Headline: Discover Síne Quinn‘s Enchanting Journey in Irish Publishing
Síne Quinn: A Journey from Curious Child to Acclaimed Author
Meet Síne Quinn, a passionate storyteller whose love for books blossomed during her early years in Dublin. Born in 1972, Síne’s journey in the literary world began when she realized her dream of working with books in 1995. Inspired by her cousin’s revelation about the world of editing at Attic Press, Síne set out to transform her childhood passion into a fulfilling career.
Raised in a family that encouraged curiosity and creative exploration, Síne’s fascination with reading evolved into a multifaceted career in publishing that now spans nearly three decades. From her early days in America to her current position as a commissioning editor at Merrion, Síne has made a lasting impact on the literary landscape, particularly in children’s literature.
Early Career and Return to Ireland
After graduating from Trinity College Dublin with a degree in Theology and an MPhil in Children’s Literature, Síne ventured to the United States to explore opportunities in publishing. Her tenure abroad lasted two-and-a-half years, where she gained invaluable experience. Upon her return to Ireland during the Celtic Tiger economic boom, Síne joined several esteemed publishing houses, including O’Brien’s and Veritas, and worked freelance.
Reflecting on her career transitions, Síne notes, "Years later, I set up Beehive, a general interest list with Veritas. I also worked freelance for Gill and directly with authors and agents on reader’s reports." It was in February of this year that she took on the role of commissioning editor for Merrion, further solidifying her commitment to nurturing new literature.
From Editing to Authorship: Síne’s Impact on Children’s Literature
While Síne excelled in editorial roles, her own storytelling ambitions were never far from her mind. In 2015, she embarked on an adventure as a ghostwriter, crafting several books while developing her own ideas. "I always had a few ideas for books. I’d tentatively try things and send bits to friends," she shares.
Síne’s journey into authorship took a significant turn in 2020 when she published Holy Shocking Saints, a project that ignited her imagination and led her to explore the enchanting world of faeries. "The idea of dark faeries followed me around," Síne recalls, suggesting a rich tapestry of folklore that would soon inspire her latest work.
Introducing The Faerie Isle
Síne’s debut illustrated children’s book, The Faerie Isle, showcases her unique voice and passion for Irish folklore. Collaborating with illustrator Dermot Flynn, The Faerie Isle dives into the enchanting world of faeries, detailing 16 different kinds from Irish mythology, including pookas, changelings, faerie cats, and even giants and mermaids.
Available from Walker Books at €16.99 for print and €13.31 for Kindle, the book not only imparts historical facts but also weaves imaginative retellings and new stories that capture the essence of Irish culture. The verdict on The Faerie Isle? "Magical, a book to treasure," promising to enchant readers of all ages.
Síne’s Life Beyond Literature
When not immersed in publishing or writing, Síne enjoys a fulfilling family life in Dublin with her husband, Martin Bradley, their 20-year-old twin sons, Daniel and Benjamin, and a notably "grumpy" dog named Poppy. She also finds solace in nature, noting that her top tips for aspiring writers include "lots of tea, lots of fresh air. Keep a notebook and don’t beat yourself up. Just do what you can."
Her diverse interests extend beyond the written word; as a young child, Síne dreamt of being a tightrope walker after witnessing Fossetts Circus. Today, she continues to encourage creative expression as she runs book clinics for Children’s Books Ireland, helping to foster the next generation of writers.
What Lies Ahead for Síne Quinn?
Currently, Síne is working on her next children’s novel while also researching a non-fiction book. Her literary journey is far from over, and her desire to enrich the lives of young readers remains at the forefront of her mission.
By nurturing a love for literature through her editorial role and her own writing, Síne Quinn exemplifies the impact one individual can have on the literary community. The magic she brings through her storytelling and dedication to cultivating new talent continues to inspire aspiring authors and avid readers alike.
With Síne Quinn’s The Faerie Isle, both children and adults can embark on an enchanting journey through folklore—one that promises to whisper secrets of faeries and ignite the imagination.
We welcome your thoughts on Síne’s journey. What inspires you in the world of literature? Share your comments below!
