Writers often have a grand, cozy notion about how creativity is supposed to work. We picture the perfect tidy desk, a quiet room to ourselves, and a lovely, untouched notebook. But inspiration, much like grace, usually prefers to show up completely unannounced on the back of whatever scrap of paper you happen to have rattling around in your pocket. Have a look at this photo here: Following a pilgrimage down to Clonmacnoise on St Columba’s Day, I found myself waiting for a train in Portlaoise. The words just started coming, rushing, and I had to grab an old service sheet … Continue reading Liturgy on a Train Platform: The Pure Fluke of Inspiration