News Story

Northern Ireland’s new Children’s Writing Fellow said he wants to use his position to work with young people from under-represented communities.

Stephen Daly, author of LGBTQ+ young adult novel The Last Death Poet, is to take up the role at the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen’s University.

The fellowship was created as part of the university and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s (ACNI) joint 10-year Seamus Heaney legacy project supported by the Atlantic Philanthropies.

The Belfast author will be based at the Seamus Heaney Centre for two years, working with students and engaged in outreach activities.

He said: “During my fellowship I want to work with young people, especially those from under-represented communities, to explore the power of both reading and writing stories.

“Putting the right book in a child or young adult’s hands can change their life, not just by improving their literacy, but by broadening their imagination and critical thinking, allowing them to explore new ideas, and to see themselves, or the self that they would like to be.

“That is the great privilege we have as children’s writers.”

He added: “We have so many incredible authors and illustrators in Northern Ireland, and I want to promote their work through meeting with teachers, librarians and booksellers so that we can all be proud of the talent we have in this part of the world and inspire the next generation to get writing and illustrating, because there are many more stories to tell, and voices that deserve to be heard.”

Mr Daly previously worked in theatre in London before returning to Belfast to publish his debut novel.

Professor Glenn Patterson, director of the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen’s, said: “The Last Death Poet was one of the most impressive debuts, in any genre, in recent years.

“The energy and urgency of Stephen Daly’s writing are hallmarks too of his approach to engagement with readers and teachers and would-be writers.

“He will be a brilliant advocate for writing for younger audiences.”

Gilly Campbell, director of arts development at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “Following in the footsteps of the previous fellows, Stephen will act as an ambassador and mentor for young people, hosting creative writing workshops, readings and events, helping to ensure that more people from all backgrounds can enjoy arts experiences.”

Mr Daly will succeed Shirley-Anne McMillan as Children’s Writing Fellow for Northern Ireland in the autumn.