World Book Day: ‘Ignite your imagination,’ says Islandmagee writer

Islandmagee writer David Moore has published a novel and a collection of short stories and also writes poetry, often in Ulster Scots.
David Moore.David Moore.
David Moore.

Originally from Kilwaughter, he says he is motivated in his writing by memories, by music and sometimes by people and events.

The springboard for his writing was attending a creative writing course at Stranmillis in Belfast and he followed this up by self-publishing a Troubles-based novel called The Abbot and a collection of short stories called In the Lion’s Mouth.

His material ranges from experiences during the Troubles in Northern Ireland to fiction based around the Second World War and to domesticity at home and the sanctuary of a garden shed.

David says he self-publishes because he wants to retain all copyright over his material, and in addition to his published material he has also recently taken place in a number of podcasts for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, including a programme featuring his poetry, marking Ulster Scots Language Week.

He feels that authors face challenges because few younger people are reading books these days, and this is particularly in relation to fiction.

“People’s imaginations need to be fired up and this is not happening with online video or gaming,” he says.

His advice to others in terms of writing is “Just do it – just write! Develop your own style and your own ideas. Be confident and above all else ignite your imagination!”

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