Artists selected for Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde's Live Literature Mentoring Programme!
Four début artists announced as new Mentees for a new fully-funded mentoring programme with Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde.
Launching next month, Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde will welcome four début children’s artists on to the Live Literature Mentorship Programme. Eilish Fisher (Fia and the Last Snow Deer) Isla McGuckin (April’s Garden), Judith McQuoid (Giant) and Molly Harris (The Big Squeeze ) have been announced as the chosen Mentees on this year’s inaugural programme.
The Live Literature Mentoring Programme is a fully-funded programme which aims to support début children’s artists to connect with the wider arts community and develop their live performance practice with guidance from award-winning children’s author and current Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde.
"We are delighted with the quality of the Mentees who have applied for this scheme. These fabulous début authors are already accomplished writers, but performing in front of children is a different skill entirely. I look forward to discussing the challenges of performance with them and helping them to find the best way of presenting their work to young audiences." - Laureate na nÓg, Patricia Forde.
Running until September 2025, artists will learn how best to present themselves and their work to a live audience for schools, libraries and festivals as part of this scheme. Encompassing a range of creative and practical supports, mentor Patricia Forde will host training sessions and live workshops with fellow industry experts so that débuts can confidently conduct live literature performances with young audiences and ensure the continued provision of excellent events for young readers across Ireland in the years to come.
Well known for her live events and stage presence, Mentees are excited to get to work with Laureate na nÓg. Author Molly Harris explained: “Live reading is a part of the publishing experience you don't really think about when you're dreaming up stories on your own, and there isn't a lot of guidance out there about how to develop an event. A picture book takes about 5 minutes to read... and then what?! I feel so lucky to be getting this opportunity so early in my career, with the Laureate na nÓg no less!”
Following the success of her début verse novel Fia and the Last Snow Deer, which won the senior children's category in the 2024 An Post Book Awards, author Eilish Fisher praised the first of its kind scheme: “The launch of this programme is an inspired continuation of that support in our small and mighty community and I am so grateful to be a part of it.”
The Live Literature Mentoring Programme is facilitated by Laureate na nÓg which is an initiative of the Arts Council, Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council said:
“The Arts Council is delighted to support Patricia Forde’s Live Literature Mentoring Programme. Live literature events are a significant way of bringing writers and young readers together. This is a wonderful opportunity for Laureate na nÓg Patricia Forde to share her vast experience as a leader in children’s literature and to encourage, support and inspire a new generation of writers and illustrators."
"Through this important initiative, the four Mentees will gain practical tools and supports and will have a unique opportunity to develop a wide variety of skills and experience to enhance their careers. We congratulate the artists and we wish them a fruitful and rewarding mentorship.”
Throughout the course of this scheme, the selected débuts will be provided with the tools and information to use in classrooms or on stage to help build and manage their live events during their careers. Supports will include professional headshots and an event pitch review from the team at Children’s Books Ireland, as well as attendance at the annual celebration of children’s books, the Children's Books Ireland International Conference which takes place in September 2025.
Eilish Fisher
Eilish Fisher is the author of Fia and the Last Snow Deer, which won the senior children's category in the 2024 An Post Book Awards and was shortlisted for the Book of the Year. She lives in Wicklow with her partner, son and rescue animals.
‘"I am so excited to be chosen for this fantastic opportunity. Being a debut author, surrounded by so many supportive professionals who have been in this world for so many years has been invaluable. The launch of this programme is an inspired continuation of that support in our small and mighty community and I am so grateful to be a part of it."
Fia and the Last Snow Deer written by Eilish Fisher and illustrated by Dermot Flynn was published by Puffin UK in September 2024.
Isla McGuckin
Isla McGuckin is a dreamer and a writer and the proud mother of daughters. Endlessly optimistic, Isla believes that words have the power to open hearts, change minds and make the world a better place. Born and raised in urban Yorkshire, Isla is now based in rural Donegal.
‘"My first pinch-me moment of 2025. I'm kicking off the year being mentored by the actual Laureate na nÓg. Can't wait to glean insights - from the inimitable Patricia Forde - to create fun book events that'll engage and inspire children in Ireland. So exciting!"
April’s Garden written by Isla McGuckin and illustrated by Catalina Echeverri was published by Graffeg Books in August 2023 and was shortlisted for the KPMG Children's Books Ireland Awards in 2024.
Judith McQuoid
Judith McQuoid was born in Belfast but grew up in Texas and England. She took up writing ten years ago when she finally moved home to Ireland. She writes stories to enchant and empower.
"What a privilege to be mentored by the Laureate na nÓg. Very excited!'"
Judith’s début middle grade novel, Giant, will be published by Little Island in March 2025.
Molly Harris
Molly Harris is a children's book author and technical writer who enjoys world traveling, late night snacking, and working on too many projects at once. Originally from Massachusetts, she now lives in Kildare with her husband and two sons.
"Live reading is a part of the publishing experience you don't really think about when you're dreaming up stories on your own, and there isn't a lot of guidance out there about how to develop an event. A picture book takes about 5 minutes to read... and then what?! I feel so lucky to be getting this opportunity so early in my career, with the Laureate na nÓg no less!"
The Big Squeeze written by Molly Harris and illustrated by Alison Hawkins was published by Harper Collins Children in July 2024.
About Laureate na nÓg
Laureate na nÓg is an initiative of the Arts Council. It is managed and delivered on Council’s behalf by Children’s Books Ireland, and also supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, and the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. By honouring an artist of exceptional talent and commitment, Laureate na nÓg champions and celebrates literature for children and young people, inspiring generations of writers, illustrators and readers.
The theme for Patricia Forde’s laureateship, Samhlaigh! Samhlaigh! Making it Up as We Go Along, seeks to spark wild creativity across the country – bringing children and artists together to inspire one another, to imagine new worlds, and most of all, to have fun along the way.
