New book by Wicklow writers' group has stories and poems ‘that will break your heart'
The anthology also features photographs by Bray Camera Club, many of them local scenes, including the book's cover shot of Bray Head at sunrise.
The stories and poems range from a memoir of a life in Northern Ireland during The Troubles, to tales of family grievances and sliding door moments that change lives forever.
Founder of the group, Mairead De Bhal, believes there is something for every taste.
'The great thing about an anthology of different writers is that it will inevitably capture a full range of emotions,' she said. 'We have stories that will raise a smile next to poems that will break your heart.'
Alice Sheridan, a former journalist and magazine publisher, joined Sea Scribes to develop her fiction and contributes four short stories to the book.
She commented, 'There's a big difference between journalism and creative writing, and I relished the opportunity to focus on my fiction, especially when I knew it was supporting such a good cause as the RNLI.'
Barbara Murphy was one of the first to join the group, a Bray resident who has been involved with local writing initiatives for many years.
'It's a great way to develop your skills with like-minded people who share ideas and give constructive feedback. I'm delighted to be involved with the book,' she said.
Another of the writers, Tadg Paul, rediscovered a passion for poetry after an injury left him hospitalised for almost a year.
'I wrote a lot when I was younger and have come back to it with a new enthusiasm, thanks in part to SeaScribes and my involvement in the book,' he said.
Other contributors are Lesley Smith, Thomas McMahon, Naoimh O'Connor and Ian Campbell.
Cargo Of The Soul is available to buy on Amazon.ie and all profits go to the RNLI. The authors will be reading extracts from the book in Greystones Library on Saturday, July 12 at 3pm.
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