by Louise Doyle
A LETTERKENNY author who has been shortlisted for a major national book award has spoken of her pride at putting her publication and Donegal on the map.
It was during lockdown when teacher Louise Flanagan penned her children’s fantasy book series ‘Dragonterra’. She was encouraged by her daughter to get them published. It was the first time Louise put pen to paper but after her daughter Lucy was so impressed with the books she asked her for more copies to share with her friends.
Louise, who is also a Donegal News columnist and a co-administrator of hugely popular Facebook page ‘Letterkenny Babies’, said she never intended for the books to be shared with anyone else other than her own children.
Now, Dragonterra has been shortlisted for the Carousel Aware Prize (CAP) awards. The CAP, for independently published authors, aims to provide a platform to showcase the cream of Irish self-published authors, bringing them to the attention of books shops, distributors and the media, with all money raised going to the charity Aware. Aware is a not for profit organisation that provides education, support and information in mental health, particularly depression, bipolar disorder, and positive mental health.
The mother-of-three submitted Dragonterra to the CAP Awards 2023 a few months ago and was delighted to hear that it had been longlisted with 13 other titles. On Monday, she got the news that it made the the shortlist with just four other titles.
Speaking to the Donegal News, the Loreto teacher said: “To say I’m proud is an understatement. There is also a huge sense of relief to have the books acknowledged like this at a national level.”
Louise said feedback from readers across Ireland and beyond has been so positive, but admitted that launching in to the book industry has been difficult.
“Local support has been phenomenal but for every ‘yes’ I’ve been lucky to get, there have been two or three ‘no’s’. I have encountered lots of closed doors in terms of getting them into some bookshops and other suppliers.
“As my mother would say, ‘there’s nothing handy’.
“I was quite naive launching into the book business. It’s been much tougher than I thought it would be. It really makes me appreciate all the encouragement, support and positive feedback and it motivates me to keep going. The libraries have been hugely supportive too, with one local librarian reminding me that the books could land into the set of hands that makes all the difference for them at any time.”
Between Facebook and www.dragonterra.ie website, Louise has almost 100 five star reviews.
“Thanks a million to all of the parents, grandparents who have bought the books for their little ones and to all of the teachers and principals who have been a great support to Dragonterra”, said Louise.
“I massively appreciate it and I’m so proud to put Donegal and Dragonterra on the map.
“I’ve read the four other books in that have been shortlisted and the standard is very high. While that does make me nervous, it makes it a great honour to be listed among them,” said Louise.
The winner of the CAP Awards 2023 will be announced in November.
Dragonterra has a sequel, Return to Dragonterra, which has been as well received by young readers as series one. Both sets are available to buy in all of the main bookshops around Donegal as well as online with free nationwide delivery on www.dragonterra.ie
Reviews:
“Fantastic reading. My son, Patrick, just loved every book in both series. Such exciting reading, he couldn’t wait to read the next chapter each night. I couldn’t recommend these enough. It’s great to see a local writer doing well.”
“Our little ones truly love the sense of adventure in Dragonterra. Santa brought series 2 for Christmas. It’s brilliant to see a grandparent playing such a strong role, supportive and fun role also. Highly recommended also for independent reading. Definitely five stars from our house.”
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)