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&nbsp;I was chatting with my niece recently and she described something from my garden as, “The one that turns into our wishes.” I immediately knew what she meant and frankly, the universally understood adult word, dandelion, suddenly feels a little unimaginative, don't you think? There’s something wonderful about what happens when we forget a word because our brains don’t simply surrender. instead they tend to improvise by reaching for descriptions, comparisons and occasionally something far more evocative than the word we were searching for in the first place. I love when this happens (once I've put the fear of dementia creep aside).&nbsp;So, “The one that turns into our wishes” doesn’t just identify a dandelion (by the way, a flower or a weed?). It gives us a definite image. We can physically see the seeds scattering, remember blowing them into the air and, perhaps, making a wish before they disappeared.We writers spend an extraordinary amount of time searching for exactly the right word. Sometimes, though, forgetting it produces something better. So, I was thinking, let's have a little challenge for Monday:Choose an ordinary object, animal, place or thing but don’t use its actual name. Describe it in a way that makes the rest of us immediately know what you mean. For example: ☂️ Umbrella: “A portable roof with trust issues in the wind.” Your turn.Give me your best one in the comments but don’t tell us the answer. Let everyone else guess. This could get wonderfully ridiculous.&nbsp;

The one that turns into our wishes

Luxury hardcover book with embossed details and gilded edges open on linen with warm sunlight highlighting premium paper quality

In publishing, success is often measured in book launches, bestseller lists or literary awards. Yet, some of the most meaningful moments happen quietly. They arrive in an envelope, in a bank account notification, or in a simple smile that says, "I did it."This week, we had the privilege of celebrating one of those moments with author Cullen Kennedy, who received his very first royalties cheque for the sales of his debut book, 'Fireborn'.<figure id="figure-jzhp4nfj1bmshnkk0i"><img id="jzhp4nfj1bmshnkk0i" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dS3MojlaeDpgKujisNTsW7s8G1XcgPmxDEuVHww0NMQWRXOYv4gufme7Jzh9D2B.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 15%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="15%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/2dS3MojlaeDpgKujisNTsW7s8G1XcgPmxDEuVHww0NMQWRXOYv4gufme7Jzh9D2B.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 15%;"></figure>For many readers, a royalty cheque is simply a payment. For an author, it represents something much greater. It is tangible proof that their story has found its way into the hands of readers. It is evidence that the months, or often years, spent writing, editing, revising and believing in a dream have resulted in something that people value enough to purchase, read and recommend.Every royalty payment tells a story beyond the pages of the book itself. It reflects every reader who chose to take a chance on a new author, every recommendation shared with a friend, every review left online, and every conversation sparked because someone connected with the words inside.For Cullen, 'Fireborn' marks the beginning of an exciting publishing journey. Watching an author receive that first royalty cheque is a reminder that publishing is about far more than producing books. It is about creating opportunities, building confidence, and helping writers achieve milestones they may once have thought impossible.At ShadowScript Publications, these are the moments we treasure most. While beautifully designed covers, successful launches and glowing reviews are all important, nothing compares to seeing an author experience the reality of becoming a published, earning writer.To everyone who has supported 'Fireborn', thank you. Every purchase has contributed to this milestone, proving once again that readers play an essential role in every author's success. Behind every royalty cheque is a community of people who chose to invest in a story.Congratulations, Cullen, on reaching this landmark achievement. Your first royalties cheque is more than a financial reward, it is a testament to your dedication, your creativity and the belief that stories deserve to be shared.Here's to 'Fireborn', to the readers who made this moment possible, and to many more books, milestones and celebrations in the years ahead. The first royalty cheque is a remarkable achievement, but it is rarely the last chapter. It is simply the beginning of the next exciting page in an author's story.<figure id="figure-tf8na4g6tmshnmhsi"><img id="tf8na4g6tmshnmhsi" src="https://rjdavx8ozyznxeyh.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/production/websites/infinite-images/12bf2e6f-4024-471d-8de0-1875b7fef3fe-6bPXuq9b1ThE54Cyfvv1QhUjGpwXaR.png" alt="Luxury hardcover book with embossed details and gilded edges open on linen with warm sunlight highlighting premium paper quality" title="Luxury hardcover book with embossed details and gilded edges open on linen with warm sunlight highlighting premium paper quality" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>

More Than a Cheque: Celebrating the Milestones That Matter

Editor's hands with red pen annotating manuscript pages on wooden desk in natural light, closeup of editorial review process

I was editing a script earlier today and the content gave me pause to reflect. We all see these regularly, yet the hyphen (-), en dash (–), and em dash (—) each play a distinct role in good writing (and we are hearing more and more about this with the increased use of AI in content creation).&nbsp;<figure id="figure-nw8usmlcjmsgd2wio"><img id="nw8usmlcjmsgd2wio" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/eQA6UEwnwqPNgf1LTEIRi6pP0dSTlgXXg3lIALEJH1IARNok2TPwKlXXQ1ZiEHmD.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/eQA6UEwnwqPNgf1LTEIRi6pP0dSTlgXXg3lIALEJH1IARNok2TPwKlXXQ1ZiEHmD.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure>While they may look similar at a glance, I believe using the correct punctuation improves clarity, professionalism, and readability.‘What is the difference?’ I hear you ask. A hyphen (-) joins words together to create compound terms, such as well-known author or full-time student. An en dash (–) is used to indicate a range or connection, for example pages 10–20 or the Dublin–Galway route. The, now dreaded, em dash (—), meanwhile, introduces emphasis or an interruption in thought. It often replaces commas, brackets, or a colon to create a more conversational style.These distinctions may seem minor, but they matter because accurate punctuation from authors and postgrads demonstrates attention to detail and helps our writing communicate exactly what we intended.&nbsp;Whether you’re preparing a university dissertation, a business report, a novel, or even a social media post, mastering these small marks can make a noticeable difference.I’ve found over the years that many people use a hyphen for all three—but every correctly placed dash is another step towards polished, professional writing (see what I did there?).&nbsp;Happy writing friends.

It's All About Those Dashes...

'Where's Mum? Stories of Love, Loss and Menopause' By Dr. Michael D. Meyer. Dr. Michael D. Meyer's Where's Mum? Stories of Love, Loss and Menopause is an unconventional and courageous contribution to the conversation around a life stage that remains shrouded in silence and misunderstanding. Rather than presenting a clinical guide or medical treatise, Meyer offers a collection of interconnected short stories that illustrate the profound impact menopause has not only on the women experiencing it, but on their entire families and relationships. This approach, breaking through what Meyer calls "the shrouded bubble of silence around menopause", makes the book unique in a field often dominated by medical language and detached analysis. Meyer explicitly positions himself not as an expert, but as "a messenger" whose personal journey through his wife's menopause prompted him to conduct extensive research and interview countless women. The book's intended audience extends beyond women to include partners, family members, and anyone seeking to understand how menopause reshapes relationships and family dynamics. The collection is purposefully designed as accessible fiction rather than a literary masterpiece. Each story follows a deliberate structure of problem, resistance, breakthrough, and resolution, with simple sentence construction and straightforward dialogue. This choice reflects Meyer's philosophy that the book should serve as "a fictional blueprint to navigate the challenging conversations that need to happen for couples to emerge on the other side of the menopause". Readers can approach the chapters in any order, making it flexible for those who may find certain stories more relevant to their circumstances. The collection opens with "Where's Mum?"; a tender, heartbreaking narrative told through the eyes of twelve-year-old Ben as his mother Ann gradually becomes unrecognisable to him. This story serves multiple purposes: it captures the confusion and pain children experience when a parent changes, and it demonstrates how younger generations can become advocates for understanding and seeking help. Meyer revisits certain narratives from different angles, creating a kaleidoscopic view of menopause's impact. Stories set in rural Ireland carry tragic weight, exploring how isolation and lack of support can lead to devastating outcomes. The character Maggie's arc traces the destruction of friendships and marriage as her personality shifts dramatically during perimenopause and the menopause journey, followed by her painful process of rebuilding. Other stories explore varied treatment approaches, from conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to alternative medicine and natural remedies, reflecting the reality that menopause management is deeply personal and that what works for one woman may not work for another. The inclusion of a story by project collaborator Catherine addresses "brain fog" or "fog-outs," a symptom many women experience but few discuss openly. Key Themes Medical Education Gaps: Meyer highlights a critical problem early in the book: his healthcare education as a doctor of chiropractic included no formal training on menopause, a situation he notes is "shocking, unacceptable and needs to change". This absence of education extends across most medical and health professions. Relational Rupture and Repair: A recurring theme is how menopause can fracture marriages, friendships, and family bonds. The stories don't shy away from depicting infidelity, abandonment, and divorce. However, they also explore paths toward understanding and reconciliation. The transformation of Maggie's relationships, from breakdown to the difficult work of rebuilding, offers particular insight into both the damage caused and the possibility of healing through communication and education. Invisibility and Isolation: Many female characters experience a profound sense of being unseen; by partners, family, and even healthcare providers. Menopause amplifies this invisibility, leaving women feeling like they're navigating an inner crisis alone while the world expects them to carry on normally. Male Partnership and Understanding: A unique aspect of Meyer's work is his focus on how men can become allies rather than adversaries. The character James, devastated by his wife's suicide and initially excluded from support groups, eventually creates a men-only group to help other men understand menopause. His transformation from ignorance and grief to informed advocacy suggests that partnership and mutual understanding are possible. Strengths Courage: Meyer risks ridicule by, as a man, writing intimately about a fundamentally female experience. His willingness to explore this vulnerability strengthens the book. Emotional Authenticity: The stories feel lived-in. Whether depicting a son's confusion, a wife's rage, or a husband's helplessness, Meyer captures genuine human responses. Practical Relevance: Rather than preaching, the stories model how conversations about menopause might begin, what understanding looks like, and how change can emerge from crisis. Diverse Perspectives: By featuring multiple characters at different life stages and from different backgrounds, from rural Ireland to urban settings, Meyer avoids presenting menopause as a one-size-fits-all experience. Hope Without Denial: The book doesn't minimise menopause's challenges but also refuses to leave readers in despair. Several stories demonstrate paths toward resolution and renewed intimacy. Limitations Medical Depth: The book is not a comprehensive guide to menopause symptoms or treatments. Those seeking clinical detail will need to supplement this with other resources. What makes this book significant is its invitation to a conversation that hasn't been fully normalised. By framing menopause not as a medical problem to be solved in isolation but as a life transition that reshapes relationships and demands understanding from everyone affected, Meyer creates space for dialogue. The acknowledgments note that the journey to this book involved "extensive research, hours of communication with powerful women, shocking discoveries, and self-healing"; all in service of helping others feel less alone. Where's Mum? Stories of Love, Loss and Menopause is recommended for couples navigating menopause, adult children trying to understand changes in their mothers, and anyone committed to breaking the silence around this universal female experience. It's equally valuable for healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers who recognise that menopause is not just a medical issue but a social and relational one. The book's greatest gift is permission; permission to struggle, to seek help, to have difficult conversations, and ultimately, to emerge on the other side stronger and more connected. *Available to buy here: <a href="https://www.bookhubpublishing.com/product/wheres-mum-stories-of-love-loss-and-menopause-by-dr-michael-d-meyer-978-1-0685633-7-9/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTe3CRwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5HhZ3xEN0SVw7nAkOhmeDQwwQeWbhIN1QzWOISKINLWtgeK4yFw9rmskP0mA_aem_AoWQ-BiRxxLUuOk4LzC5Mw">https://www.bookhubpublishing.com/product/wheres-mum-stories-of-love-loss-and-menopause-by-dr-michael-d-meyer-978-1-0685633-7-9/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTe3CRwZG9mAWV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5HhZ3xEN0SVw7nAkOhmeDQwwQeWbhIN1QzWOISKINLWtgeK4yFw9rmskP0mA_aem_AoWQ-BiRxxLUuOk4LzC5Mw</a>

'Where's Mum? Stories of Love, Loss and Menopause' By Dr. Michael D. Meyer.

Book Review: 'More Than The Match: The Hidden Stress Struggles of GAA Players' by Aoibheann NicGhiolla Bhuí and Niall MacGiolla Bhuí is a timely and important examination of mental health and psychological well-being among Gaelic Athletic Association athletes. The book combines empirical research with compelling narrative vignettes to illuminate an often-overlooked dimension of elite amateur sport: the psychological toll of competing at high levels while balancing work, education, and personal commitments.The authors excel at making psychological research deeply relatable. The opening vignettes, "Tuesday Night Drama," "The Alarm," "The Stadium," and "Injury", provide powerful snapshots of athlete experience that ground the book's research findings in lived reality. These narratives are not merely decorative; they serve as a bridge between academic content and the reader's empathy, making abstract concepts like "perceived stress" and "psychological flexibility" feel urgent and immediate.The study draws on a sample of 100 GAA athletes across elite and sub-elite levels, examining the relationship between psychological flexibility and perceived stress. The finding that players with greater psychological flexibility reported lower stress levels offers a clear, actionable insight. More importantly, the authors acknowledge this discovery does not suggest that stress can or should be eliminated from sport; rather, how athletes relate to pressure matters as much as the pressure itself.The book demonstrates strong sensitivity to the unique context of Irish sport. The historical grounding, including references to the 1918 ban on Gaelic games and their resurrection despite political oppression, connects current mental health challenges to the GAA's broader cultural identity. This contextual awareness enriches the argument that psychological resilience has deep roots in GAA tradition, even as the nature of contemporary pressures has fundamentally shifted.While overall stress levels did not differ significantly between male and female players, the study identified important differences in types of stressors: male players more frequently cited time management challenges, while female players reported greater stress from academic demands and interactions with management. This nuanced finding resists simplistic gender narratives and points toward specific, targeted interventions.The book tackles several structural problems within the GAA. The finding that intercounty players dedicate 25-30 hours per week to training, comparable to elite Australian athletes despite being ostensibly amateur, highlights a critical mismatch between the GAA's amateur status and its actual demands. The authors also note that elite male players receive four times more government funding than female players, a disparity that directly influences stress levels and dropout rates.The authors candidly acknowledge that their sample was skewed toward female participants (69 females to 30 males), reflecting broader stigma around male mental health in Ireland. While this transparency is commendable, it means gender comparisons require cautious interpretation. A more balanced sample in future research would strengthen claims about gendered stress experiences. The study's cross-sectional design limits the ability to examine how stress fluctuates across a season or how individual trajectories unfold over time. While the authors explain why longitudinal research is difficult to implement with GAA athletes (who compete across multiple teams), this remains a meaningful constraint for understanding the dynamic nature of athlete stress.The book's strongest contribution may be its practical implications. The authors recommend targeted welfare workshops for coaches and coordinators, greater awareness of psychological flexibility as a trainable skill, and better alignment of championship schedules with academic periods. These suggestions move beyond abstract psychology into concrete institutional change. The emphasis on developing psychological flexibility, rather than simply eliminating stress, aligns with contemporary sport psychology while remaining accessible to practitioners unfamiliar with technical jargon.More Than The Match succeeds in its central mission: drawing attention to the hidden psychological struggles of GAA athletes and providing evidence-based guidance for intervention. The book balances rigor with readability, research with narrative, and individual agency with systemic critique. Its key finding, that psychological flexibility mediates the relationship between stress and well-being, is neither revolutionary nor surprising, yet its application to the GAA context is novel and urgently needed.The book will appeal to GAA stakeholders, sports psychologists, coaches, athletes, and anyone interested in the intersection of sport, mental health, and cultural identity. Most importantly, it offers validation to athletes who struggle silently, reminding them that their psychological load is real, measurable, and deserving of institutional support. For a growing field of sport psychology research in Ireland, 'More Than The Match' represents an important step forward.-Julie Hickey, Book Reviewer, August 2026.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-vhotdqy29vmseq04ko"><img id="vhotdqy29vmseq04ko" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/20xyw6ICNPe3sJHf31SWEDbMYLUGdlgJzc4PWRnSildYMei0mGHwREKOnCdlTG2k.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>

Book Review: 'More Than The Match'

Editor's hands annotating manuscript pages with red pen, close-up of editorial marks on printed document at wooden desk

If you've written a book but haven't published it as an eBook, you could be missing one of the fastest-growing segments of the publishing industry.<figure id="figure-vizuhkdp8mms4gp7ja"><img id="vizuhkdp8mms4gp7ja" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dfxzerBPLxEuDtVz2ldUDQqxCR2mAFGGGRZ8ge1nEymFFmMJLL0x8C6cSeyWXzG.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 5%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="5%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/1dfxzerBPLxEuDtVz2ldUDQqxCR2mAFGGGRZ8ge1nEymFFmMJLL0x8C6cSeyWXzG.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 5%;"></figure>The way people consume books is changing. While printed books remain hugely popular, digital reading continues to gather momentum. According to market projections from Statista, the global number of e-reader users is expected to reach 1.1 billion by 2027, helping drive the eBook market to an estimated value of $15.33 billion.Those figures tell a clear story: readers increasingly want choice. Some prefer the feel of a paperback, while others want the convenience of carrying an entire library in their pocket. Whether they're reading on a Kindle, tablet or smartphone, today's readers expect books to be available in the format that best suits their lifestyle.For authors, this presents a significant opportunity. Publishing an eBook isn't simply about keeping up with technology. It's about making your work accessible to a much wider audience. Digital editions are available instantly, can be purchased anywhere in the world, and often appeal to readers who may never have considered buying a printed copy.There are practical advantages too. eBooks eliminate printing and shipping costs, are easy to update if changes are needed, and can provide an additional revenue stream alongside paperback and hardback editions.<figure id="figure-t7rc0j76s1ms4grjz3"><img id="t7rc0j76s1ms4grjz3" src="https://rjdavx8ozyznxeyh.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/production/websites/infinite-images/6a5fc8b1-825b-4ab5-8ce5-85cb94c309bb-14Z8RZf4S2H4lqf4U4k0KQtJIx5Waq.png" alt="Close-up of educational e-book content with health diagrams displayed on tablet screen" title="Close-up of educational e-book content with health diagrams displayed on tablet screen" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>The publishing landscape continues to evolve, and successful authors are increasingly embracing multiple formats rather than relying on just one. Offering both print and digital editions ensures readers can engage with your work in the way that suits them best.The message is simple: if your book only exists in print, now is the perfect time to think digitally. The audience is growing, the market is expanding, and there has never been a better opportunity to place your book into the hands and screens of readers around the world.

The ShadowScript Group

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The one that turns into our wishes

More Than a Cheque: Celebrating the Milestones That Matter

It's All About Those Dashes...

'Where's Mum? Stories of Love, Loss and Menopause' By Dr....

Book Review: 'More Than The Match'

A Few Words on Ebooks