Forth Valley author's debut novel is start of planned trilogy

A Linlithgow woman has self released her first novel, The Sarispa Thirteen - the first part of a planned young adult science fiction trilogy.
The Sarsipa Thirteen, part one of a Young Adult Science Fiction trilogy. By CR Coen.The Sarsipa Thirteen, part one of a Young Adult Science Fiction trilogy. By CR Coen.
The Sarsipa Thirteen, part one of a Young Adult Science Fiction trilogy. By CR Coen.

Ciara Rae Cohen, or CR as she is known, revealed how the concept for the book - It tells the story of ancient intergalactic beings on earth - was inspired by a Fife tourist attraction of all things.

She said: “It began its conceptual life nearly 20 years ago when I visited the Underground Bunker in St Andrews.

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“I just remember going there and being inspired. Little bits came from there.

“It took me four years to write this book in total. “I’m delighted with it.”

Writer Ciara has penned columns in newspapers for 12 years, both here and abroad, and written plays with kids and young adults.

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She hopes her debut novel takes off as she is working on the follow-up with a third in my head already”. She added: “I’m a single mum, so putting food on the table and doing this at the same time was hard but I’m really proud of it.

“The book has had a really positive reaction so far.

“I’m already writing the second one, so I’m planning to bring out more, in the series. There is a third one in my head already.

“I’m a big meditator, and I think it’s key to not overload and constrict your creativity.

“I just want to share my work and be thought provoking. I want to be read and appreciated, and for me to be able to continue to write.”

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