A new book of reflective essays and stories written by local writer and Self Help Africa fundraiser Ronan Scully is to be launched tonight.
The collection, entitled Time Out, will be launched at a presentation by special guest Kathryn Thomas of RTE at the Meyrick Hotel, Eyre Square, on Thursday at 7pm.
The book focuses on the ideas of goodness, tenderness, spirituality, and positivity, and combines reflective essays with interpretive cover images from prolific Galway photographer Andrew Downes.
The individual pieces which make up the collection are all developed from themes and messages Mr Scully had already intorduced through a variety of weekly articles he had written for newspapers in recent times. There are 75 essays and stories in total dealing with themes such as forgiveness, hope, grief, compassion, kindness, relationships amongst others. The book is said to deal with a wide scope of human emotions, issues and life experiences. Mr Scully utilises a meditative and reflective style, using everyday examples to which the reader can easily relate. The author challenges the reader to examine their own life and behaviour which in turn can allow them to take the necessary steps to change and improve their own lives and the lives of others. Mr Scully also provides solid suggestions at the end of each essay on how to achieve goodness, tenderness, spirituality, and positivity; the four central themes of the overall work.
“Many of the pieces in the book came from ideas that came to me during periods of quiet reflection and I would jot them down,” says Ronan Scully of his work. “It has grown from there and I’m delighted to see them coming together in this my second book which I hope people will find thought-provoking, and uplifting and help them look at their own life experiences. It has all been made possible by the kind and generous sponsorship of David Lohan of Prospect hill, Galway who has sponsored the publishing of the book."
The front and back cover of the book are photographs that reflect the overarching ideas of the book as well as the title, Time Out. Having worked as a freelance photographer in Galway for over 14 years, Andrew Downes has had his work featured in a range of publications and newspapers. This book is the second time he has collaborated with Ronan Scully after producing the cover images for the author’s first book, Hold that Thought. “When Ronan approached me again about another book I was intrigued and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge to create images that would compliment and enhance the theme and name of the book. It has been a great experience for me and I hope people enjoy the end result,” explains Downes.
Both Ronan and Andrew are well known for their fundraising work for a variety of charities in the past and it is unsuprising that the proceeds from this book will go to Self Help Africa and Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind.
Time Out will go on sale from today onwards for the price of €15 in bookstores nationwide. The book will also be available online at Kennys.ie, Eason, Dubray Books, and Amazon.
