'Dream come true' as Kildare writer launches debut book
Conor Forrest and John McKenna
FAMILY, friends and booklovers gathered to celebrate the launch of a Kildare writer’s debut novel last week.
Crookstown writer Conor Forrest launched in Athy library.
The fantasy book, published by O’Brien Press, follows 12-year-old Oisín on an extraordinarily thrilling adventure, featuring a myriad of Irish mythical figures such as Fionn Mac Cumhaill.
Conor said launching the book was a “dream come true” for him.
The origins of the book began during the recession.
Conor recounted he found himself trawling through Wikipedia when he landed on the Tuatha Dé Danann page â a supernatural race of beings from pre-Christian times.
“I remember distinctly thinking what it would be like if these weird and wonderful characters existed and were still around today. That was the start of a long journey.”
Writing can be a solitary affair, but Conor thanked all who helped, particularly his family, who have been a constant source of support. Son of Noreen and Andrew, Conor is married to Trish and has two kids, Caoimhe and Caelan.
Conor also thanked the InkTank writing group in Newbridge, O’Brien Press, Kildare Library Service and Woodbine Books of Kilcullen, who handled book sales on the night, as well as colleagues past and present.
Conor had wanted to write a tale for curious kids about a courageous young boy going on an extraordinary adventure.
“For the kids who are here tonight and who will pick up the book along the way, you are the reason w exists. And I hope you enjoy it.” The book was launched by renowned Kildare writer John MacKenna. The pair had first met at one of John’s many book launches during Conor’s time as a reporter for the Kildare Nationalist.
John had also known Conor's grandfather Andrew who was also a gifted storyteller.
John spoke of his pride in launching the book.
“There is a wonderful pride in the success of our own, particularly when that writer produces a book as wonderful as this.”
Reading the book, John felt he was transported back to his childhood home in Abbeylands, Castledermot, to the freezing front room that was only heated at Christmas but provided a quiet place to immerse himself in some chapters.
“When you got into the book, you forgot about the cold. It’s the power of the story, the power of the writing and the power of the characters. It’s a beautiful, beautiful book.”
He added: “I have great hope for this book, but also great hopes for the other books Conor is going to write.”
Conor thanked John, describing him as a “source of friendship, inspiration and support when I had questions.”
Kunak McGann of O’Brien Press spoke glowingly about Conor’s work. An early sample manuscript had immediately garnered attention when he submitted it.
“There is nothing quite like that feeling of discovering an exciting new writer,” she said. “We recognised the potential immediately and asked for the full manuscript. We knew we had something special on our hands.”
Kunak said the book opens with the protagonist, 12-year-old Oisín Ryan, taking on axe-wielding rangers in a Dublin museum and soon develops into a meeting with Irish mythical figures. The combination of a smart plot, clever dialogue and fast-paced action marks it as a thrilling adventure for fans of Darren Shan and Eoin Colfer.
Kunak noted that Conor initially began the project with an adult readership in mind, but soon felt the impulse to write for a younger audience.
“People who feel compelled to write for young readers rather than chasing a market are my kind of children’s writers … they remember their instinct and write to their natural audience.”
The book is available from all good bookshops.
