Galway’s Laureate na nÓg Launches Book to Inspire Young Writers

Galway’s Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde, has announced her new book, a guide designed to inspire creativity among children and young people across Ireland. Titled Making It Up As You Go Along: A Children’s Guide to Writing Stories, the publication, set to release on October 1, 2023, aims to engage aspiring storytellers aged eight to twelve.

The book marks a significant part of Forde’s tenure as Laureate na nÓg, which she began in May 2023 and will continue until 2026. As a prolific author, Forde has contributed to literature in both English and Irish, with a portfolio that includes over twenty books, plays, and television series. Her latest work serves as a comprehensive resource, covering essential storytelling elements such as finding inspiration, character creation, and plot structuring.

A Collaborative Effort to Ignite Creativity

Illustrated by Mary Murphy, the book features letters to the reader from distinguished authors and illustrators, including Derek Landy, Eoin Colfer, and Catherine Doyle. Forde emphasized her intention for the book to act as a “call to action” for young dreamers and writers eager to shape their narratives.

“I decided the theme of my tenure would be ‘Samhlaigh, Samhlaigh! Making It Up As We Go Along’ because creativity and imagination have enriched my life,” Forde remarked. “I wanted to ensure that every child in Ireland can unearth their own creative potential. This book is a fun and practical guide that includes tips and techniques used by some of Ireland’s foremost children’s authors.”

The official launch took place during the Children’s Books Ireland International Conference in Dublin, where Forde presented her vision for fostering creativity among young readers.

Legacy and Future Initiatives

The publication is expected to leave a lasting impact on Forde’s legacy as Laureate na nÓg. Maura McGrath, chair of the Arts Council, noted that the book not only features a foreword by Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, but also includes valuable insights from twelve leading Irish children’s writers.

“The publication of Making It Up As You Go Along is an incredible crescendo to Patricia’s time as Laureate na nÓg,” McGrath stated. Forde’s tenure will also include the 2024 Whole Wild World tour, spanning the west coast of Ireland from Malin Head to Mizen Head, which will be celebrated in a documentary debuting at this year’s Children’s Books Ireland Conference.

As Forde continues to inspire young minds, her work promises to nurture the next generation of storytellers, encouraging them to explore their creativity and share their unique voices with the world.