Christopher leaves his comfort zone to release debut book

Local author Christopher Menary has realised a dream by releasing his debut novel which is titled ‘The Coin from the Boyne’. 37 year old Christopher lives in Toberona with his partner Donna and their three kids Levi, Noah and Robyn. He works as a project worker for the Holy Family School Completion programme in Drogheda and he says he was inspired by the young people he supports through his work.
“I work for the Holy family school completion programme based in Drogheda. We support young people in education to increase their attendance participation and retention. We meet some great characters. The characters in my book are a mash up of multiple young people I support.

“The idea came though when I told a young dog walker that I was going to write a story about her. I was joking but the idea sat with me and I had to write. The ideas develop from there and they keep you up at night. I had to quickly write every idea that popped into my head.
“The story has completely changed from the first draft but that what happens. I urge people who have ever thought about writing to just give it a shot and see what happens. Don’t be afraid to fail. The story will change and develop and you will get better at it with practice.
“It was a hidden dream for years. I didn’t have the confidence to go for it and I didn’t think I’d even fill a few pages. I just went for it one day and put pen to paper and I couldn’t stop. I started in November and pretty quickly filled one copybook and then copybook after copybook got filled and I thought to myself ‘I might have something here’.
“I went over and over it again and again and re-wrote parts I wasn’t happy with and before I knew it the book was completed,” stated Christopher.
“I’m a big believer now in giving everything a go, getting out of your comfort zone and not being afraid to fail. The fear of failure and judgement holds people back unfortunately. I was nervous about putting myself out there but happy now that I did.

“The book is aimed primarily at 9-13 year olds but older teenagers and even adults will enjoy the mystery and magic of this adventure. One of the most daunting parts of the whole thing was reading the book to my son Noah who is nine years of age. Thankfully he gave it the thumbs up and he said he loved the mystery of it as well as the historical parts,” explained Christopher.

The themes throughout the book are history, Irish mythology and adventure. After finding an ancient coin in the Boyne river, Carragh and Noah take on a quest while also navigating their own personal and interpersonal challenges such as grief, additional needs, low self esteem and difficulties at home. According to Christopher he was keen to keep the setting of the book local and to promote the wonderful historical buildings and monuments in Louth. He plans on setting his follow up novel in Dundalk and already has some ideas running around his head for the next book.

“I wanted to enchant Drogheda and the Boyne valley. There are some great historical buildings and monuments here. I wanted to bring the attention to the area that it deserves. I have to thank students from St. Olivers Community College Senan Kerrigan, Sofija Stepanovaa and Cody McCreedy and Lucy Poznanski for the brilliant illustrations and Maxine Quigley at Creative Customs for the front and back cover art.

Also huge thanks to Nicola Kearns Author at Butterfly books publishers and Leitrimwritingcottage.com for her excellent editing, proofreading and overall guidance and support throughout the process,” added Christopher.
Christopher’s brand new debut novel ‘The coin from the boyne’ is available from Roe River Books in Dundalk as well as online via amazon.

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