Whoop! Whoop! Wahoo!

Right, so I don't normally use this blog for shameless self-promotion but I just got copies of my first children's book today. I am over the moon! The book is called Away with the Fairies/ Ar Shiúl leis na Daoine Maithe and it is a bilingual (Irish/English) picture booked aimed at a 7-9 age group. It even has that new book smell, sigh!

Away with the Fairies/ Ar Shiúl leis na Daoine Maithe

Here is some of the back cover blurb to give you an idea: 

Billy Gubbins is forever in trouble because of his forgetfulness. His greatest wish is to be away with the Fairies. But see what happens when, one day, Billy's wish is granted...

I'm really proud of this book. It was always going to be special being the first book, but I'm chuffed that it is published in both languages. The book was originally written in English. I'm not a native Irish speaker so the translation was challenging for me. I couldn't have it done it without the help of my incredible editor Ré Ó Laighléis. As well as being an editor, Ré is a wonderful writer in both Irish and English languages. He helped me shape some of my more clumsy constructions into confident sentences. I'm thrilled with the results.

Another hero of the day is Carles Casasín. I love the detail in his illustrations. He conveyed the ominous mood I was trying to create perfectly. Spooky. I won't say any more on that or I'll ruin the surprise.

It was so exciting getting my very own published children's book through the post. I'm even more excited thinking about seeing copies of it in bookshops. I don't yet know which booksellers will stock it but, in the meantime, it is available to buy on the publishers' website here. 

And that's probably quite enough trumpet blowing for one day...

One last YAAY!!!

Ok, definitely finished now.