Today we’re really excited to be joined by the youngest author we’ve ever featured on this site. Roisin Coyne is a true inspiration – at just 18, she has published her first novel, Mystery Behind the Bookshelf, and achieved her dream of making the bestseller shelf in her local bookshop.
Roisin has autism and was selectively non-verbal, but becoming a novelist has given her such a boost that she now feels able to speak up.
She is using her newfound confidence to encourage other children to believe in themselves and write their own books.
Thank you for joining us, Roisin. When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?
It was a fairly ordinary day in my third year religion class. I was watching Narnia when the idea popped into my head: why don’t I write my own book?
Many kids would have had an idea like this and ignored it. However, I couldn’t ignore my idea. I waited until class was over, then I started to write the first chapter. I was sixteen years old at the time.
Has writing helped you to overcome any difficulties in your life?
I have autism. When I was in primary school I was very quiet and chose not to talk. I was selectively non-verbal and I struggled to communicate verbally. It was just difficult for me.
I love this quote from the introduction to your novel Mystery Behind the Bookshelf: ‘I like to think that literature was my first language and other people were my second. I felt comfort in books before I felt comfort in other people.’ Could you tell us a little about this?
I used to feel lonely in my imaginary world and found it hard to express it to others and show them what it’s like and what I can do with it. Creative writing was my only communication with reality.
How has writing changed your life?
I have spoken up a lot since I wrote my book. It changed my life at the flip of a switch. I used to buy books to read. Now I want to write books for others to enjoy and be inspired by.
Writing helped me gain my confidence and courage. I used to be shy, but now I can talk for Ireland!
Can you tell us how your teachers helped in making your writing dreams come true?
When I emailed my first chapter to [my teacher] Ms Potts, to say she was blown away was an understatement. She was amazed and wanted more so I sent all 21 chapters to her.
Then she asked some students if they would be interested in bringing chapter one to life with illustrations.
Then I sent my book to [another teacher] Mr Whittington and he was impressed and wanted to bring it further to life. He offered to lay out the illustrations and get it ready for publishing.
How did it feel when your novel went to number one in Maynooth Bookshop?
A year and a half ago I pointed to the bestsellers’ bookshelf in Maynooth Bookshop and said to my mom, “One day I would like to see my book on that bookshelf. It would be my dream come true.” Now my dream is a reality.
I feel so happy with my achievements because behind every book there is a writer and a dream.
What would you say to other children or teenagers who love writing but think they are too young to try writing a novel
Age is a limitless possibility.
Just like a disability, there are no limits to what you can do because if you can dream it you can do it!
Mystery Behind the Bookshelf by Roisin Coyne is available for purchase at The Maynooth Bookshop
