Derry's Playhouse to host official book launch of local author's debut fantasy novel

A story born in a Russian police station has become Moville woman Anne Canavan’s brilliant new young adult fantasy novel: ‘Sarah Flynn: In Finity’.

What began as a way to occupy her young son during a long day in Russia became a story Anne developed over the next ten years – and she’s now ready to share it with readers.

For the past decade, she has written in locations across the world, including the Tower of London, Red’s Café in Moville, Halyon Village in Greencastle, New York and Lough Eske Castle, Donegal.

The first spark for the book came in a Russian police station. Anne and her family were visiting Russia in 2016. Because their stay exceeded seven days, they needed to extend their visas.

While they waited, Anne and her then 11-year-old son created a story about him and his friend Lucas discovering another world.

That story evolved into ‘Sarah Flynn: In Finity’, a young adult fantasy adventure centred on a young girl drawn into the strange and dangerous world of Finity.

“I’ve always told stories,” explains Anne.

“When my girls were growing up, we would use the same formula and sit for hours making up stories together. It was something we did as a family, and I never really stopped. I’ve recently learned that my uncle, Vince Farren, has been doing the exact same thing for years,” she adds.

In ‘Sarah Flynn: In Finity’, Sarah is drawn into a world of hidden places, strange beings and a set of ancient keys. Her quest involves the people of Finity and powers that may change her life.

The novel blends fantasy, mystery and menace, with music, ravens and a haunted house woven into her journey.

The original idea began with two boys but gradually became Sarah’s story. Anne is currently immersed in writing the sequel.

“I couldn’t have completed this without the expertise, support and guidance of my editor, June, from Russell Alexander Publishing,” she says.

“This book is the culmination of ten years’ work, though it never felt like work. I’ve enjoyed the whole writing process in various locations, including The Everglades Hotel, The Waterfoot Hotel and Kelly’s Inn in Omagh, as well as New York and various locations in London and Donegal, including Halyon Village in Greencastle. I would escape the washing machine and chores for a spell,” added Anne.

‘Sarah Flynn: In Finity’ is Anne Canavan’s debut fantasy novel and is now available on Amazon in print and ebook editions.

The book will be officially launched this Thursday night at the launch in the Playhouse, 5-7 Artillery Street, Derry, from 7pm to 9pm.

The evening will feature music by Michael E Thomas, who hails originally from New Jersey but is now based in Portstewart. He played regularly with the late Henry McCullough who played with Paul McCartney after the break up of The Beatles.

Refreshments will be served, admission is free, and Anne is looking forward to reading an extract from the book.