Caroline’s ‘Magnificent Children’ to be released
THE ENNISCORTHY-BASED author Caroline Busher (38) is looking forward to the official launch of her debut novel ‘ The Ghosts of Magnificent Children’ published by Poolbeg Press and already on sale in local bookshops.
The historical novel for children aged 10-plus is initially set in 1848 when four children are captured by Bad Blood Circus and taken to an island off the west coast of Ireland and one hundred years later they magically appear as ghosts.
Caroline who grew up in Manchester to Irish parents and holidayed in Enniscorthy where she returned to live 14 years ago, wrote most of the book while studying for an MA in Creative Writing in UCD in 2015.
‘I had started on the book but the course gave me the impetus to get it finished. It’s a wonderful course. It gives you the chance to focus on the writing process. I call it accelerated writing. It gives you the confidence to go and become a writer,’ she said.
Caroline had previously won prizes for her short story writing and was awarded an arts bursary by Wexford County Council.
‘ The County Council has been very supportive and also Wexford Library services,’ said Caroline who is a curator of Wexford Literary Festival and was responsible for organising the Colm Tóibín International Short Story Competition.
Caroline is now a full-time writer with a three book deal from Poolbeg Press to write historical fiction for children.
The first book will be launched by the folklorist Michael Fortune in The Wilds restaurant in Enniscorthy on October 13 at 6.30 pm.
Entertainment will be provided by Enniscorthy Choral Society of which Caroline is a member.
In other news she has just been appointed the new Reader in Residence for Wexford County Council public library service to deliver a programme of activities designed to promote literacy and the enjoyment of reading and library usage in children and young people.
The residency will involve her engaging with children through community groups and schools in activities centred round the library. It will provide opportunities for parents and children to participate together.
‘It is an honour and a privilege for me to be working alongside library staff in their wonderful libraries and out in the community over the coming months’, said Caroline. As Reader in Residence I will be working to complement the amazing literacy work that is currently being carried out by the library service.’
County Librarian Eileen Morrissey said Caroline will make a valuable contribution to the campaign to encourage all children to enjoy reading for pleasure.