Thursday 14 April 2011

Writing for the Teenage Reader

Ré Ó Laighléis in De Valera Public Library, Ennis










Recently, as part of the library's Ten Week 2011 promotion, Dubliner and Ballyvaughan-based author Ré Ó Laighléis delivered a lively and interactive reading for fifty students from Ennis Community College, Gaelcholaiste an Chlair and Colaiste Muire in Ennis at which he spoke about his life as a writer, focusing particularly on writing for an older teenage readership. He gave an insight into the writing of some of his novels, particularly Hooked, his acclaimed and multi-translated contemporary treatment of teenage heroin addiction, and he regaled his audience of teachers and students with stories of how his newly published title for older children, Osama, Obama, Ó, a Mhama! was born. Ré’s session was evidence of putting into practice what all librarians aspire to, that is, to bring libraries to life for young people. The level of interest shown, the questions and the fun and laughter coming from what is usually a quiet library reading space in the library in Ennis on a Thursday morning was testament to this author’s ability to engage one hundred per cent with his audience.

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