In Bed I cut words - a winning book

“Authenticity is at the heart of this collection.” 

Judges: North Star Collective of Authors  

In bed I cut words- winner at CAP awards for Indies

 

I am Beyond Words.  

My book - Our book ‘In Bed I cut words’ was awarded winner in the Anthologies Category at  The Carousel Awards for Irish Independent Authors (CAP) 

  

Around 5 pm. an hour before the event started at Chapters Bookstore Dublin, on the 10th of October 2025, I dictated some thoughts on my phone: “…It breaks my heart that I’m not there. But that is reality of life with severe ME. I can think of places to go with the reality being different. I’m here in my nursing home room in bed looking out over the mountains but my heart is with you all.

“… It’s kind of like a little bit of history made. A book created from collages made in bed, with words by many others, and made into a beautiful piece of art by designer David Murphy from Red Heaven Design. It has been loved, shared, and the story honoured by so so many around Ireland, around the world. 

I would not have been able to do this without the support from soo many….” (See my book web page)

Watching the event and communicating with my brother 

I watched parts of the award ceremony on my iPad. It isn’t easy for me to look at a screen for anything longer than a few minutes but it was wonderful to be able to be part of the night… just in case…Also it was also very much past my bedtime. 

Around 7pm  My book was being reviewed along with the other 5 brilliant shortlisted books in the Anthologies Category. The Judges for this category were North Star Collective of Authors who said: “It has been a challenge and a delight to judge the entries in this category. On behalf of Shelley Tracey, Adeline Henry and myself, Anne McMaster, I’m delighted to give our feedback on these remarkable anthologies and announce the winner in this category.… 

Anne McMaster from North Star Collective of Authors

If you like to hear what they said about my book, please go to 1:06:16 on youtube 

“We were deeply moved by In bed I cut words – by Corina Duyn Artist in care  - an original, haunting and beautifully produced book containing words and artworks created by Corina Duyn which reflect on her experiences of severe ME. 

The book is enhanced by a commentary of the artist who supported her and by a range of people involved in Corina’s care.  With its selection of voices and its striking, thought-provoking and deeply moving collages - this anthology makes a powerful case for the arts in care, helping patients to express themselves and to connect with their creativity. 

Corina addresses evergreen themes here: the idea of home, illness, ageing / loss of independence. Importantly, it highlights the value of a creative practice for both in-the-moment enjoyment and self-expression. Corina draws us into a pattern and rhythm as we moving through from one image to the next, searching out the words in each collage – unpacking her moving observations of the life she lives. 

These words and images ask for our time and our attention -  they identify a woman who lives with an all-consuming, overwhelming illness but who explores her condition and her world with a truly fine articulate mind. 

Authenticity is at the heart of this collection; it’s what this anthology is all about. It is about being heard and about being seen. Given Corina’s isolation, her lack of mobility and often her invisibility, this anthology showcases a clear, strong artistic voice. This anthology carries a clear personal voice of loss and loneliness, of tiredness, of creativity and of a deep ache to go home. 

This is a stunning collection that will stay with us – and that is why I’m happy to say that it’s our unanimous decision to award In Bed I cut Words by Corina Duyn first place in this category. 

Thank you.”

The after:

Wow.

Yes.

I did it.

We did it.

Surreal.

My brother Joop, and Niece Aisling at the event 

My brother Joop Duyn received the award on my behalf.

“I am Corina’s older brother, and the two of us are living in Ireland for the past 40 years… She has been diagnosed with this illness at least 25 years. l've seen her going down and down and at the moment she's lying flat. She's actually looking at us.  She's in her nursing home, but she's very happy at the moment. This is a big achievement for a person with so little mobility… This is her biggest award.”

I did it…

I rang the bell to alert the staff.

I texted with friends.

My brother rang.

Carer came to congratulate me and paged through the book.

So many messages…

So many thoughts…

Sunday

My brother Joop travelled from Dublin, to Mooncoin, on his way back to Kerry, to bring me the award in person. And tell me all about the night. 

It is real! I really did win the award. I have the trophy.

With my brother Joop handing over my award on Sunday

The weekend on social media

Over the weekend this achievement was well celebrated on social media by ME Advocates Ireland, as well as friends and other writers. I was delighted, as I certainly was not able to share this news myself, but over the days was able to read the many, many comments and shares, and respond to some of them. All helping me to understand not just the joy of having been awarded a CAP award for my book, but inadvertently brought the world of severe ME to a different audience…

“You've managed to bring awareness to ME in a way that is unquantifiable.”    Sarah Meehan O'Callaghan

*** 

“….Through her writing, Corina has once again shone a much needed light on Severe ME, sharing, with courage and grace, the daily realities and challenges faced by those living with this devastating disease.  We are beyond proud of Corina for this incredible achievement, and for using her voice to bring visibility, understanding, and strength to our Severe ME community.”  

ME Advocates Ireland (MEAI)

The now 

I will continue to digest this news. Am delighted. Am overwhelmed. What does this means to me personally. Life in care. What does this means to me creatively.  I believed my work was done. Perhaps it isn’t. I will shift through the impact of the judges profound words. I cry when I hear them being spoken or read the transcript. The unwavering believe in my work from so many. What it means to being a voice for those ill, and those living in care

How to go from here…
There are a few books available, and for any updates on future releases, please keep an eye out on my website and social media pages.

But for now - A Big Thank You to everyone who made this possible, and to the CAP team for this worthy events to highlight the work by independent authors. And for the opportunity to witness the award event via YouTube. Much gratitude.

PS

See also Creative Waterford post: HERE

Update March 2026.

The book can now be read and shared for free on ISSUU - LITTLE WINGS  including all Corina’s catalogue of writing created over the past twenty years 

Early retirement?

 My dear friends

I am playing around with little ‘Paper-me’ used
in the shadow puppetry, but without the projector. Just ‘raw’, as it is.

Thank you for stopping by at my blog. A friend alerted me that I hadn’t entered any post since the 7th February. I do have thoughts about writing, but often they don’t get past my own brain or at most into my personal diary.

The past few weeks have been a rollercoaster of sorts again. With help from many hands and minds I made great progress to letting go of my books, art prints and postcards. As well as the work created for the exhibition, which never really was.

It is good to let go

Many books went to charities and organisation looking after the ill. Including ‘Jack and Gill’ foundation, local care home and the Irish ME Trust. 

I received some beautiful heartwarming emails and orders from all over the world.

It brings great joy to know what my words, images and thoughts have been set free from closed boxes and into the hearts and minds of many.

Thank you all

The online bookshop will close on the 10th March 2021. Of some books I only have few copies left, so if you like to avail of the almost no cost books, and Art Packs, please see my SHOP page 

The page to book the puppet making course will remain live after this date.

Thoughts

Last night in bed I thought about the reality of my current situation: being more depended on care, and finding it quite a challenge. Since my care was moved to a new agency, there are a lot of different carers coming in, sometimes three in the one day. 

I have to admit that the inconsistency of care led to a big struggle to ‘keep it all together’. Much more is asked of me than I am able to give. I have sought support on how to deal with this. Including from Greg and Linda Crowhurst, from Stonebird, who wrote this excellent document partly inspired by our communication. Their Carers book for people with severe and very severe ME is on the counter in my kitchen. 

Old sculptures and puppets

In dealing with the reality of a decline in health and the immense need to make life simpler, the clearing out continues. When I am able for it I ask my carers to bring in my sculptures and puppets in from the cold unused studio. It is actually quite an emotional journey to connect with my works, some created nearly 50 years ago. Some more recent, but with a much bigger story to tell me...

Reconnecting with ‘Johnny Dwyer’ from ‘Life Outside the Box’
He told me he had NO intention to go back into his box...
A great dilemma for me.

One day I will document their stories here, but for now I have written short thoughts on my Instagram page. Please head over there if you can? www.Instagram.com/corinaduyn 

Some of the older works are ‘up for adoption’. Please enquire if one gets your fancy (as shared on Instagram page). I am hoping to build up a fund for future care needs from these sales.

Creatively - I have taken early retirement. On health grounds. 

That thought made me giggle last night, as for the past 22 years my art was mostly about the state of living with illness... The challenges, the hopes, the fears and moments of gratitude.

During the sorting of materials from my studio, it is paper which gets my most attention. I will play with this notion for a while. Play. The all important word: Play. Having fun. Bringing ease.

Will try to check in here again.

Thank you for joining me.

Much love and stay well and stay in touch, please.

Corina (1st March 2021)

Thank you

 My dear, dear friends.

I hope this finds you all well in this utterly strange time. 
Life is ever changing. Life is never linear. But who would have imagined a year ago that the world would change beyond recognition. For me personally, in the strangeness of life with chronic illness, not a whole lot has changed. At least not in the way of being housebound. That simply continued as before Covid. However, unfortunately my health has taking another bit out of my life and I am making changes accordingly. Life is never linear.

As some of you are aware, last year I explored the art of shadow puppetry. This proved to be an amazingly accessible art form. I didn’t require any practical help to create. What a beautiful revelation. I could make a world in miniature by cutting a little ‘paper-me’ as well as the birds and the tree in my garden. Projection them (using an overhead projector) onto the opposite wall brought me and others into regions of my mind I had not yet explored. Over time I edited the ‘Invisible Octopus’ poem and created a very short video-poem, the shadow images as illustrations.

“Here is a poem, a story, an animation, of a life triumphant under the weight of a debilitating illness M.E., of a woman whose words are her lifeline, an inspiration to others.” Dolores Ronayne, Poet.

SEE MY ‘POEM’ PAGE FOR POEM, IMAGES, VIDEOS AND LINKS TO ARTICLES AND PODCAST RELATED TO ‘INVISIBLE OCTOPUS’.

These images were also part of an exhibition - which never really was due to Covid. Art about isolation - in isolation ... See video of the exhibition on the POEM page.

Since this time I have not really been able to have access to my creative mind. I think this will return in some shape or form after I make further changes to my lived environment and adapt to new care support.

SIMPLICITY

I have a great desire to make life much simpler. It is a need, not just a desire.

As part of this process I sorting through my collected books, course material, writing files etc etc. But also sorting through my own published books, prints, cards and bookmarks. This led to the decision to greatly reduce my online shop. 

As part of this my remaining books are now available by paying for postage cost only (or as some people are kindly doing - adding a small donation of their choice - how beautiful.)

The cards and prints etc are available as ‘Art Packs’ which have an eclectic mix of material - each pack being different. Currently I have 12 general ‘Art Packs’ packs left, and 6 of the ‘Invisible Octopus Art Packs. All at hugely reduced costs.

ALL CAN BE ORDERED FROM MY WEBSITE 

THANK YOU

I am indebted by the huge support I have received over the two decades (and more) to enable my creative mind to voice the challenges, joys and moments of gratitude of life with illness. Support from friends, family and the general public. But also from funding institutions, whom have been more than generous in their encouragements as well as financial support. 

My deepest gratitude.

FUTURE

I am sure I will find some way to continue to use my voice. To tell my story.  But again to make life simpler for me, I have decided to go back to my Blog writing, instead of creating email content/ and longer Facebook post. I would like to ask those of you who’d like to stay up to date on my ‘adventures’ to sign up for Blog updates.

You can do so by visiting the web version of this Blog https://corinaduyn.blogspot.com which will show a sign up option on the right hand side of the screen. (On a mobile device, scroll down to the bottom and click on ‘view web version’.)

Many, many thanks for being such an important part of my journey. I can not thank you enough.

Much love to you all

Corina

February 2021

Shedding

Life is peculiar. Life is never linear. Life can be like a rollercoaster ride with its gentle rolls where one can take a deep breath of relief only to experience those terrifying highs and lows again. Such is life. Presently lots is changing. In terms of my health. In terms of the care I require. As well as changes in my care team. Lots to comprehend. Time to rewrite - time for a new era. 

For months I am engaging in ‘space-clearing’. Bit by bit I am letting go of anything I either don’t really need, or no longer require, or don’t particularly like. Or would be of more use in someone else’s life. Even books. My tv. I keep what I need, what brings me joy, which has memories attached I simply am not ready yet to let go off.

Some of these decisions were dictated by a change in health. Over a short time I became more and more unable to tolerate the clothes I loved for years. Many a morning I’d be close to tears by the thought of having to get dressed. Clothes brought an extreme reaction to the sensation of touch. Of being trapped. Even clothes which were not tight. I’d tolerate t-shirts for a few seconds before I had to ask my carers to pull them off straight away. Panic. I could no longer deal with trousers which were baggy and made ‘noise’ when I walked. I couldn’t deal with a shirts because of the collars. I was at a total loss on what to wear. 

Like a snake I shedded my skin - my clothes.

I bought a new set of clothes. Big, soft clothes. Just a few pieces. When I decided to do this big ‘culling’ of my wardrobe it actually felt liberating... After the few tears of letting go of my once beloved clothes. It was a letting go of another era. Most of my wardrobe now has new homes- new bodies. I am comfortable again in my new skin. My new clothes. And marvel at how little I need. Still more to let go.

Letting go of the old - makes room for the new.

Books. Ah, books. Letting go of books used to be a challenge. I used to love, absolutely love my library of books. Then suddenly I was overwhelmed by the amount of books I owned. Over the past few months I let go of quite a few books. In the past few weeks I am more rigorous. Lots of books went into the ‘give away’ box. Disability Study ones are now in new ownership (More to go). Other books I am re-reading, and if I truly love the story, the sentiment, the writing, the author, it will go back on the shelf. Others go into the ever filling box.

It is all very liberating to be honest. And an interesting experiment in what books I liked enough in the past to keep. Some I’d say just ended up on the shelf without a special attachment to them. Some were obviously very much right for a particular time of my life. And of no interest right now. Some are absolute beauties and will stay with me for the rest of my life.

This morning I realised that I also need to let go of my own previously published books*. So, I am offering them to you at half price. I prefer them to be read than stored away in my space. I hope they’ll bring joy to new readers. I hope they will share a tiny nugget of wisdom I gained during two decades of illness. “Hatched”, “Into the Light”, “Cirrus Chronicles”, “Snapshots”, and “Life Outside the Box”. Of some books I only have a few copies left.

                If interested, PLEASE ORDER HERE.

The half price will be calculated on the books.  Please let me know at either Paypal level or via an email to me that you have read about this offer, and I will refund the 50% of the cost of the books via PayPal. (Full postage will be charged.)

If you can make a case for wanting my books but have no funds to pay for them, please DO let me know and we make a deal. Please do let me know.

Please be well. Stay safe. And thank you for your company in person or via cyberspace.

Corina 

*This offer is not for the ‘Invisible Octopus’ Poem booklet or related art works which can be ordered here.

Christmas 2018: Open Studio and Pop-up shop at Little Wings

Welcome to the Christmas 2018 

Open Studio and Pop-up-Shop page.

"Butter-fly to Freedom" (100x60x10cm) Puppet: clay, fabric, silk
€295
Collaboration between Corina Duyn and Spark Deeley 2018 

These are some of the artworks which are on sale at this event. Books, prints, cards and bookmarks are also available from my Webshop. 

To arrange a visit to the studio any day between 12 noon and 4 pm, please contact me in advance (087-9812570)

• Please visit my SHOP for

• BOOKS

• Into the Light PRINTS

• Art POSTCARDS & Puppet BOOKMARKS 

• Contact CORINA for

• To book a DISTANT LEARNING PUPPET MAKING COURSE 
• Or GIFT VOUCHER of any value

**** FREE GIFTS WITH EVERY PURCHASE ***

"Birth Dance" (60x60x60cm) Clay, fabric, paint.
€750
Cannot be displayed outside

Please CONTACT  me if interested in any of these works. 

The prices indicated on the puppets and sculptures are for works to be collected. Any delivery cost will be calculated depending on destination.

"Beach Bliss" (18x16x10) Clay and rock
€95
cannot be displayed outside

"Pulled from the Mud" (23x16x10 cm) Ceramic €45

• To buy from a self employed artist, you can be assured that each sale results in a little ‘dance’ 

  • … with the added bonus that from the funds raised, new work can be created 
  • and in my case, funds raised will directly help me to pay for PA support to help me in the studio

gift voucher of any value

"Crying Crow - On the Right Course" (85-65cm) Painting/3D 2003 & 13
€95

detail

Tapestries: "Garden Poppy" (11x15cm) 2011 €70
"Garden" (10x20cm) €30

Birds, Puppets and Books - Thoughts about reprinting 'Flying on Little Wings'

Well, I thought I finally made the decision to reprint Flying on Little Wings  as I only have a few copies left. I looked at the cost again, and the reactions from people who own this little book. 

Flying on Little Wings book

Recently I receive a letter from a lady in Donegal who wanted to buy a copy for her 92-year-old mother. She only found second hand books for way too much money, online. I checked. Around €20 or $20 for a book which sells for €5.

I posted a book to this lady, as a gift, and received another gorgeous response, written on a beautiful card with image of a sunset at a beach in Donegal. (Made by a friend of hers, but no name given)

She wrote: “… The book [Flying on Little Wings] is a treasure… & that is how it will be each day when we see the birds!”

A new shop in Bantry called Forest & Flock, ordered 15 of these books yesterday (and my other books, which are flying of their shelves - thank you Bernie and Maeve).

Anyway. Yesterday I was Very Sure I would reprint. 

An edited version, with some new photos of the birds in my garden; which are waiting to be shared.

I created a new Design page and added the images of the old book to get me started.

Last night, while lying on the couch (a place I am found a little too often these days), I scribbled notes in a well-used ‘viewing copy’: good page; new photo; add new quotes.

I asked readers who told me over the years what this book meant to them, for short quotes for back cover.

Senator Grace O'Sullivan with her copy of Flying on Little Wings

Senator Grace O’Sullivan wrote: “This precious little book is one of my treasures. It sits on my bedside locker where I dip in an out of it for solace.”

Another acquaintance was going to ask her brother “as it helped him so much at the beginning stages of his healing.”

I feel responsible to continue to be the messenger of the wisdom of the birds. 

The book came about from a time in late 2010, early 2011 when I needed (again) to re-evaluate how to continue, how to find ways to be well. The birds told me. For example: ... to be brave, even when you are vulnerable.  I created a handmade book, which was later printed as this 10x10cm little book, small enough to carry nature’s wisdom in one’s pocket.

page from Flying on Little Wings

So, reprinting was going to happen. 

Phyllis who is helping me in the studio as my Creative PA over the summer, looked and listened to my plans this morning. We looked at the new bird photos I had. She listened to the stories I have about these birds.

She is all for a new book. But a Totally New Book. Intertwining my life with the birds in my garden. Which are totally and utterly linked.

So, reprint?
Or a new book?

My mind has been busy with creative ideas since this communication.

My mind also acknowledged the stark truth of life with M.E. at present. In all reality I have not been well enough to do a whole lot else than engage with the bird life outside my windows. At times it is even a challenge to hold the camera still enough to take a picture. The fact that I thought to be going back into the studio and create these amazing new puppets, telling the story of M.E. and Disability, are too far out of reach at present. I hope those day will return. For now I do go into the studio for a few minutes most days, but I have not created a whole lot to show for. Other than finishing the Butterfly Puppet (attaching the wings). 

I have to concede that I am actually not as well as I would like to be.  Not something, which I happily admit to. It makes me sad.

Makes me sad that my creative brain has awoken about ten weeks after my return from the UK, but my body has not yet caught up.

Lying on the couch earlier, I had to face that horrible fact.

But, I can write (again).

Write about the birds.

Perhaps about the Puppets too.

And about the truth of living with M.E. and Disability. In a much more open and honest way that I have perhaps done in the past in my books.  I often like to focus on the good, the positive, or shroud the challenges in gently poetry. Maybe it is time to ‘come clean’. And describe what twenty years of living with M.E. has brought me. Where I am at present. How I am still fighting the system. Fighting to be heard and supported.

Perhaps the book in the making is about all of the above, with the help of the birds – who still teach me so much, and the help of my puppets, who in a funny way taught me to speak up.

As for Flying on Little Wings (second edition), well, if I can miraculously raise half of the reprinting cost (total cost about €1300), I will reprint an updated version.

Alternatively I can make it into an e-book, but it surely does not have the same appeal as the little printed book.  (The size, shape and full colour does not lend itself to the print on demand format.)

So, if you feel strongly about the reprint - please let me know and I will set up a funding page.

And Yes, I will write another book. I was heading that way anyway, I just didn’t know the birds would be in there too.

Flying on Little Wings indeed.

Thanks for listening.

If you like to get your hand on one of the remaining copies of Flying on Little Wings, please see my Shop