NQ author goes global
Beckoning of the Gate turns Iggy alumni’s hobby into passion
WHAT started as a hobby during his teen years has turned into a Townsville author’s first fantasy novel.
Benjamin J. Ryan has spent half of his life working and reworking his debut book, Beckoning of the Gate, which will officially launch this weekend after 15 years in the making.
The former Ignatius Park College student said he was feeling a huge sense of relief to finally share his creativity with the world.
“I started writing it when I was 15, but it started out as a short story and then turned into something a lot bigger,” Mr Ryan, 30, said.
The fantasy novel is inspired by traditional fairytales from Irish and Celtic culture but “a lot darker than your Disney” books.
The story is based around character Santha Lathagin, who stumbles across an ancient key which is awakened by her touch, but she’s not the one to heed its call.
Uncovering the truths of the key has its own perils, and she’s left with a choice: survival or sacrifice.
Mr Ryan said after leaving high school, he wrote the novel in between studies to be a physiotherapist at James Cook University.
It was when he graduated and started working that he was able to dive into his passion, and finally release the book earlier this month.
“My writing style has matured a lot since I was 15, so I’ve rewritten the book three or four times overall.”
The novel includes some Townsville influences, including mannerisms from his family and friends.
Mr Ryan said there was a talented pool of North Queensland authors who were doing big things in the book world.
“People underestimate authors in the North, but there’s a group of writers who are really fantastic and worth giving a go. You never know what you’re going to find, this could be your next favourite book.”
Mr Ryan’s paperback book is on sale in Australia and across the United Kingdom and United States.
The ebook is also for sale online.