E.R. Murray's Blog, page 9

2016 – starting with a bang!

We may only be a few days into 2016, but it’s certainly kicking off with a bang!

Firstly, there’s the 24-hour #YATakeover on Twitter that starts tomorrow, and I’ll be talking Libraries in the Digital Age at 9pm alongside author Alexia Casale, hosted by Mariam Khan. The event involves over 40 hours, talking YA books for 24 hours, covering topics including mental health, LGBT issues, art, gothic fiction, friendship, fantasy and more. You can see the full #YAtakeover schedule here.

The Book of Learning is representing Dublin UNESCO City of Literature as this year’s Citywide Read for Children – and it’s starting to feel very real! Working with the lovely Jackie Lynam and Mercier Press, we’ve planned multiple school events for over 20 Dublin libraries in January, February and March, as well as open events – details to follow. Next week, I’ll be launching the campaign in the beautiful National Library of Ireland – we have the giant plastic rat (no joke), fans for a photoshoot, and a pile of posters and bookmarks all set to go.  I cant believe it’s finally here!

In addition, I’ve been added to the list of authors blogging for the wonderful Girls Heart Books blog, which is a real honour. Watch out for my slot on the 22nd of each month.

As for writing news, Caramel Hearts is due for publication in March, and I’ve just reached over half way with my structural edits for the second in the Nine Lives Trilogy – The Book of Shadows, so it’s all systems go.

It’s a really exciting start to the year- just the way I like it! Even though I don’t do New Year’s resolutions – I think we should constantly evaluate and adapt – January is a month of beginnings, and this feels like the perfect way to start out. I had a lot to learn last year as a first-time published author, and I’m looking forward to building on that in 2016. I can’t wait to see what happens as the year goes on!

I hope you’re off to a good start too :)

 

 

Thank you everyone!

That wonderful feeling, when people read your book!

2015 was a busy year and a bit of a rollercoaster, but oh so exciting; not only did my debut The Book of Learning hit the shelves, but it was also named Dublin UNESCO Citywide Read for 2016! This is a huge honour as a new author, and I’m looking forward to the many events that have been planned for next year as a result (I’ll provide more details on those in January).

In the three months since my book has been published, I’ve been lucky enough to meet many readers through the Children’s Book Festival (run by the incredible library service), as well as Dublin Book Festival, Creative Ardagh FrightFest, the CBI Conference and various school events. It’s been a dream come true and there’s nothing like getting feedback on your book – it really is the best feeling ever!

The next book to be published, March 2016

Two more books have already been delivered to their respective publishers, and so there’s plenty more to come. But I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the part they’ve played in making my first year as a published author so special.

To everyone who bought my book, reviewed my book on goodreads or amazon or their website, attended a launch, sent kind words of encouragement or feedback, gave heartfelt advice or simply a hug when I looked tired, thank you so much. I couldn’t have done it without you.

And for those of you seeking a book deal -whatever you’re writing, keep going. I know you’ll get there, and it will be worth the slog.

 

 

Cover Reveal: Caramel Hearts

I’m delighted to reveal the cover of my next book, Caramel Hearts; it’s my young adult debut, published by Alma Books in March 2016.

This novel is about a girl with an alcoholic mum – there are real cake recipes throughout, and given the name, I was terrified the cover would end up pink, glittery and full of cupcakes. This wouldn’t have suited suited the story, characters, or the author – but there’s an art and agenda to cover design, often driven by sales, so sometimes the story and the cover don’t match.

Thankfully, I’m delighted with this design by Jem Butcher – I hope you love it as much as I do!

The Book of Learning – 2016 Dublin UNESCO Citywide Read

Being a debut author has been crazily exciting so far, and now I have some incredible news to share… The Book of Learning is the chosen book for the 2016 Citywide Reading for Children campaign. The Citywide Read is run by Dublin UNESCO City of Literature and Dublin City Council’s Libraries Service, in partnership with Mercier Press and runs from January to March 2016.

So what does this mean? You can read the press release here, but In a nutshell, it’s a scheme that encourages children to read for fun. I’ll be facilitating events across Dublin City libraries throughout January, February and March 2016, and the children of Dublin, along with their parents, will be encouraged to read my book and to visit their local Dublin City library to enjoy the events taking place. It can be summed up as follows:

Children encouraged to read for fun + visit libraries = a very happy author!!!!

Planning starts now, and I cant wait to reveal more in the near future :)

Real Places, Fantastical Worlds

When I started writing The Book of Learning (Nine Lives Trilogy 1), I was new to Dublin and infatuated with exploring this beautiful, friendly city. The parks, museums, theatres, cathedrals; there was so much to see. As I immersed myself in my new surroundings, the characters of Ebony Smart and Icarus Bean – who had been lingering in my head for some time – became so noisy and infuriating, that I had to start writing about them.

I always write my first draft in one month, and whenever I get stuck I take a walk. Wandering the streets of Dublin, the plot of The Book of Learning began to unravel, and the valuable role of this city emerged. When you’re writing about fantastical worlds, the details must be realistic so the reader will believe in your characters and your settings and I soon realised that Dublin’s hideaways and historical buildings suited my storyline and characters perfectly.

My Lower Hatch Street apartment transformed into 23 Mercury Lane, a Georgian house full of mystery and unusual events. The Botanic Gardens morphed into the secret Headquarters for the Order of Nine Lives and its villainous judge. The pond in St Stephen’s Green became a magical underground lair, and other landmark buildings like The National Library and The Natural History Museum provided the perfect backdrop for many weird and wonderful scenes.

Days like this have to be taken advantage of – Schull

But this was only half of the story solved. I’d always planned for The Book of Learning to be set in two different locations, so when I visited Schull in West Cork for a writing break, everything fell into place. I needed a seaside setting, with hills and islands – but I also needed woodland. So, rather than basing this section of my book on one particular village, I took the essence of West Cork and combined different parts of the area to make my own fictional village – Oddley Cove.

Gallows Island is based on Long Island, with added cliffs and a cave. Gun Point is the name of a real place (though I have moved it geographically), and the channel is my version of Roaring Water Bay. There’s a scene in my book that involves a stormy boat trip, and this is based on real events; while I was visiting Cape Clear, we were caught in bad weather returning home, only I exaggerated events to make them much more exciting.

Hopefully when you read #TheBookofLearning you’ll recognise some of the places. And when you’re wandering your own streets, wherever they may be, let your imagination wander – you never know where it might lead!

(Note: This piece was originally written for the Eason Edition blog – direct link not included because the competition has passed, but go have a look what else is on there!)

New writing, articles, interviews & events

It’s been pretty busy over the last month, so here are a few bits you might have missed, and details of some upcoming events…

New Writing

I recently received my contributor’s copy of the beautifully produced ‘The Ogham Stone’ – if you get your hands on a copy, you can read my short story Landscape of Mirrors (print version only). They are also looking for contributions for their next publication. Details here (Nov 12th deadline).

Articles

I wrote an article for the bible that is the Writers & Artists handbook all about how to Stay Motivated and Write Your Book.

Also, my article in the Irish Times discusses how moving to Ireland drove me to become a writer.

Over on Girls Heart Books, I discuss the importance of finding your tribe.

And for writing.ie, I contributed an in-depth explanation of how The Book of Learning came to be – the What, When, Where, How, & Why.

Interviews

I was delighted to feature in the Beginners Pluck column in the Irish Independent, which you can read on Sue Leonard’s website if you missed it in the paper.

The Looking Glass magazine got to grips with The Book of Learning with lots of questions about childhood reading, current influences, writing technique and what to expect next…

Over on Clockwatching, Sinead O’Hart let me pick my own movie cast and also looked at writing rituals and my next book, Caramel Hearts (March 2016)

The quirky Teens on Moon Lane 5-4-3-2-1 interview allowed me to rescue Jon Walter and Louise O’Neill from a burning bookcase, while taking Sarah Webb on a desert island…

Middle Grade Strikes Back looks at my journey to publication, literary characters to go on holiday with, and my writing day.

There have also been a few radio interviews; Brenda Drumm of KFMradio, also Sunshine Radio, and Barbara Scully’s The Hen House. I’ll add podcasts when I can!

Upcoming Events

I’ve had a wonderfully warm reception from schools and libraries in Castletownbere, Skibbereen, Schull and Bantry as part of the Children’s Book Festival; with Dunmanway and Clonakilty still to come.

I’ll probably dedicate a whole post to this on its own, but I’m really happy to announce a 3-hour Gothic Literature for Teens workshop in Ardagh, County Longford, at the end of this month as part of their Fright Fest – full details here!

 

Interview on Middle Grade Strikes Back

The Black Lotus by Kieran Fanning – ninjas & adventure. Recommend!

A wonderful site, Middle Grade Strikes Back is dedicated to all things middle grade books – and I’m delighted to have been interviewed by the lovely (fellow author) Kieran Fanning!

For those of you who are new to this term, middle grade refers to books for children aged 8-12. It’s an industry term, and you’ll find that although most middle grade authors don’t particularly like the term, it’s useful because it helps publishers, librarians and booksellers categorise the books so it reaches the correct readership.

Thanks so much to Kieran for the great questions – and if you haven’t read Kieran’s great debut (see picture), I highly recommend it. In the meantime, you can read my interview about writing and #TheBookofLearning here!!

E.R. Murray Interview: Teens on Moon Lane

One of my own personal favourites of 2015 – now rescued from a burning bookcase!

I love the Teens on Moon Lane blog – it has so much information, lots of vision, great tips on which writers to read, and above all it’s fun.

I especially love the 5-4-3-2-1 interviews, so I’m delighted to have been given the chance to take part – if only to rescue a wonderful Jon Walter book from a burning bookcase!

You can read my 5-4-3-2-1 interview here!

It’s not all writing, writing, writing

I have chosen to live in a beautiful, countryside village so that I can enjoy the wonderful natural surroundings and the warm sense of community. I love cities, but I love country life too, and after years of city living, I’ve happily adjusted to my life in rural Ireland.

Although writing is part of my everyday life, so is enjoying the beauty around me. I make sure that I take walks every day; I watch the patterns as seasons change, the habits of birds, the cloud formations. And I also try to make use of the space and resources the best I can to stay balanced and grounded in a world that’s full of technology and social media.

Since signing a book deal, watching the physical book take shape and the sending it out into the world, a lot of my posts have focused on my writing. So, seeing a sI think balance is so important, here’s a brief escape from words and a return to the natrural world.

Plenty of seed dug up, ready for next year

Outdoor lettuce looking healthy enough, along with rhubarb (& weeds!)

Lots of sweet apples, windfall & picked, for making cider. Currently fermenting…

The onions did well again this year – we have a whole wall to last through the winter

Lack of sun meant that the chillies and peppers are way behind. Just starting to fruit now! I’ll be amazed if we get any but I’ll keep trying :)

Autumn is definitely here.

What does it feel like to get published?

Cheesy grin award goes to me as Sarah Webb launches The Book of Learning

Being a debut author is incredible. If you write, there’s nothing quite like seeing your book on the shelves, or (even better) in someone’s hands as they sit, engrossed in your story. My book has been on the shelves for just two weeks now, and it’s been crazy busy, but oh so exciting. On occasion, I still have to pinch myself to believe it’s real.

Since being published, people have asked me if things have changed. In some ways, yes, they most certainly have. For instance, I now have a physical book and so I can do things like attend the Tyrone Guthrie centre to write, and I can facilitate school and library events and take part in conferences as a speaker. I finally feel validated as a writer, and in my own heart and mind I know that all the hard work was worth it.

But I’m only human and in some ways, no, things haven’t changed. Old fears have simply been replaced by news ones – like, what if people don’t like the book? What if I struggle writing book two? What if no one comes to my launch and I have to read to myself in a mirror (this was an actual recurring dream)? Etc. Etc.

These are just niggles, and the good stuff outweighs the wobbles BY FAR, but the niggles are still there, and I think it’s important to say this because there’s bound to be people out there creating a book, an album, a work of art – people that are feeling this way too. We’re a society intent on achievement, on success, and we’re driven by results. I’m as guilty of this as anyone, but there’s one major lesson that writing with the aim to get published has taught me… and that’s to enjoy the journey.

That weird moment when your book starts travelling more than you! (This is Melbourne)

So, what do the first two weeks of being a published author feel like? For me, it’s been the best experience ever, because everyone – friends, family, fellow writers, readers – has been so supportive and so kind, it’s truly humbling. But when I say it’s been hectic, I mean hectic – just how I like it, but a bit of a shock to the system!

As well as my next two books to deliver by November (different books, different genres, different publishers), and my freelancing work, there have been two launches to organise and a heap of publicity to get through, including an online book tour that continues through to December. I’ve been doing radio and newspaper interviews, and I’ve got quite a few library and school visits on the horizon. You can read the exciting list of upcoming events here.

Recently, I was at the incredible Children’s Books Ireland conference as an attendee, and as a speaker in their New Voices event. This involved reading to an audience of children’s book lovers (librarians, teachers, readers, writers, booksellers) in an incredibly supportive and warm environment. I also got to listen to some incredible speakers and immerse myself in children’s books for a whole weekend. *Sigh*

Writing is a solitary career, so I can understand why many writers shy away from this side of things, but to be honest, I love it – and I can’t wait for more! And yet, there will always be small worries and fears. But I think it’s possible to celebrate this huge achievement, to remain fizzing with happiness, confidence, and energy, and embrace the fears. They have a rightful place; it’s all part of the rollercoaster of being a writer or doing anything creative. And if we don’t have fears, how will we challenge ourselves, improve and grow?

I say, take the rough with the smooth. Accept the fears and keep going. And above all, enjoy the journey. I know I am.