Partially inspired by this Cracked article, and partially inspired by Uri Geller (long story, see the first blog post for details), this blog was where my New Year’s Resolution to write something (anything) every single day of 2013 was documented. Once the year ended, I kind of kept going.
Follow me on Twitter for updates. I also have a weekly column at Headstuff.org.
About the scribbler
My name is Ciaran Conliffe, and I’ve been writing, on and off, since I was five years old. I’ve been shortlisted for and won awards, and I’ve both completed and failed NaNoWriMo. I also rant on Twitter way more than is healthy. In my spare time I do software engineering and get paid for it.
Daily Scribbling 
Ciaran
I am researching Colonel Charteris and would love to find your source for his preferring ‘tall peasant girls’ as you mention in your wonderful article on the rake!
Cheers
jeremyjohnbell@gmail.com
Sent you a mail during the week, hope you got it.
About the article on Lola Montez : “she wound up dancing at a reception of the Czar of Russia by Friedrich the Great.” : heavy stuff ! : Prussian king Friedrich I der Grosse died in 1786. Lola Montez was born on 17th of February 1821 in Grange (Ireland). She danced for Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm IV and his guest Russian czar Nicolas I in Berlin in September 1843.
Kind regards from the Flanders, Belgium
Good catch, thank you! I will update the article immediately.
Hi, Ciaran,
My father’s family originated in Inishowen a very long time ago, O’Muirgheasain, and I was delighted to read your article about The Poitin Republic of Urris, thank you. Best, – Doug
Dear Ciaran,
I read your article on Wallada bint al-Mustakfi, I found it delightful! Do you know by chance who was the translator of the poems you had in it?
Sincerely,
Greta
Hi Greta,
The main source of translations for the article was “Hispano-Arabic Poetry” by James T Monroe. I might have got one or two from elsewhere, though I don’t recall. Either way the Monroe book is well worth reading, as long as you can find a copy.
Dear Ciaran,
Thank you kindly for your fast reply :).
Hello Ciaran,
I wrote my Bachelorsthesis about this topic, your article gave me valuable pointers. are you interested in a more in-depth analysis of the poems? if so I could send them to you.
Greta
I’d definitely be interested to read that – handiest might be to wing it to @shinyemptyhead on Twitter.
Hello Dear Ciaran,
I’m Asli from Turkey. I am going to be a writer soon and I am writing a book about the rise of femicide lately and women’s rights in history and I would like to translate and include one of your article into my book.
Which is located as https://www.headstuff.org/culture/history/cesare-borgia-the-merciless-prince/
May I please do it with your permission?
Also I’m open to any suggestion that I can include into it! Like the women’s rights in renaissance..or any age that is affecting the today’s misogyny.
I will be happy to hear back from you!
Hi Asli,
Do you have an email address I can contact you at about this?
Thanks.
Hi Ciaran,
Yes, you may contact me with the email I used to write this comment please!
Thank you
Hi,
Headstuff gave me a shout since you’d emailed them as well – they’re going to reply for both of us. Thanks for getting in touch.
Oh!
Glad to know this,
Thank you!
Hi Ciaran,
I heard the good news!
Thank you so much,
I’ll let you know when it’s out,
Keep well!
Thank you – I’ll look forward to it.
You describe Nell Gwyn as ‘starting an affair’ with a soldier when she was 12. Do you think that accurately describes the power dynamic in that situation? I felt very uncomfortable reading it, I’m sure there’s a better way to describe what happened.
Good point. I’ve updated the wording, and thank you for the catch – I think I took the “affair” framing from elsewhere and didn’t think to change it when I added her age.
Cool!
Hi Ciaran,
Fascinating piece on Glenveagh Castle. So thoroughly and terrifically researched, thank you! I was just there in April and was fascinated by the place, and by Donegal in general. I’m originally from Denver, so that connection was interesting as well. I wanted to ask you a couple further questions but couldn’t find your email. If you’d be willing to reach out to me at andrew.houchens@gmail.com, I’d appreciate it!
Cheers,
Andrew
Hi Andrew,
It’s been nearly ten years since I wrote the piece, and I would not call myself an expert on the castle by any means! I’d suggest perhaps reaching out to the Donegal Historical Society? They’re pretty good and I think a couple of their articles were sources for the piece.
Thanks Ciaran, much appreciated!