Fear of Water Promts Local Author to Write Fantasy Novel
There was a great turn-out at the book launch for Dungarvan’s newest author, S. J. R. Smith at the Dungarvan Library on Wednesday, 28 February. Her first fantasy novel, The Heart of the Caveat Whale, Book One: The Captives, was viewed by a diverse crowd, from young children to the elderly and everyone in between. Rev. Cliff Gregston officiated the ceremony, and the Deputy Mayor was also in attendance. The author read a portion from the novel to the receptive audience, and everyone readily slipped into the fantasy world she created. Many expressed how lovely it was to see so many young children in attendance with an interest in reading.
The author explained that she wrote this novel from her fear of water. The story was also inspired by the St. Stephen’s Day tsunami in 2004. The author responded imaginatively to the grief by writing a story about the under-water people, the aquavians, and the adventures of Shunda, a young aquavian boy who goes in search of his lost tribe and family.
With the growing interest in fantasy novels, it is great to know we have a local author of this genre. This first book in the trilogy, The Heart of the Caveat Whale, is geared toward 14-17 year olds, as well as those who are young at heart, and is available at local bookstores, including Eason’s, De Paor’s and Reader’s Choice. There will also be the opportunity to meet the author and obtain a signed copy of the book at Eason’s, in the Dungarvan Shopping Centre, on April 4th at
This is the first published novel for S. J. R. Smith, who is the coordinator for the Dungarvan Writers’ Group, which meets at Merry’s Pub on Tuesdays at
Article by the members of the Dungarvan Writer’s Group
