"I am an ordinary woman sharing her story"

Athlone native Paula Sullivan has released her first book, titled Dear Tobias, based on her own experiences of life and spirituality.

The St Hilda's social care worker was inspired to write the book after the passing of her beloved sister, Joan, a number of years ago.

"She used to write beautiful poetry, and she kept a diary for herself. She always wanted to complete it as a memoir," Paula said. "I just felt compelled to write this book in her memory.

"She always wanted her writing to help other people, and that inspired me.

“Everybody has a story to tell, and it can really help others who are going through the same things."

Paula began her mission four years ago, noting that she had a spiritual purpose moving her forward. She had an "inner knowing" from a young age, and always felt like there was a deeper purpose in her experiences.

"I would have been on a spiritual journey throughout my life, and I continue to be," Paula said, "I started dabbling, writing pieces, about four years ago. It wasn't something I could leave hanging in the air - I felt this drive to finish it."

The book deals with themes of loss, grief, depression, faith, and growth - with the driving theme of spirituality as the main undercurrent for the work.

The 60-year-old said, while the names have been changed for privacy reasons, the book is based on her real life.

"There was a lot of healing in writing this book," Paula said.

"I'm an ordinary woman sharing my story - and I hope it will encourage others to tell theirs, and that it might inspire healing. The writing certainly brought up a lot of emotions in me."

She added: "I wouldn't be academic, and I did face some difficulties, but I knew I had to write it. I kept feeling this calling - and I know that it will help other people."

The Athlone Pipe Band member has said the reaction so far to the book has been hugely positive.

"People have told me they felt like they lived through every word on the page, and it brought up memories for them," Paula said.

"Friends have told me it was a very easy read, and others have actually felt compelled to start telling me their own story."

While 'Dear Tobias' was a deeply personal work for Paula, she has expressed an interest in creating another body of work - a compilation of stories from people all around the Westmeath area.

"Even if people were to share a story about one event that altered the course of their lives - I imagine there would be so many stories available."

'Dear Tobias' by Paula Sullivan is available for purchase on Amazon now.

Go to: https://amzn.eu/d/4CWVUNn

Copies of the book are also available directly from Paula, who can be contacted on 0879798072.