Blog

Reading books is quietly becoming one of our most overlooked habits and it's not good news. Real books. Paperbacks. Hardbacks. Ebooks. I've lost count of the number of people who have approached me stating they are "interested in writing a book" but then follow this up with "I don't read books anymore." And yet, they are considering writing one, wanting to become a published author. There is an allure in this status.&nbsp;Let's take a look at recent figures from the US as they paint a depressing picture. In 2022, fewer than half of American adults said they had read a book of any kind, while just 38% had read a novel or collection of short stories. Wow. Looking at longer-term trends, the decline is even more striking. Research analysing more than 236,000 responses to the American Time Use Survey found that the proportion of people reading for pleasure on any given day fell from 28% in 2004 to just 16% in 2023. That's not quite a cliff drop in that period, but it's certainly a hill roll. Downwards.&nbsp;Of course, it's easy to blame super busy lives, smartphone addiction or the endless streaming services, but the causes for this drop and the consequences run deeper than just these three phenomena.&nbsp;I genuinely believe that reading doesn't just entertain us; it strengthens concentration, expands our vocabulary, improves empathy and healing and, very importantly, encourages critical thinking (remember that one?). In a time of constant scrolling and shrinking attention spans (just take a peek at the research on that theme), those benefits have never been more valuable.So, perhaps the real question isn't why people are reading less (there are many, many reasons for this), but more what we're losing as a result. Every book left unopened is a missed opportunity to learn something new, see the world from a different perspective, or simply take a break from the noise. We need each of these to remain mentally healthy. We really should continue to champion books. #books&nbsp;

Reading Books in 2026. A Simple Joy

New EBook Alert'The Author's Blueprint 101: Navigating the Publishing Landscape' by Niall MacGiolla Bhuí, PhD.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-qfo3b53xlhmrw0puzm"><img id="qfo3b53xlhmrw0puzm" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/34Qqc8IPrV1xBWxXcz8PmkPV7ibYPYeR8FT82NxDWo4v9kEHugO4HDDvcRt3bl1V.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/34Qqc8IPrV1xBWxXcz8PmkPV7ibYPYeR8FT82NxDWo4v9kEHugO4HDDvcRt3bl1V.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>The Author's Blueprint 101: Navigating the Publishing Landscape Master the publishing process from manuscript to marketplace.Whether you're writing your first book or preparing to publish your tenth, The Author's Blueprint 101: Navigating the Publishing Landscape is your practical guide to understanding today's publishing world. Drawing on real industry knowledge and experience, Dr Niall MacGiolla Bhuí takes aspiring and established authors through every stage of the publishing journey with clear, actionable advice.Inside, you'll discover how to:Develop a compelling manuscript that stands out Find and refine your unique author voice Prepare your book for publication Understand traditional and self-publishing options Choose the right self-publishing platform Build a memorable author brand Create an effective book marketing strategy Navigate book distribution channels Network with authors and publishing professionals Overcome rejection and industry challenges Stay ahead of publishing trends and changes Celebrate your milestones while building a sustainable writing career Written in an accessible, engaging style, 'The Author's Blueprint 101' removes the mystery from publishing and replaces it with confidence, clarity and practical guidance. Whether your goal is to secure a traditional publishing deal, successfully self-publish, or simply understand how the industry works, this book provides the blueprint to help you achieve it.If you've ever dreamed of seeing your name on the cover of a book, this is where your publishing journey begins.Available to purchase here: <a href="https://buy.stripe.com/9B66oG6ku9Ofbj14SUe7m0b" data-mce-href="https://buy.stripe.com/9B66oG6ku9Ofbj14SUe7m0b" data-mce-selected="inline-boundary">https://buy.stripe.com/9B66oG6ku9Ofbj14SUe7m0b</a>

New Ebook Alert

Cozy fantasy bookstore interior with customers reading and browsing shelves, warm lighting, and comfortable seating throughout the space

Every book begins with a story, but every successful book also begins a journey.<figure id="figure-769ozsbju3mry2p7qn"><img id="769ozsbju3mry2p7qn" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2aP558Jz3lIKZGCBaWlIStuXUaz8Fno5ttq4dZhpyu6CjgmruIUr36LMJGkSu4kZ.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 30% 10%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionX="30%" data-positionY="10%" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>For Fireborn: Crown of Serraphion, that journey no longer ends at the printing press. It is now reaching readers across Ireland, the United Kingdom, Europe and North America, giving fantasy fans around the world the opportunity to discover Cullen Kennedy's epic debut.The newly released availability map highlights just how far the novel has travelled since publication. Beginning in Ireland and expanding internationally, the visual reflects ShadowScript Publication's commitment to ensuring independent authors have access to the same global distribution channels as traditionally published writers.Beginning at Home: Ireland Every publishing journey has to start somewhere, and for Fireborn, that place is Ireland. As an Irish independent publication, it is fitting that Irish readers are the first to welcome the novel. Whether you're a lifelong fantasy enthusiast or looking to support emerging Irish authors, Fireborn: Crown of Serraphion is now available through a growing network of booksellers and online retailers.Launching in Ireland is about more than simply making a book available. It's about celebrating homegrown creativity and demonstrating that independent publishing can compete on an international stage.Reaching Readers Across the United Kingdom The next step sees Fireborn crossing the Irish Sea into the United Kingdom, where readers have access through well-established booksellers and online retailers. The UK has one of the world's strongest fantasy readerships, making it an important market for any new author. With access through recognised bookselling platforms, readers can easily discover and order the novel wherever they are.Expanding Across Europe Fantasy knows no borders, and neither does Fireborn. The book is now available through a number of European booksellers, allowing readers across the continent to experience the world of Seraphion. From Scandinavian retailers to continental European distributors, the novel is continuing to build an international presence. For an independently published fantasy title, this level of accessibility represents an exciting milestone.Crossing the Atlantic The journey doesn't stop in Europe. Readers throughout North America can also discover Fireborn: Crown of Serraphion, opening the door to one of the largest fantasy book markets in the world. With international availability continuing to grow, the world of Seraphion is reaching an ever-expanding audience of readers who enjoy immersive world-building, unforgettable characters and epic adventure.More Than Distribution For many authors, seeing their book available internationally is a dream realised. Behind every listing lies months, often years, of writing, editing, illustration, production and publishing. The availability graphic isn't simply a map of retailers; it is a visual representation of that journey from manuscript to marketplace.It also reflects our belief that independent authors deserve global visibility. By working with international distribution partners, we strive to ensure that great stories are not limited by geography.Join Cullen's Journey Whether you're reading from Ireland, the UK, mainland Europe or North America, Fireborn: Crown of Serraphion is ready to transport you into a richly imagined fantasy world where kingdoms rise and fall, loyalties are tested and legends are forged in fire.This is only the beginning. The world of Serraphion awaits.*Fireborn. Crown of Serraphion by Cullen Kennedy Book Availability &nbsp; <a href="https://www.bookhubpublishing.com/product/fireborn-crown-of-serraphion-isbn-978-1-9191909-4-5/" data-mce-href="https://www.bookhubpublishing.com/product/fireborn-crown-of-serraphion-isbn-978-1-9191909-4-5/">https://www.bookhubpublishing.com/product/fireborn-crown-of-serraphion-isbn-978-1-9191909-4-5/</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://www.omahonys.ie/fireborn-crown-of-serraphion-p-10641244.html" data-mce-href="https://www.omahonys.ie/fireborn-crown-of-serraphion-p-10641244.html">https://www.omahonys.ie/fireborn-crown-of-serraphion-p-10641244.html</a> &nbsp; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1919190945?lv=shuf&amp;channelId=500&amp;plpRedirect=mhFallback" data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/1919190945?lv=shuf&amp;channelId=500&amp;plpRedirect=mhFallback">https://www.amazon.com/dp/1919190945?lv=shuf&amp;channelId=500&amp;plpRedirect=mhFallback</a> &nbsp; <a href="https://books.google.ie/books/about/Fireborn_Crown_of_Serraphion.html?id=-4-o0QEACAAJ&amp;redir_esc=y" data-mce-href="https://books.google.ie/books/about/Fireborn_Crown_of_Serraphion.html?id=-4-o0QEACAAJ&amp;redir_esc=y">https://books.google.ie/books/about/Fireborn_Crown_of_Serraphion.html?id=-4-o0QEACAAJ&amp;redir_esc=y</a> &nbsp; <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G67P1KF1?lv=shuf&amp;channelId=500&amp;plpRedirect=mhFallback" data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G67P1KF1?lv=shuf&amp;channelId=500&amp;plpRedirect=mhFallback">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G67P1KF1?lv=shuf&amp;channelId=500&amp;plpRedirect=mhFallback</a> &nbsp; <a href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/11087626414" data-mce-href="https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/11087626414">https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/11087626414</a> &nbsp; <a href="https://www.thenile.com.au/books/cullen-kennedy/fireborn/9781919190945?srsltid=AfmBOoq6q2tjoy9QJHvDdID7tXaXMdyQ5EA3SgSSs3XgL3TpwEAZrYno" data-mce-href="https://www.thenile.com.au/books/cullen-kennedy/fireborn/9781919190945?srsltid=AfmBOoq6q2tjoy9QJHvDdID7tXaXMdyQ5EA3SgSSs3XgL3TpwEAZrYno">https://www.thenile.com.au/books/cullen-kennedy/fireborn/9781919190945?srsltid=AfmBOoq6q2tjoy9QJHvDdID7tXaXMdyQ5EA3SgSSs3XgL3TpwEAZrYno</a> &nbsp; <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fireborn-crown-of-serraphion-cullen-kennedy/1148687288?terms=free-shipping" data-mce-href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fireborn-crown-of-serraphion-cullen-kennedy/1148687288?terms=free-shipping">https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/fireborn-crown-of-serraphion-cullen-kennedy/1148687288?terms=free-shipping</a> &nbsp; <a href="https://www.strandbooks.com/fireborn-crown-of-serraphion-9781919190945.html" data-mce-href="https://www.strandbooks.com/fireborn-crown-of-serraphion-9781919190945.html">https://www.strandbooks.com/fireborn-crown-of-serraphion-9781919190945.html</a> &nbsp; <a href="https://www.ibs.it/fireborn-crown-of-serraphion-libro-inglese-cullen-kennedy/e/9781919190945?srsltid=AfmBOopBzgrZCLmXt2a4CVaZxKnTlTcsnu2yEPhtSu6Xs9JRmdyAKqZP" data-mce-href="https://www.ibs.it/fireborn-crown-of-serraphion-libro-inglese-cullen-kennedy/e/9781919190945?srsltid=AfmBOopBzgrZCLmXt2a4CVaZxKnTlTcsnu2yEPhtSu6Xs9JRmdyAKqZP">https://www.ibs.it/fireborn-crown-of-serraphion-libro-inglese-cullen-kennedy/e/9781919190945?srsltid=AfmBOopBzgrZCLmXt2a4CVaZxKnTlTcsnu2yEPhtSu6Xs9JRmdyAKqZP</a> &nbsp; <a href="https://www.amazon.in/Fireborn-Crown-Serraphion-Cullen-Kennedy/dp/1919190945" data-mce-href="https://www.amazon.in/Fireborn-Crown-Serraphion-Cullen-Kennedy/dp/1919190945">https://www.amazon.in/Fireborn-Crown-Serraphion-Cullen-Kennedy/dp/1919190945</a> &nbsp; <a href="https://www.adlibris.com/sv/bok/fireborn-9781919190945" data-mce-href="https://www.adlibris.com/sv/bok/fireborn-9781919190945">https://www.adlibris.com/sv/bok/fireborn-9781919190945</a> &nbsp; &nbsp;

Discover Cullen Kennedy's Epic Debut.

Editor's hands annotating manuscript pages with red pen, close-up of editorial marks on printed document at wooden desk

I had breakfast with an international friend over the weekend and we chatted about the current state of authorship and global publishing. We agreed there’s no doubt that artificial intelligence has completely transformed the way books are now researched, planned and written and that AI can speed up workflows, overcome writer's block and improve productivity. And, that it should enhance human creativity, not replace it. A thorny issue arose. Who actually owns the copyright in an AI-generated book?&nbsp;*Time for a disclaimer, I'm not a lawyer and only expressing an opinion.&nbsp;In the United States, the Copyright Office has made its position clear. Works created entirely by AI, without sufficient human creative input, are generally not protected by copyright. Ireland has not taken this position as there is currently no Irish legislation that specifically states whether wholly AI-generated text qualifies for full copyright protection. Instead, copyright continues to be governed by the Copyright and Related Rights Act (2000), which is built on the long-established principle that copyright protects original human intellectual creation. Across the European Union, including Ireland, the law still assumes that copyright arises from human creativity rather than machine-generated output and that leaves authors operating in something of a legal grey area.Now, imagine you've written a business book using AI. Your name is on the cover. You use it to build credibility, attract clients and establish yourself as an expert as many people do. But if much of the content was generated by AI with only minimal editing, questions could legitimately arise over whether the finished work attracts the same level of copyright protection as a traditionally written book (and, for now, I'm completely ignoring the moral arguments). Irish courts have not yet provided definitive guidance on this issue, meaning no one can say with complete certainty where exactly the legal boundary lies.Perhaps the real copyright value comes from the creative decisions you make afterwards when you rewrite the text in your own words; develop your own arguments; include your personal experiences and expertise; change the structure and refine the tone and style. In this, you are creating something that more reflects your own intellectual (human) effort. That human contribution is far more likely to attract copyright protection under Irish and European law.The legal landscape surrounding AI and copyright continues to evolve across Europe. Alongside existing copyright law, the EU AI Act is introducing new obligations around transparency and the responsible use of AI, although it does not itself determine who owns copyright in AI-generated works.&nbsp;For Irish authors, the practical advice is simple: If your name is going on the cover, make sure your creative contribution is unmistakable and that readers are buying your ideas, your experience and your voice.&nbsp;©Niall MacGiolla Bhuí, PhD (July, 2026).&nbsp;

AI and Copyright

Customer's hands browsing books on wooden shelf with natural light highlighting diverse literary selections

Book Review of 'Undelivered: Fertility, Miscarriage, and My Journey to Self-Compassion by Laura Doyle. 'Undelivered' is a raw, unflinching memoir that fills a crucial gap in conversations around fertility struggles and pregnancy loss and is a beacon for anyone navigating the silent grief that so many experience but few discuss openly. I commenced reading this book with some trepidation as I was aware it deals with complex subject matter. But, this is handled so well and, my goodness, but Laura uses humour with great instinct! At its heart, this book is a call to compassion, both for others and, importantly, for ourselves. Doyle tackles a subject that Irish society still pushes into the shadows, speaking candidly about the emotional, mental, and physical toll of trying to conceive, experiencing miscarriage, and ultimately, finding peace. She doesn't shy away from the messy realities: the obsessive charting, the invasive medical procedures, the quiet desperation, and the bone-deep isolation that accompanies these struggles. Her narrative serves as both validation and lifeline for readers enduring similar journeys. I found Doyle's honesty to be disarming. She writes with vulnerability about her anxiety, depression, and even suicidal ideation. Struggles that emerged not from inherent mental illness but from a profound lack of support when she needed it most. Rather than presenting a sanitised version of events, she reveals how betrayed she felt by healthcare systems, unsupportive friends, and even well-meaning family members who simply didn't know how to respond to her. This authenticity is powerful because it validates what countless others have felt but perhaps never voiced. The book also offers practical insights alongside emotional depth. Doyle documents her steep learning curve around ovulation tracking, fertility testing, supplement regimens, and the overwhelming amount of conflicting information available online. Readers gain not just her emotional journey but a window into the actual day-to-day obsessions that consume those trying to conceive. The apps, the pregnancy tests hidden in bedside lockers, the careful examination of cervical mucus. This specificity makes the book resonate as genuinely lived experience rather than abstract reflection. The pacing works well, moving from confusion and desperate searching toward clarity and self-compassion. Doyle's reflection on her relationship with her husband, Mel, is particularly moving. His quiet support despite his own uncertainty models the kind of partnership many people desperately need during crisis. The book's message that this isn't a "pity story" but rather a conversation starter is important; she acknowledges that her experience, while painful, is milder than what many others endure, and she approaches that truth with genuine humility. The dedication and acknowledgments are deeply moving, mentioning both Dylan, the miscarried baby, and Mila, the daughter who eventually came, while also recognising the role of her bereavement counsellor and support network. This book is essential for anyone who has experienced miscarriage, infertility, or pregnancy loss. It's equally valuable for partners, family members, friends, and healthcare providers who want to understand what such experiences actually feel like. Beyond that, it's a compelling read for anyone interested in examining how our society handles grief, particularly the "acceptable" and "unacceptable" forms of it. While the emotional rawness is largely a strength, some readers may find the repeated detailing of disappointments emotionally draining. However, this intensity is arguably necessary to convey the cumulative psychological impact of the journey. The book's frank discussion of bodily functions and sex may not suit all readers, but Doyle addresses this clearly in her prologue, respecting those who choose not to engage. Undelivered is an important book that deserves a wide audience. Doyle has given voice to an experience that desperately needs visibility and compassion. She writes not as an expert but as a survivor, and that distinction gives her words their power. This is a book that will sit with readers long after they finish offering comfort, understanding, and the profound reassurance that they are not alone. In breaking her silence, Doyle has created space for others to do the same. Highly recommended for anyone touched by fertility struggles, miscarriage, or the complex grief that surrounds unmet hopes for parenthood. - Karen Gallen, Book Reviewer (July, 2026)

Book Review of 'Undelivered: Fertility, Miscarriage, and My Journey to Self-Compassion'.

Artist's hands painting on canvas with rich colors in community workshop with art supplies and materials nearby

It has often occurred to me there is something profoundly un-Irish about the modern imagination of death. We have inherited a figure in a black cloak carrying a sharpened scythe, arriving only to sever life from the living. Death is abrupt. Violent. A thief in the night. But that was never entirely our story. And it still is not so.Before Christianity wrapped Ireland in heaven and hell, our ancestors lived beside death rather than against it and this is a profound difference. Indeed, I've just co-edited a book of Irish phrases titled 'Mar a Deirtear' that speak to such linguistic delights.For centuries, the veil between worlds was thin. The dead were not gone; they lingered in place names, in fairy forts, in hawthorn trees that no sensible farmer would dare cut (we have one in our back garden I am fearful to cut even now!). At Samhain, the boundaries dissolved entirely. Fires were lit not simply to keep evil away, but to welcome those who had gone before. Death was not an ending so much as a crossing.<figure id="figure-iovqhs3qdgmrdwgm21"><img id="iovqhs3qdgmrdwgm21" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2fWXvSNiwRHFBshGdefZSamc1eItu8jmDjPergLQbV37w6mfKJeNtrVfENeZx4qt.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2fWXvSNiwRHFBshGdefZSamc1eItu8jmDjPergLQbV37w6mfKJeNtrVfENeZx4qt.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>So, it is perhaps for that reason that Hugo Simberg's (1873-1917) painting feels strangely familiar to me, despite emerging from Finland rather than Ireland. It is, quite simply, breathtaking in its original take on life and death.His reapers do not harvest souls. They cultivate life. Bent over flowerbeds with watering cans and patient hands, they tend fragile things with the quiet concentration of old gardeners. There is no menace in them. No urgency. No cruelty. They neither pursue nor threaten. They simply care. It overturns centuries of iconography in a single image. Wow! Perhaps death is not the executioner we all imagined, but the keeper of an entirely different garden for us all. That's comforting.Irish folklore offers echoes of this gentler understanding. The Bean Sí, so often mistranslated as a murderous omen, does not kill. Instead, she mourns and her cry announces that the natural order is unfolding. She is less executioner than witness. Likewise, Donn, the ancient god associated with the dead, gathers souls not for punishment, but to the House of Donn, where journeys continue beyond mortal sight. Even the sídhe, the hollow hills beneath which the Otherworld rests, are described not as places of terror, but of abundance, youth and perpetual spring. The dead, in Irish thought, were rarely imagined as extinguished. They had simply changed address.Simberg seems to understand something similar. Every gardener knows that pruning is not destruction and that seeds disappear beneath dark soil before they eventually become forests. Autumn strips branches bare only so spring can begin its patient work again. Decay is not the opposite of life; it is one of life's oldest collaborators.Perhaps that is why the reapers wear black. Not because they belong to death, but because they understand its solemnity. Anyone entrusted with tending the threshold between worlds would surely carry themselves with quiet dignity. There is no triumph in their work. No delight in endings. Only care.It is a startling inversion. What if death kneels beside us more often than it stands over us? What if the hand we fear is, in truth, the hand that gently transplants? Anyone who lives with a gardener (As I do) knows the affection with which they tend their grass, plants, shrubs and trees.Our ancestors might not have found that idea particularly strange. They buried their loved ones facing landscapes they knew, believing that the relationship between the living and the dead endured. Holy wells became places where both worlds almost touched. Ancient yew trees grew in churchyards because they outlived generations, their roots drinking from the same earth that received the departed. Time itself seemed circular rather than linear. Nothing truly vanished. Everything returned.I feel there is a humility in Simberg's painting that modern culture often lacks. We speak of losing the battle against death, as though mortality were a military defeat rather than the oldest rhythm in nature. We sanitise it, postpone conversations about it, hide it behind hospital curtains and polished coffins.Yet every Irish field tells another story. Grass grows from the soil enriched by what came before. Stone walls stand because countless unnamed hands laid them. The landscape itself is an inheritance from the dead.Perhaps they have been gardening all along. And, the older I get, the more I find that thought oddly comforting. Not because it softens grief. I'm well aware nothing truly can, but because it restores purpose to what often feels senseless. If there truly is another garden beyond our seeing, perhaps it requires patient keepers and gardners. Perhaps every ending is also an act of beloved cultivation. Perhaps the hands we dread are not waiting to reap us in violence, but to tend us with the same quiet care that these skeletal gardeners offer to their flowers.In a globalised, postmodern world, It is a thoroughly pagan thought. And a rebellious one. And, I suspect, an ancient Irish one too that our ancestors would appreciate.© Niall MacGiolla Bhuí, PhD (July 2026).&nbsp;

The ShadowScript Group

Blog

Reading Books in 2026. A Simple Joy

New Ebook Alert

Discover Cullen Kennedy's Epic Debut.

AI and Copyright

Book Review of 'Undelivered: Fertility, Miscarriage, and ...

Hugo Simberg, the Grim Reaper and the Irish