Alison Wells Author

There are moments in time that are so fantastic, you know they are extra-special and never to be repeated. The launch of Random Acts of Optimism in the Lexicon library on Wednesday 20th of September last was such an occasion.

I was returning to the library where I started as a library assistant when I started work in 2019. I came back into the workplace in 2019 after raising my four children and I absolutely loved library work, the fantastic Lexicon library in Dun Laoghaire which is a gorgeous cultural space with sea views and the largest public library in Ireland. I later went on to work in the beautiful Carnegie library in Shankill.

I was greeted by old colleagues as we set up for the launch and more arrived later to purchase books and give good wishes.

The book was launched by literary powerhouse Vanessa O’ Loughlin aka writer Sam Blake. Our paths first crossed as young mothers as she handed over the publication of the local Cuidiu newsletter to me – now she is a bestselling author and runs a fantastic website and literary consultancy service. We were joined by Ger Burke and Tony O’ Dwyer my publishers, who set up their small Galway publishing house originally with a lottery win and have gone on to publish novels, short story collections and poetry along with the literary magazine Crannóg and are great supporters of writing from Ireland and internationally.

My writing group – Atrium – who have been running since about 2005 – were there. I joined them in 2010 having met another member at the Hennessy Awards where we were both nominated. What a fantastic group, we meet once a month and offer friendly critique on each other’s work and share literary gossip, triumphs and seasonal meals.

It was particularly touching to welcome members of the two book clubs in Shankill library where I now work. Having heard that I was to launch a book, they decided to make a night of it and support me, so when it was my turn to speak after the lovely introductions by Ger Burke and Vanessa O’ Loughlin I was greeted by a sea of friendly faces who enjoyed the extracts from the stories.

One fantastic moment was when reading from one of my stories I mentioned ‘murder on cruise ships’ and outside the large sea-view windows of the magnificent Lexicon there was – yes – a large cruise ship just sitting there!

Most of all, of course, I was so lucky to be joined by my immediate family, husband and four children but also by my parents who travelled from Kerry and my sisters and their families. Alongside friends – all the way back to school friends as well as more recent pals – everyone was so lovely in offering their congratulations and getting the book.

I was also so privileged to be supported by my colleagues in the libraries and in Library Culture who facilitated the launch in this wonderful venue.

Following my launch speech I read from the book: firstly from laugh out loud story Sad about the Plumber’s Uncle and then title story which was inspired by events (sending books out to patrons during Covid and talking to them about their lives and love of books) that took place on the very same floor where the book ended up being launched!

Thank you!

Thanks to all who came to the launch and to friends and writing colleagues who sent their good wishes.

If you’d like a signed Random Acts of Optimism please message me in this website’s contact form and I’ll arrange to post you a copy. Otherwise you can get a copy from the publishers or from a variety of online websites including Amazon.co.uk, Alan Hanna’s or Barnes and Noble.