Writing -- Current Projects

Outlook for 2004

Having started two regular columns during 2003 and written a large number of features for local markets I will be looking to broaden my horizons over the coming year. My primary goal is to break into new markets: mainly the Irish nationals, UK magazines and newspapers and of course to tap into the massive potential of the US market. While breaking into any of these markets is likely to prove a challenge, with a solid foundation of published work behind me I am confident of making progress.

I would also like to secure another regular column moving into the New Year, and I'm currently approaching editors with ideas.

Another thing I'm keen to develop is my foray into short-fiction, and I plan to write more fiction during the course of the year. Ultimately I want to write longer fiction full time, and to that end I will be working on my second novel as time allows, as well as continuing with my endeavours to get Empire published.

All in all 2004 promises to be a wonderful year, and I'm looking forward to the challenge of developing my writing career.

Empire

Empire is a c. 150,000 word fantasy novel that I have been working on, on and off, for the last 2½ years (with significant breaks while moving house, the arrival of twin daughters, etc.). The manuscript is currently being reviewed by a number of literary agents in the UK.

The book tracks the journey of a half-elf orphan named Amber in her quest to discover her true identity and to free the mighty empire of Bantara from the tyranny of a deranged emperor.

Click for a sneak preview of the first chapter.

Parenting Column

My weekly column on parenting for The Evening Echo is proving to be a great success. The column will continue to appear every Wednesday in the Women on Wednesday (WOW!) supplement.

Ireland's Wildlife

I will continue my series on Ireland's Wildlife for Ireland's Own during 2004.