Some books are like a profiterole – one gobble and they’re gone.

But this is not the case with Cork author William Wall’s latest offering, Writers Anonymous, a multi- layered thriller more akin to a mille-feuille, a deliciously layered confection to be savoured with a coffee.

Set during the covid pandemic in an imagined West Cork location, loosely based on Schull with the Fastnet Rock in the background, this page-turning thriller brings the reader right back to those unsettling days, to a time when the sale of masks soared as lipstick sales plunged.

But this is so much more than a thriller set during the covid era.

The emotional resonance of those days, the fear, uncertainty and anxiety is also central to the plot, as well as being palpable to the reader.

The story unfolds with a lightness of touch and wonderful linguistic compression giving rise to many moments of humour as well as an urgency to know what happens next.

The tale unfolds around the character of Jim Winter, an acclaimed author, who, finding himself fighting off the boredom of lockdown, decides to share his skills by setting up an anonymous online writing group.

Each participant, hiding their true identities from behind a computer screen, sends him chapters of their work-in-progress over the weeks. Right from the start, the writing of one group member, a woman calling herself Deirdre, stands out head and shoulders above the rest.

Her book within the book is set in the summer of 1980 in a West Cork fishing village where the body of 17-year -old Mattie Lantry is found murdered in the local cemetery.

To Jim’s great horror, as more and more of Deirdre’s chapters arrive for him to read, he realises that her ‘novel’ is actually set in a time and a place which he himself knows well, and set in the actual village where he grew up.

Deirdre’s writing exactly describes his own schoolfriends, and to his astonishment, he reads about one character which describes even himself. He finds this realisation incredibly unsettling, and one which shakes him to the core.

Jim knew Mattie Lantry well, whose murder is described in Deirdre’s book. He remembers a friendly neuro-divergent lad who lived with his grandfather.

Among his many gifts, Mattie enjoyed reading the Encyclopaedia Britannica, recalling every single detail of what he read.

Sadly, as often happens in real- life his uniqueness made him a target for the local bullies, and his fate was to be tragically murdered at the tender age of 17, but who did it?

As Deirdre’s story unfolds, Jim becomes increasingly more disturbed, wondering who this woman could really be and how she could know so much about his past and Mattie’s story.

He feels almost on the verge of paranoia, thinking that she surely knows him, while he is none the wiser as she hides behind the anonymity of the computer screen.

What is her motivation to slowly prise the lid off a huge Pandora’s box, ready to expose a secret which he had hoped would never, ever be revealed, one which he had worked all of his life to repress?

Jim finds himself needing nerves of steel to pretend that he does not suspect anything in order for her to keep feeding him her story. He is compelled to figure out who she really is, and how much she really knows about Mattie’s murder.

During a reprieve in the pandemic restrictions, Jim decides to visit his holiday home in the fishing village where he grew up and where Deirdre’s story unfolds, so he heads off with his wife Catherine on a quest to unearth the truth of who the anonymous writer can be.

“Nothing’s impossible on the internet,” remarks Catherine at one point, and indeed this observation is ever more pertinent to this day.

The masking and hiding behind screens is a feature of modern life, and a particular tool of choice for bullies, and this was seeded to a large degree during the pandemic.

“I think the far right gained traction during the pandemic, starting with the mistrust of science, and being able to hide behind a computer screen gave an added impetus to their hate-filled attitudes,” author William Wall tells me, from his base in Italy, where he was when the pandemic first started five years ago. It was such a strange time. As soon as I began to hear the reports on the news, I knew that we had to get back to Cork as soon as possible.” he recalled.

“We quickly packed up our home here, and travelling through Italy by train to catch the plane in Rome was one of the eeriest moments I have ever lived through.

“The normally crowded trains were empty and the usually crowded streets of Rome were deserted. We were lucky that we got home to Cork just a few days before lockdown.

“I started writing this novel during that time and my research took me to reading about previous plagues.

“It helped to reassure me that contact tracing and lockdowns actually really worked when I read about how Italy had managed to curb the spread of infection as far back as 1630 when a plague hit.”

In Florence, they thought that the plague was as a result of ‘foul air’, so they cleaned up the sewers and septic tanks, and eventually tracked the origin of the plague to a chicken seller that came to the city, so they kept up the contact tracing and isolating people in their homes.

They provided food for the people and thus the poor in Florence were better fed during the plague than they usually were.

“In Milan, where they didn’t use contact tracing or isolation, the incidence of infection was 46% compared to Florence, which was only 12%, proving that those methods actually worked.” William said.

Writers Anonymous is brimming with these juicy pieces of historical detail, making it a very stimulating read, as the character of Jim Winter goes on his own trajectory of exploration as well as trying to unmask the mysterious character of Deirdre who knows way too much about him.

Whatever else he does, Jim must not let his own mask slip.

Writers Anonymous, by William Wall, will be launched in Cork City Library, as part of Cork World Books Fest, with an introduction by Liam Ronayne, on Tuesday, April 22, at 8.30pm. Entry free.

date:2025-04-15 06:23:00

Cork Author Unveils New Book Inspired by Pandemic Life

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Cork Author Unveils New Book Inspired by Pandemic Life

The literary landscape of Cork is buzzing wiht excitement as a local author prepares to launch their highly anticipated new book. Written during the unprecedented times of the recent pandemic, this book promises to offer a unique adn insightful perspective on resilience, connection, and the human spirit.

A story Born from Isolation: “Echoes of the Unspoken”

“Echoes of the Unspoken,” the title of this new work,delves into the lives of several characters whose paths intertwine unexpectedly during a period of global crisis. The author masterfully weaves together stories of love, loss, and hope, exploring how individuals find strength in the face of adversity. Readers can expect a deeply moving and thought-provoking narrative that will resonate long after the final page is turned. Early reviewers are calling it “a testament to the power of human connection” and “a must-read for anyone seeking solace and inspiration in these challenging times.”

Inspiration Behind the Book: A Cork Perspective

The author, a long-time resident of Cork, drew inspiration from the experiences of their community during the pandemic. The close-knit nature of Cork city and county provided a rich tapestry of stories,from acts of kindness and neighborly support to the struggles and anxieties faced by individuals and families. The book is not just a reflection of the pandemic experience but also a festivity of the resilience and spirit of the Cork people.

Pandemic’s Influence on creativity

The pandemic, with its lockdowns and restrictions, presented both challenges and opportunities for creative individuals.The author found that the enforced isolation provided a space for introspection and focused writing. The absence of external distractions allowed them to delve deeper into the characters and themes, resulting in a more nuanced and profound narrative.

Increased Focus: Less social commitments allowed for concentrated writing periods.
Emotional Depth: The shared experience of anxiety and uncertainty fueled emotional resonance in the writing.
Community Observation: Observing the community’s response to the crisis provided real-life inspiration.

Themes Explored in “Echoes of the Unspoken”

While the pandemic serves as the backdrop, “Echoes of the Unspoken” explores a range of worldwide themes that are relevant beyond the context of the crisis.

The Importance of Connection: The book highlights the vital role of human connection in maintaining mental and emotional well-being.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity: It celebrates the capacity of individuals to overcome challenges and find strength in arduous times.
The Power of Empathy: The narrative emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting one another.
finding Hope in Darkness: The book offers a message of hope and optimism, even in the midst of despair.

Behind the Scenes: The Writing Process

Writing a book is never an easy feat,and the pandemic presented unique obstacles for the author. From homeschooling children to dealing with personal anxieties, the writing process was fraught with challenges. Though,the author persevered,finding solace and motivation in the act of storytelling.

Practical Tips for Aspiring writers During challenging Times:

Establish a Routine: Create a dedicated writing schedule and stick to it as much as possible.
Find a quiet Space: Designate a specific area for writing where you can minimize distractions.
set realistic Goals: break down the writing process into smaller, manageable tasks.
connect with Other Writers: Join a writing group or online community for support and encouragement.
Practice self-Care: Prioritize your mental and physical health to avoid burnout.

“Echoes of the Unspoken”: A Table of Characters

The interconnectedness of characters is a key element in “Echoes of the Unspoken.” Here’s a brief look at some of the individuals you’ll meet:

Main Characters at a Glance
Character	Occupation	Main Struggle
Sarah	Nurse	Balancing work and family
Michael	Retired Teacher	Loneliness and isolation
Aoife	Small Business Owner	Surviving economic hardship
Daniel	Student	Navigating online learning and mental health

Cork’s Literary Scene: A Thriving Community

Cork boasts a vibrant and thriving literary scene, with numerous writers, poets, and storytellers calling the city and county home. The city’s rich history and cultural heritage provide a fertile ground for creativity, and the local community actively supports and promotes literary arts. The launch of “Echoes of the Unspoken” is a testament to the strength and resilience of Cork’s literary community, even in the face of adversity.

Benefits of Supporting Local Authors:

Promotes Local Talent: Investing in local authors helps to sustain the literary arts within the community.
Preserves Cultural Heritage: Local stories reflect the unique experiences and perspectives of the region.
Creates Economic Opportunities: Supporting local businesses,including authors contributes to the local economy.
Fosters Community engagement: Literary events and book clubs provide opportunities for people to connect and share ideas.

Frist-Hand Experience: A Reader’s Perspective

Early readers of “echoes of the Unspoken” have praised the book’s emotional depth, compelling characters, and timely themes. One early reviewer,a book club member from Douglas,Cork,shared their thoughts:

"I was deeply moved by ‘Echoes of the Unspoken.’ The author captured the essence of what it was like to live through the pandemic in Cork. The characters felt so real,and I could relate to their struggles and triumphs. It’s a book that will stay with me for a long time."

The Book Launch: A Celebration of Cork Literature

The official book launch of “Echoes of the Unspoken” promises to be a memorable event, celebrating the author’s achievement and the vibrant literary community of Cork. the event will feature readings from the book, a Q&A session with the author, and book signings.It’s an prospect for readers to connect with the author and fellow book lovers, and to celebrate the power of storytelling.

Availability of “Echoes of the Unspoken”

“Echoes of the Unspoken” will be available for purchase both online and in select bookstores throughout Cork and beyond. Readers can find the book on popular online platforms such as Amazon and Waterstones. Support your local bookstore by inquiring about the book’s availability or requesting a special order. The book will be available in both paperback and e-book formats.

Where to Find “Echoes of the Unspoken”:

Online Retailers: Amazon, Waterstones, etc.
Cork Bookstores: check your local independent bookstores.
Author’s Website: Visit the author’s website for purchase options and signed copies.

Future Projects: what’s Next for the Author?

While “Echoes of the Unspoken” is sure to keep the author busy for the near future, they are already brimming with ideas for their next literary project. The author hinted at exploring historical fiction, set in Cork during a pivotal moment in the city’s past. We eagerly await to see what stories they will bring to life next.

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Cork author on new book penned during pandemic