3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Why this rising Tipperary children's author means business as she juggles hectic work-life balance with a passion for writing
At her home near Fethard and Cashel, Julie has taken the plunge into becoming an author and a picture book writer with a passion for creating stories full of humour, heart, and unforgettable characters.
Her first two books, Reuben's Hunt For A Home, and The Coolest Pet are on sale in local bookshops and online, and she is looking forward to launching Mia and the Midnight Quest later this year.
What was a hobby has grown into a passion and labour of love. In 2024, three of her picture books were longlisted in prestigious UK competitions, a testament to her dedication to the craft.
'I've been writing the books over the past five years or so,' said Julie, a former student of the Ursuline Secondary School in Thurles.
With a degree in Business from University of Limerick, a PhD in economics and over 15 years experience in industry and academia including with Bank of Ireland, Julie returned home from Dublin to Tipperary and now works for Eolas Money, a financial consultancy firm based in Clonmel.
Attending a Women in Business event in Dromoland Castle last November, Julie was inspired to delve into the creative world of self-publishing children's literature after hearing talks by speakers Elaine Treacy and Aimee Connolly. 'I came away thinking, I'm going to do something with these books,' said Julie.
Julie made her picture book debut with the heart-warming Reuben's Hunt for a Home, a tale brimming with adventure and charm. Her books are on sale at her website, while another is coming soon, titled Mia and the Midnight Quest.
'There's a huge investment in it,' she says. 'Children's picture books are more expensive, because you have to get illustrators on board. I'm very lucky with the illustrators I've been able to find.'
Having the books longlisted in the UK gave her the confidence boost to keep going. Her four children, aged eight, seven, six, and four, along with young nieces and nephews, keep her young at heart.
'We would all have been encouraged at home to read,' says Julie, whose books are available in local bookshops, The Bookworm and Eason in Thurles, The Winding Stair in Dublin, and online at Amazon. Being an independent writer and getting the books distributed is a challenge, with the next book launch possibly in September.
Reuben's Hunt For A Home tells the story of Reuben the little frog whose beloved home dries up under a blazing sun, after which he sets off on a journey to find a new one. The Coolest Pet centres on Clancy, who has everything a kid could want, piles of toys, shelves of gadgets, but what he really wants is the perfect pet.
And coming soon is Mia and The Midnight Quest – with courage in her heart and new friends by her side, Mia discovers that sometimes the scariest adventures lead to the most magical discoveries.
Julie says Reuben could be her favourite, and the illustrations are 'gorgeous'. The Coolest Pet was illustrated by Ukrainian artist Ira Baykovska.
Having attended a course in the UK, Julie says she knows what a good picture book should look like. 'I wouldn't let it out unless I thought it was spot on. I love it. If I get any time at all, I'd grab my laptop and I would be working on bits and pieces. I want to continue doing it.
"The Local Enterprise Office has assigned me a mentor to try and help me work out my distribution network and get them out to a wider audience.'
The books would make the perfect birthday present or a Christmas stocking filler for your little avid reader, added Julie.
