Laois writer to tour Westmeath promoting novel

Dr Arthur Broomfield, a poet and novelist based in Laois, is preparing to tour Westmeath in mid-August to promote his latest novel.

Entitled An Ireland of Snakes and Bollards, Broomfield's second novel is a work of satire.

The story's central character is a philosopher, and his encounters with farmers, civil servants, clerics and media are what forms the meat of the plot.

Brimming with Broomfield's brand of humour, splattered with specks of surrealism, the novel began as a writing exercise at a masterclass with Mike McCormack, at the Leaves Festival of Writing and Music.

Broomfield shared that he was inspired by American novelist Thomas Pynchon's life and stories.

A known name in Midlands literary circles, Broomfield has written and published many poetry and short-story collections in addition to his two novels. And he prefers on-site engagement with his readers to promote his books.

“I hit a town, call to every business on the street marketing my book and move on to the next town. It's a strategy that's worked for me since 1994. This will be my sixth tour of Ireland, 26 counties.

“It's worked for me so far,” he said. “I've sold six books of poetry this way. I rely on personal contact, local press and radio. It started with When the Dust Settled in 1994, which sold 4,500. I've made great friends throughout Ireland who continually buy my works.”

An Ireland of Snakes and Bollards is published by Revival Press and can be ordered online, priced €20, from: www.buythebook.ie