Dec 14 2024 52 mins
“Finding Autumn” – The Down about Down Podcast with Killyleagh author, Becky Grattson
In this podcast, host Chris Scott speaks to Becky Grattson about her debut novel titled “Forever Autumn.” This fantasy novel with elements of folklore, set in County Down, has been inspired by a love story of Mother Nature and Father Time.
Becky, who works in the nursing profession and lives in Killyleagh, talks to Chris at length about her background and career. She is originally from Saintfield, studied nursing at Queen’s University and went to England. She would later move back to Northern Ireland with her husband Paul, and they settled in her native County Down. Becky is a learning disability nurse trained to provide specialist healthcare to people with learning disabilities. For the majority of her career she has worked in mental health services.
Becky was diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age and she recalls how she avoided reading and writing during her childhood years. She talks at length about her experiences with dyslexia and her early learning experiences at school. It would be in her teenage years that she got into reading when she picked up a copy of “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.” This was her introduction to the world of reading, and she enjoyed the experience.
“Five years ago I wouldn’t have thought of myself of being able to write a book.” That would soon change for Becky. She explains how she grew up on Irish folklore mythology with stories like ‘The Children of Lir’ and ‘The Red Branch’. She liked the similarities between Greek, Roman and Irish mythology. That, coupled with the inspiration from sailing around our rugged coastline, viewing the mountain ranges and absorbing the beautiful views around the shores of Strangford Lough, Becky’s first novel was underway.
Becky explains how she started to research local legends and myths. “I loved learning about the original placenames and the Irish, mythology and how the Celts moved around the world with their language and culture,” she told Chris.
“Finding Autumn” is set in Killyleagh, and features the castle, Strangford Lough, and Delamont. The story setting moves to the beautiful Mourne mountains, down to Rostrevor, Carlingford and Malahide, Dublin. Inspiration for the book was drawn from the relationship between Mother Nature and Father Time. It is set in an era when witches were hunted and the world in which the main characters, Éabha and Clan, lived was encompassed by magic and dark forces. Clan believes Éabha is the witch he has been looking for but he is mistaken, and later discovers her true identity. Their journey of self-discovery includes battling with their enemies and uncovers their deep connections which may change their destinies.
“Finding Autumn” is the first in a series of four books. Becky has the ending formulated for book four, but there is still work to do to complete the series.
“All four books will take us through the creation of each season. How Mother Nature and Father Time learn and grow together to become such concreted spirits or elements within our world today,” explained Becky during the podcast.
Becky wanted the cover of the book to look timeless and traditional and she left this project in the hands of her talented cousin, Niamh Conlon came up with the unique design.
Chris finds out about some of Becky’s ventures as she travelled round various independent bookshops seeking bookshelf space for her handiwork.
Becky’s book, ‘Finding Autumn’ can be purchased at Waterstones Online and Amazon. Other local outlets include the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre and the Sir Hans Sloane Centre, Killyleagh.
You can follow Becky on Instagram, TikTok and her new Facebook page – “Rebecca Grattson Author.”