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When Newry, Mourne and Down Councillor Mark Gibbons found himself struggling with his mental health during the Covid19 lockdowns, he decided to take a step back and do something he loved. In the case of the Crotlieve Councillor that was writing, and as a result of unraveling and remembering what was swirling around in his head for a lifetime he has managed to publish his first book. 'Cloch Mór Lore' is a collection of ghost stories connected to the local area, and as he says himself they all have 'an element of truth'. You could say he strayed from the Council Chamber to the Chamber of Horrors!
Cllr Gibbons said "During the dark depths of the covid epidemic I was trying to help everyone, anywhere at every hour of the day. As a local Councillor I was jumping from pillar to post across the District and it was clear to see that my mental health was suffering. I remember my wife Claire saying one night that I "needed to practice what I preach" when it came to looking after my mental health. My Council work was all consuming and I could feel the dark clouds rolling in. It was time to take a step back and stop trying to be "Johnny Hero" for one minute. It was time to breathe a little.
"Ever since I was knee-high to a grasshopper, I always loved writing (inspired by Mother). I decided to take a few hours a week to switch off (after the Council meetings and when Sophie went to bed) to write a book of my own; just for my friends and family. Something simple and not too deep. Like a paddling pool.
I have always loved old traditional Irish ghost stories and I have recognised this ancient art of storytelling has been slowly dying. We have neglected the joy of conversation, as mobile phones and social media have contributed greatly to its demise.
"So I said "Feck it, life's too short."
The author picked his grandfather's name Frank O’Neill (the Rostrevor side) as a pen name which meant that no-one knew it was him writing the book. As part of his writing he also sent a number of the stories into competitions in England and America just for the craic but to his surprise they were received very well.
Explaining how the dark theme came about Cllr Gibbons said "I've always been a big Stephen King, Shirley Jaskson and Ray Bradbury fan, so you can probably guess what spooky road I was heading down (and not a torch light in sight).
"I wanted to relive that feeling of the hairs standing on the back of your neck or when the goosebumps appeared on your arms, after you heard a ghost story or when you got a sense that you were not alone. I really enjoyed trying to awaken that dormant feeling of dread in every story. Each tale in the book is also connected to Cloch Mór-yet I wanted each one to be able to stand alone on its own two (floating) feet. More importantly, every single story has an element of truth in it.
"The good ghost stories are always the real ones that are kept within families and communities like rare gems. I've just blown the dust of a number of them while creating my own for good measure."
Something that caught him off guard was the positive impact the unfinished manuscript would have on supportive authors, editors and illustrators who enjoyed the first draft. "I am forever grateful to them for giving me the confidence to complete the book and their continued advice and guidance has been simply unbelievable."he added.
Stressing the importance of switching off and doing something you love the Crotlieve representative concluded "The best advice I'd give anyone who has a job that brings large amounts of stress with it, is to make sure to switch off at some stage and do what you love. Even if it's just for a few hours a week. Your mental health is your wealth and those hours away will help you recharge the batteries and you'll be ready again for whatever life throws at you.
"Regardless of how well Cloch Mór Lore does, I'll continue to write for the love of it anyway. Book two is already on the way and my Council work is benefiting as my blue skies continue to shimmer with the enjoyment of it all. Not a cloud in sight."
Cloch Mór Lore will be available to buy on Amazon Kindle & Paperback on December 9th with Pre Orders available now. You can Pre Order Cloch Mór Lore now on Amazon at the promotional ebook price of £1.99 and the paperback will be available on December 9th for £9.99 & ebook £2.99. Get yourself a copy at www.amazon.co.uk
