In the midst of another lockdown, a new Wexford Publisher has put a call out for people to write novels. Red Books Press based out of Red Books Bookshop in Wexford town is offering to publish a new book in conjunction with NaNoWriMo this year.
“National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMo, is an annual Internet-based creative writing project that takes place during the month of November,” Red Books owner Wally O Neill said. “Participants attempt to write a 50,000-word manuscript between November 1st and November 30th. This year Red Books will offer online prep and motivational advice from published authors, zoom write ins and, most importantly of all, a chance to publish your novel.”
“We launched this project on World Suicide Prevention Day, a seemingly fitting day to launch a venture that we hope can help some frustrated creatives and people struggling with depression. Writing is a medicine for your mind and this creative outlet has been proven to tackle anxiety and stress.”
Mr O Neill said that Red Books Press intends to publish the first run of one of the NaNoWriMo participants this year, covering all the upfront costs. This novel will be chosen by an independent panel at the end of the year and will be published in 2021.
“We firmly believe that creative ventures like writing help to tackle mental health issues and give people the confidence they might be lacking in these uncertain times. We also believe that it’s a terrible time to be any type of creative and many doors have been closed on writers and artists. In fact, its fair to say that many have been locked out.”
“We want people to join our NaNoWriMo Project and be in with a chance to get their novel published next year. Even if you don’t make it this time, they’ll be plenty of other chances to put your work in print and the creation process itself will have untold benefits on participants. To enter PM Red Books on social media or email irishbooks@yahoo.com, or visit Red Books in Wexford's St Peter's Square.”
“We have zero time for elitism in the arts and this process is open, free of charge, to absolutely everyone. Jodi Picoult once said that everyone has at least one book in them, but it doesn’t do any good until you pry it out. There is an underground abundance of writing talent in this County and we’re going to find it.”
In the meantime several new novels are scheduled to launch at Red Books in the coming weeks.
“We're delighted to have the second edition of Daithi Kavanaghs new book, “the Green Wave” coming out after the 1st edition soldout on pre-orders,” Mr O Neill said. “Dan Finn launched his eagerly awaited Sci-Fi novel two weeks ago, and it will be followed by the collective plays of Wexford playwright Eamonn Colfer. ‘The Pirates of the Hook’, a children’s novel from Tom Logan, is also in the pipeline."