amazon.co.uk/Random-Acts-...
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 17/10/2023
Tears today before I collected my 19yo daughter from study session at the National Rehab Hospital in Dun L. She is training to be OT. In 2010 when my daughter was 6, her fabulous, fun Nanna (my MIL) had a devastating stoke age 62 & spent time at NRH, she passed away in 2021. 😪
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 13/10/2023
Random Acts of Optimism launch pictures. Fantastic launch w @inkwellHQ & @wordsstreet with the help of @dlrlibraries staff at @dlrLexicon. Thanks to above family &friends, Atrium Writers & book club members at Shankill Library for making it so special. alison-wells.com/2023/10/13/w...
alison-wells.com
What a fantastic launch!
There are moments in time that are so fantastic, you know they are extra-special and never to be repeated. The launch of Random Acts of Optimism in the Lexicon library on Wednesday 20th of September l...
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Alison Wells @alisonwellswriter.bsky.social · 13/10/2023
Authors did you create in depth saga games as a child? We had a long running soap opera using cardboard Bunty cutouts, a real life adventure (boat on real stream) with Playmobil’s and also Fisher Price toy people game of family life.
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