Mayo native Anita Brady has just published her debut children's novel, The Protectors of Dromgoon, which is the first in a series of three books. Ms Brady, who is originally from Swinford but now lives in Cavan, told the Mayo Advertiser: "I wrote the book because I wanted to show my two boys that reaching for your dreams no matter what stage in your life is possible. Self-doubt and fear should never hold you back.
"I wanted to blend the worldwide fascination with faeries and Irish folklore with a traditional adventure story like the Enid Blyton books The Famous Five etc that are on a comeback for a younger generation. I was inspired by the mystery surrounding tales of fairies, ring forts, and banshees. There are so many characters and it is not being written about enough for a younger generation. I feel that Irish folklore is being forgotten about for the younger generation.
"I wanted to create an adventure that could happen to anyone if you believe in Irish folklore. I also wanted to promote the qualities and importance of an older generation in my books because there is a widening gulf that is occurring between the younger generation and the older in a world now dominated by technology. One of the key characters in the book, Granny Evanna, is a 70-year-old woman able to keep up with any youngster and full of knowledge and wisdom. If we can promote an older generation to children in books this might encourage different attitudes being formed as they grow up." The book is available from Amazon, Easons and Waterstones.
