Carlow author reveals how a strange encounter in local town inspired her new book
Sara Sheeran from Carlow reveals how an encounter in Clonegal inspired her to write her second book
An author from Carlow has recently released her second book, The Way Through the Woods.
Sara Sheeran, born in North London but who has lived most of her life in Carlow, says inspiration for her book came initially from a visit to Huntington Castle in Clonegal many years ago where she was approached by a woman who asked if she was there for the ceremony.
Sara said 'no' and then watched as the woman, accompanied by a man in full Egyptian pharaoh regalia, disappeared through a gap in the hedge.
'At that moment a seed for a story was sown,' Sara says. “And I've always regretted not saying yes. I wonder what went on at that ceremony? I incorporated this mystery in The Way Through the Woods, but you'll have to read the book to find out more!”.
Sara says her love of nature also influenced the book and is reflected in the story.
“I love getting outside - a walk in the countryside, in the woods, doing a spot of gardening - I find it very calming. I wanted to include this in the story, the importance of nature,' Sara explained.
“The rhythms of nature, the changing seasons, and nature's healing properties play an important role. The story is structured around the seasons and in fact much of events take place in a wood”.
Sara also explained that the 'way' in the title refers not just to a physical path in a wood but also to a spiritual path that the main character Brigid finds there in her time of need, a spiritual path that has its roots firmly in Ireland's folklore and heritage.
“In the book Brigid has started wandering into the woods that border her family home, returning with stories of the old ways and meetings with a goddess. Her family are worried but the doctors assure the that it is all part of Brigid's illness - she is just hallucinating, none of it is real,' Sara explains.
“But how do we know for sure what is real and what is not? That idea is a theme that runs through the story - is Brigid hallucinating or is she really meeting someone? And more importantly will her encounters with the goddess - real or otherwise - be of help?”.
The Way Through the Woods is published by Blossom Spring and is available to buy from Amazon.