I am many things, most of which you won’t care about. But here – on this website – I am an ancient Irish history and mythology blogger and writer. With professional backgrounds in academic research and writing, this is my research site covering all things ancient and fantastical in Ireland. As I work towards my first historical fiction project (see below), I post regular updates on this site covering the topics and issues which inspire me.
Writing Motivations
It is always difficult to write an ‘author biography’ especially when I don’t yet qualify. But I feel – at least from looking at other blogs – this is somewhat of a requirement. So I’ll keep it brief.
As a child I grew up fascinated by the myths and legends of Greek, Roman, Norse, and Egyptian mythology. These stories captured my imagination, inspiring many foolhardy adventures. This childhood passion has evolved as I’ve discovered that my home country of Ireland has an equally (if not more) captivating canon of myths and legends. Not merely the leprechaun and pots of gold clichés, but of the Red Branch warriors, of mighty Cú Chulainn and the Tuatha Dé Danann (Irish pantheon). It is this rich heritage that I draw on as I have tentatively set out on my writing journey to become an author of historical fiction.
Now I’m not going to pretend to speak Irish (no matter what Duolingo may say about my score!), but I have made something of a career out of research. Bringing these stories to life is a genuine passion and one which this website is devoted to. My main writing project is an Irish historical fiction book on Iron Age Ireland. It’s a work in progress and I’ll post occasional reflections and research here as it develops.
Professional Background
By way of background, I have worked in British politics, as an academic specialising in terrorism and conflict analysis, an analyst in the British civil service and, most recently, a technology consultant. I have also cleaned hospital toilets, dish-washed in an ice-cream parlour, cared for plants at a garden centre, and even had a stint as a ‘shepherd’. Make of that what you will. Not really a typical author biography (if such a thing exists). But I am a firm believer in breadth over depth.
As eclectic as my professional background is, my writing will often veer into a wide range of topics beyond the theme of Irish history. I have written on politics and conflict as an academic but tend to avoid these here. This isn’t the place for politics with a big ‘P’ unless those politics are some 2,000 years old. For those brave enough to delve into the lifeless world of academic writing, you can see more on my ‘politics’ in my academic publications here.
My Christian faith is also an important part of my identity, one which inevitably shapes what and how I write. I rarely will overtly include references to it, but it’s important to acknowledge publicly from the outset. Where topics cover Christian themes or topics (e.g. early Christianity) I will obviously make more overt mentions of it, simply because it makes sense to do so. Otherwise would to be inauthentic.
Finally, writing is wholly vulnerable and so posting anything is a challenge. I do it though because I love and welcome feedback. To develop (and I will need to develop) as an author I appreciate your thoughts and reflections. If you take the time to engage with me I will always take the time to respond.
Current Writing Project
My current historical fiction project is a Young Adult Historical Fiction story set in Iron Age Ireland (100-105AD). Drawing together Ireland’s rich mythology and history. It’s the turn of the first century and war between Ireland’s four kingdoms has never looked more certain. After a wedding pact is broken and Ulaid’s chief druid is mysteriously ambushed, the High King’s grip on power has never been more fragile. Honour demands retribution, but without a perpetrator, everyone becomes suspect.
Four characters struggle to survive in this unforgiving world of ancient Ireland: a world of druids, warriors, kings, and bards; a world where the boundaries between myth and reality are broken.
If interested in learning more, please feel free to contact me.
Getting Involved
I aim to write and publish at least one post a week. This is no small challenge with a full time job and an even fuller time career as a parent. But I love writing; it is my rest and quiet place. So please do keep engaged if you enjoy what I write.
The best way to do so is to signup to my monthly newsletter. This will cover the most recent posts from the past month. I don’t use this for other purposes nor share personal details.