A 12-year-old girl, whose debut novel has just been published, is donating the profits from her work to Down Syndrome Ireland (via the Tour de Munster), in honour of her brother.
Fiona Buckley, from Macroom, Co Cork, wrote Better than Gold, the story of a young girl and her family during the Famine, last summer. It was picked up by publisher, Emu Ink, and officially launched by singer-songwriter John Spillane.
Fiona’s brother, John (8), has Down Syndrome and receives enormous support from the charity, which inspired the generous move.
Fiona said: “I am so happy to have my book in my hands. It’s been a great experience writing it, but I can’t believe I’m a published author. My little brother is very important to me and it’s great to be able to give something back in honour of the great support he receives from DSI.”
Founder and publisher of Emu Ink, Emer Cleary, said: “It isn’t rare to find talented young writers; what is rare is to find talented young writers with such a passion for, and dedication to the written word that they can turn their ideas into books. What’s further impressive about Fiona is that she had the compassion to thank a charity close to her family’s heart, by donating the profits of her work to it.
“Better than Gold is a fantastic read, which displays a wisdom and foresight beyond this young writer’s years.”
Better than Gold is available to purchase in paperback, eBook and to rent digitally, from Emu Ink, Ireland’s first online library for new Irish writers. The independent publishing house allows each of its titles to be rented, digitally, as well as bought in eBook and paperback formats. For more information log on to emuink.ie
