Kildare author's novel themed on child homelessness and Celtic mythology

A Kildare author has just published her debut fantasy adventure novel based on the twin themes of Irish mythology and the very real concerns of child homelessness in Ireland.

'Stone Seekers' by Deirdre Johnson from Clane tells the story of an Irish family stuck in homelessness and the adventures of a little girl trying to escape her harsh reality.

During the girl's adventures around Ireland, she encounters numerous Irish mythical figures – including St Brigid – who guide her on her quest to finding special stones she needs to complete her mission.

Deirdre says: “She goes on an adventure and she has to go all around Ireland and get these lights that are hidden in stones, so it's called 'Stone Seekers', so it's kind of based in Irish mythology and the real world.

“I heard one of the statistics from Focus Ireland a couple of years ago that some children in homelessness weren't growing properly that were in these hotel rooms. There were two little girls in one particular case that really hit me, and their whole playroom was in between two beds. I could picture them creating this wonderful world, so that's what I did.”

As part of her day-time work, Deirdre carries out internet safety training in schools, so that she believes she is very much 'clued-in' to the workings of children. She also works for the National Parents Council, where she carries out training with parents on issues such as mental health and anti-bullying.

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Speaking of child homelessness, Deirdre says: “With the numbers that are in the media now, it's getting ridiculous, the amount of children that are put into hotels and things, so that's really what I was trying to highlight.

"But it's not a harrowing story, I don't focus on the homelessness piece on it, I focus on the adventure and there's mythical creatures helping them find these stones.”

Deirdre is donating 10% of the profits for 'Stone Seekers' to Focus Ireland.

'Stone Seekers' is available from Amazon and from Bob and Kate's Gift and Home store in Clane.