Simon Bourke talking about his new book to Tina Callaghan in New Ross library. Photo; Mary Browne
Simon Bourke talking about his new book to Tina Callaghan in New Ross library. Photo; Mary Browne
Simon Bourke talking about his new book to Tina Callaghan in New Ross library. Photo; Mary Browne
Author and journalist, Simon Bourke spoke about self publishing his latest novel, ‘A Place Without Pain’, at New Ross Library recently, in front of writers and readers.
Speaking after librarian and author, Tina Callaghan’s free creative writing class, Bourke, from Piltown, Co Kilkenny, spoke about how ‘A Place Without Pain’ is partly inspired by his own life, but the character is mainly inspired by a lasting impression he formed while living alone in a city – the lives of lonely men walking around.
That curiosity inspired the character of Aidan Collins, Bourke said.
Ultimately ‘A Place Without Pain’ is an imaginative recounting of a young man’s struggle with his demons and his efforts over a decade to overcome them. At every step, Bourke draws us into empathy with Collins as we will him to succeed against the odds he faces.
He explained the self publishing process, offering helpful tips to the fifteen or so people gathered for the ‘In Conversation’ talk with Callaghan. He spoke about marketing and dealing with bookshops – which, Bourke said, are very supportive of Irish authors.]
Bourke also spoke about the lengthy editing process involved in editing a book, which he worked on over several years.
The excitement of being published and having a book to be proud of – without enforced edits which impact its core message and narrative – was clear from Bourke, who also discussed plans for writing a third book.
‘A Place Without Pain’ follows ‘And The Birds Kept on Singing’, an award nominated book he wrote while ill in his thirties, finding inspiration and hope in the act of writing.
Both books are available to buy in good bookshops in the region and further afield.
