Catherine Vallely

I was born in County Galway, Ireland. Like so many Irish of my generation I had to emigrate. I lived in Scotland and London. In London I fell for a handsome Spaniard and moved to Madrid. I was there for nearly 40 years. 
Spain changed before my eyes when Franco died. It was as though the sunshine burst through the clouds. There was an explosion of living and joy flowed through the streets.  La Movida ( The Stirring) lead by Oscar-winner, Pedro Almodovar took Madrid by storm.
Madrid became a city of poets, writers and artists as art and cultural festivals became the norm. Exiled poets and artists returned to their country. I was lucky to meet Rafael Alberti, Nobel prize winner, and to assist  poetry weekends in the his native town of Puerto de Santa Maria in Cadiz.

Living in such a vibrant ambience, it was normal that I wanted to be part of it. I went to literary workshops, met authors and started to write short stories.  Some of my stories, written in Spanish, have been  published  in  Madrid.
 I am co-author of the play "Eva, Devuela Me Mi Costilla" (Eve, I Want My Rib Back.) which was very successful in the smaller theatres around Madrid. At this moment the play is on every first Friday of the month in a  Comedy Club in Madrid..
A few years ago I returned to Ireland. Now I write in English. My novellas and short stories reflect the life I have lived. They are full of passion, colour and characters that will surprise you.