Beginner’s Pluck: Ellen Ryan on her latest book on Irish mythology
Ellen Ryan: 'Irish history, and historical novels in particular gave me a sense of my culture and identity.'
Ellen’s interest in Irish history and mythology started young.
“From age 10, I wanted to be a writer. Irish history, and historical novels in particular gave me a sense of my culture and identity. I was grateful to writers like Walter Macken and Marita Conlon McKenna, and wanted to contribute something to Irish culture.”
After studying journalism, and having an internship with Indeopendent Newspapers, Ellen turned to PR.
“I moved up the ranks, then, after taking an MA in Business, developed myself into a management role. Then I went Freelance. I had some great clients and was earning well.”
This was when Ellen started taking her writing seriously.
“My love of writing and of Irish history and mythology collided.”
Angry that stories of Irish Goddesses were nowhere to be seen, Ellen decided to remedy that, and in, , she told their tales through a contemporary lens. The book won several prestigious awards.
“Writing that book, I realised boys were just as underserved. Gods were shown as mascots of Irish patriotism, but so many were scholars and poets, and in touch with nature. I wanted to write God’s coming of age stories. I wrote the two books, almost, in tandem.”
1985/ in Greystones, but lived in Dundrum from aged three until 16.
Notre Dame, Churchtown; Griffith College, Journalism. University College Dublin, MA in Business.
Greystones.
Husband Ron and daughter Martha, 5.
Fulltime Writer.
I’d be a marine biologist. I love all types of Sealife, and scuba-dived in my 20’s.”
Marita Conlon Mckenna; Derek Landy; Eoin Colfer; Catherine Doyle; Catherine Rundell; Wilkie Collins.
“I’ll stick with Gods and Mythology for children, but in future I’d like to write for adults too.”
“Accept that failure is part of the process. Don’t let it define you or stop you.”
@Ellen_Ryan_Writes
Cas Corach slayed monsters through his intellect; gentle, dark skinned Manannan gained hero status through his love of the sea. Cnú Deroil suffered from dwarfism but was revered for his music.
Absolutely brilliant. These stories challenge modern ideas of heroism.
