NI woman writes debut novel that brings Derry's Guildhall and other NI landmarks to life

A Belfast woman has fulfilled her dream of writing a book as she is set to launch her debut novel; a magical tale of mystery that brings landmarks across the country, including Derry, to life.

Margaret McMahon’s novel 'Crescent Witches' is set in Belfast 150 years ago and follows the adventures of two witches who live in the city's iconic Albert Clock.

The two witches' world exists behind a magical veil which allows them to travel between the magical world and the real world. 

Many locations throughout the North have been reimagined in the story. Derry's Guildhall is used to travel to different realms, Carrickfergus Castle is a magical high school and the Giant’s Causeway is a hidden magical city in which every stone represents a dwelling.

The story's creator, Margaret, said she has always been creative but struggled at school due to her dyslexia that was undiagnosed until her adult years.

The idea to write the book came to Margaret after she was encouraged by her son and daughter who always loved her stories while growing up. 

Margaret explained she always loved telling stories and now, due to new technology, she was able to put her ideas on paper.

"Technology is amazing," Margaret said. "It has allowed me to write this book, something I never thought I'd be able to do after years of struggling.

"I couldn’t understand why everyone else could understand all the words on the page and they just didn’t make sense to me. It was only years later that I realised I had dyslexia," Margaret said.

“I left school with no education but I was always creative and artistic. I ended up becoming a florist and I’ve worked as one for most of my life. I also worked as an assistant at Bunscoil Mhic Reachtain for a number of years."

Margaret has included Irish in her book as spells as it was important to her to have it as part of her writing.

Margaret said the launch of her debut book is daunting as only her daughter, Emma, has read it in full.

Emma said: "Mum sent me over some pages of a book because I am constantly reading short stories. I read it and I absolutely loved it.

"I asked where the rest of the book was and where she got it. I couldn't believe it when she said she wrote it herself. I nearly died. I told her she had to keep going and write more."

Margaret said she never imagined she would ever be able to release her own book, "Nervous is an understatement," Margaret added. "It will be such a surreal moment to hold the hard copy. 

"I'm hoping that this book will give people with dyslexia and other conditions, especially young people, the courage to get up and do it. If I can do it, anyone can. Don't let your disabilities hold you back."

Margaret's book 'Crescent Witches'  will be launched in the shadow of the Albert Clock in Belfast on April 2.