I am very grateful that my book ‘The Write Time’ is influencing readers. When I was about one third of the way through the writing of it, I realised a strong theme was emerging. Encouraging others to have a go at writing became a strong emphasis and I’m pleased that this decision has proven to be worthwhile.
A Cork Reader
Thanks to the many readers who have taken the time to send feedback to me. Now I want to share it to encourage you to read the book in the hope that you too will ‘think about so many things.’
This article appeared in The Dungarvan Leader newspaper edition Friday, November 17, 2023.
‘The Write Time’
PÁRAIG DE BÚRCA LAUNCHES NEW BOOK
by Jo Bell
Former primary school teacher Páraig de Búrca will launch his debut book ‘The Write Time’ on the 23rd November.
A compelling journey of introspection and revelation ‘The Write Time’ begins with Chapter 1 – ‘The Turning Point’ – a chapter which marks the inception of a decade-long dream, a story that transcends conventional memoirs and invites readers into a mosaic of memories, strengths, frailties, fears, and hopes.
Since his retirement in 2013, Páraig had been contemplating writing his memoirs but he could not decide upon an angle for the book until last year. “I couldn’t get it on paper,” he explained. “I didn’t even know did I want to write fiction or fact or what genre. It came to me while I was listening to music, while I was feeding my mam a fortnight before she died. The music just resonated. I took the lyrics of a song, then the story – the incident. Having told the story, I then pick out how that story resonates with me now. The last part of each chapter is handed over to the reader. Each chapter has the same format.”
‘The Write Time’ is more than a memoir: it is a testament to resilience, self-discovery, and the power of the written word. The author’s candid exploration of his own journey, intertwined with the possibility of dementia, adds a poignant depth to the narrative. This memoir is not just about one man’s life; it’s an invitation for readers to explore the worth in their own stories.
The book, which can be opened at any chapter, is organised between stories about Páraig’s life, poems, and fictional stories. “I started writing the book the week after mam’s funeral,” he explained. “I brainstormed all the little incidents from childhood through work life, family life, retirement and my hobbies. It was very easy to find the first 30 and by the end of the first week, I had sixty stories and I said to myself, the other five would appear as I’m going. As it turned out, I chose to put in five chapters of fiction. About a month into it, I realised this is actually more than just stories about me. I realised that there was a big theme coming out through the whole book: encouraging the reader to write, whether they do it privately or whether they publish it. The process of writing is a process of self-discovery and that theme goes right through the book.”
“My mam was very well read, and very sharp,” Páraig explained. “She encouraged all of us to do something for the body and something for the mind. This book has been my baby for nine months and now I’m letting it go, there’s a huge variety of emotions, from apprehension to pride and satisfaction.”
The launch will take place at Whitechurch National School, Ballinameela, where Páraig taught for 22 years. Profits from the sales of ‘The Write Time’ will go to the Parents Association of Whitechurch NS.
Moya Power, Chairperson of Whitechurch N.S. Parents Association said: “Whitechurch National School Parents Association are delighted to be hosting the book launch for Páraig’s new book, ‘The Write Time’. Páraig is fondly remembered by students, parents, teachers, and the larger community. His time teaching in Whitechurch National School has left a legacy, along with many former teachers, which still benefits the students that are still there today.”
“The launch of ‘The Write Time’ will be a unique event organised by our Association. We are very grateful for the donation of profits from the sale of the books towards our Parents Association which will benefit the children furthermore. Parents, past-pupils, and the wider West Waterford community will be most welcome on the night.”
‘The Write Time’ will be available to purchase on the night and from Friday, 24th November, in the following locations:
David Walsh Office School & Computer Supplies, Lower Main Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
This article was published in one of my local newspapers, The Dungarvan Observer, edition dated 17 November, 2023.
MEMOIR WITH A TWIST
‘The Write Time’
by Páraig de Burca
In association with Whitechurch National School Parents Association, Páraig de Búrca will launch his long-awaited memoir on Thursday, 23rd November. Ten years in the making, Páraig’s debut book ‘The Write Time’, unveils his life experiences as he shares heartfelt reflections, triumphs, and challenges encountered along his path. With raw honesty and eloquent prose, de Búrca delves deep, inviting readers to join him on the journey.
‘The Write Time’ is not simply a memoir. It is an exploration of the human spirit and the impact that storytelling can have on one’s life. “I wrote the book in sixteen weeks, but it had been in my mind for about ten years”, Páraig explains. It was in the aftermath of his mother’s passing in January 2023 that the work began to take shape. Interestingly, Páraig highlights how the book evolved while being written. “I realised that a theme was emerging, most definitely not intended at the beginning! Throughout the book, there are references encouraging the reader to write. Why not put your thoughts on paper, whether privately or for publication? The process of writing is worthwhile.”
Official Launch
The official launch of ‘The Write Time’ will take place in Whitechurch National School at 7.30pm on Thursday, 23rd November. Moya Power is Parents Association chairperson. “Whitechurch National School Parents Association are delighted to be hosting the book launch for Páraig’s new book, ‘The Write Time’. Páraig was a teacher in Whitechurch National School for 22 years and is fondly remembered by students, parents, teachers and the larger community. His time teaching in Whitechurch National School has left a legacy, along with other former teachers, which still benefits the students that are still there today.”
Páraig is keen to highlight that ‘The Write Time’ is no ordinary memoir. “For the life of me, I could not just write stories about myself, and just leave it at that,” he says. “That would feel very strange; but I discovered an approach that sat well with me.”
In each chapter, sixty-five in all, Páraig recounts an incident and adds an element of reflection. Specifically, there is an attempt to link these incidents to the life of the reader. A recent media interview with J.R. Moehringer brought this interesting insight about memoir writing: “Strange as it may seem, memoir is not about you. It’s not even the story of your life. It’s a story carved from your life, a particular series of events chosen because they have the greatest resonance for the widest range of people.”
Guest Speaker Anne Devine
Anne Devine, Lismore author of “Encourage Yourself Encourage Others” has this to say: ‘The Write Time’ is a beautifully-crafted fascinating memoir, filled with vivid and thought-provoking memories of Páraig’s childhood, teaching days and the many creative pursuits he embraces. Underlying everything that Páraig writes is a passionate energy, a willingness to encourage, to give rather than take. ‘The Write Time’ is a gem, to be taken down from the shelf and enjoyed, over and over again.”
Moya Power, Parents Association
Moya Power affirms that the Parents Association will host an evening to be remembered on the 23rd. “This is a unique event, and we are very grateful for the donation of profits from the sale of the book to our Parents Association which will benefit the children furthermore. Parents, past-pupils and the wider West Waterford community will be most welcome on the night.”
Together with Páraig, Whitechurch N.S. Parents Association invites you to attend this launch event. It’s The Write Time. Refreshments will be served. Bring a friend, or two.
Available From
From Friday, 24th November, ‘The Write Time’ will be available to purchase in the following Dungarvan shops:
David Walsh Office School & Computer Supplies, Lower Main Street, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
Yes, I’ve been away too long! Far too long. Some readers will know that mam passed away last January. Some will know that the book she always encouraged me to write is now written.
My memoir is called ‘The Write Time‘. It will be published in mid-November. Yes, I am excited.
Would any of my regular readers here like to know more? If you would, follow the link below. I am happy to release TWO FREE CHAPTERS. Happy reading! Spread the word!
At breakfast, Páraig announced details of The First Book Launch. Marion listened but she wasn’t pleased.
This is JUST FOR FUN! There may be an actual real proper launch later this year.
At breakfast, Páraig announced details of The First Book Launch. Marion listened but she wasn’t pleased.
Páraig: It’s going to be a small affair. Maybe something like our Open Garden Day in 2021.
Marion: You’re losing it, Páraig. A book launch is supposed to be public. How on earth can people come to it if they don’t know about it?
P: I’d fancy an invite-only coffee morning. Only for friends and important people. Some prawn cocktail sandwiches maybe.
M: So how exactly will everyone know about your book? Isn’t that the whole point of having a book launch? I’d be thinking The Park Hotel.
P: No, that’s definitely out. They’re good people, upgraded to four star, but it’s not my thing. I’ll launch the book among friends. The report about the event will be great publicity. What do you think?
M: It’s your book, Páraig. You do it your way! I suppose you’ll invite me?
P: I couldn’t have written it without you. Can you make those prawn sandwiches?
The Three Hairs 