Tuam writer excited for local launch of new horror novel
A NEW book delving into the world of horror and the supernatural will be launched later this month by Tuam writer Aron Costello.
The 51-year-old is no stranger to the world of writing, having penned eight other novels in the past. However, his latest work, Sore Dose, which is part horror, part thriller, is the first to get an official release after being picked by Austin McCauley Publishers.
“I finished writing my first novel when I was 27 and I’ve kept at it ever since in the hope that one day a book I wrote would be picked up by a publisher,” Aron told The Tuam Herald.
“It is very hard to break into the horror genre. There are few modern Irish writers, bar Darren Shan, who writes horror books for children. I had completed Sore Dose a few years ago. After going through a few other projects, I was working on, I felt this was my best chance to get published.
“I sat down with it again, did a few rewrites. Austin McCauley Publishers like what they read, deeming it a real page turner and decided to work with me. I cannot wait to see it hit the shelves.”
The story follows a fictional man from Galway named Gabriel, a well-known lover of all things black magic and satanic. After being convicted of a crime by a jury in Dublin, he is sent to prison and dies.
The novel follows the action three months later, as one by one the jury starts dying in different ways. Are the deaths due to black magic or are they the result of something else?
Expect to find plenty of classic horror characters present throughout the story too, such as werewolves, banshees, and the devil, but with Aron’s unique spin on them.
“There is big left turn in the plot during the novel, which I won’t spoil here. I think to be successful; a good book needs to keep you guessing and on the edge of your seat. You can never be sure if Gabriel had any say in the deaths,” added Aron.
“Even when I was writing this novel, I didn’t see the ending coming. I don’t think it is a great practice of any writer to know too early on where the plot will finish up. Hopefully the readers will be surprised by what happens.”
Aron has been writing since the age of seven, and credits getting his early stories and letters published in The Tuam Herald as the inspiration behind a lifelong passion for writing stories.
Feedback for Sore Dose has already been positive, even before being released. An exert from the novel was delivered by Aron in Charlie Bryne's Bookstore as part of Culture Night. He will host another reading during the book’s launch next Friday October 30 in Tuam Library at 5.30pm.
“I would love to see a big crowd coming along to support the launch, as getting a book published is a very proud moment for me,” stated Aron.
“Seeing a book you wrote on the shelves of a store, that is any writer’s dream. It will be sold in Books N More Tuam and Charlie Byrnes and my publisher is working on getting more stores signed up. I’m looking forward to seeing my book alongside the big-name authors. That will be a great feeling.”