Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
A native of Belfast, Ireland, I have lived in Leeds since 2004 with my wife Faye (co-author of Is Mise Cara) and five-year-old son Finn. Cara passed away in 2019 aged 11.
– One book currently published called ‘Is Mise Cara’ (Irish Gaelic for, I am Cara).
– One chapter in a book (Networks in Healthcare: Managing Complex Relationships, Malby & Murray-Wallace, 2016).
– Widely published with 20+ publications in academic journals and practitioner journals.
– Research and management consultant and Co-Director of Finncara Consulting Ltd – www.finncaraconsulting.co.uk.
– Visiting Professor at London South Bank University.
– Teach at various UK universities including University of Law, London, University of Roehampton, London, Hull University and Derby University.
– Social entrepreneur. (I previously completed a mixed-methods study on behalf of DISC and the West Yorkshire Partnership (Leeds, England) for their Big Lottery bid to support people with multiple and complex needs. The charity acquired a £9.8m grant as a direct result of my work with Dr Nii Amoo.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
‘Is Mise Cara’ [Irish Gaelic for ‘I am Cara’].
My daughter passed in Dec 2019. The book idea emerged after a series of supernatural events unfolded at our home in Leeds and in Ireland. We were inspired to leave a legacy for Cara by helping others.
25% of the royalties from each ‘Is Mise Cara’ book sale will be donated to Yorkshire Brain Tumour Research and Support. This will supplement other charitable activities that ‘Is Mise Cara’ are involved in to fight the scourge of brain disease.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes, I write from the heart based on real-life phenomenon. Many readers find the book an deeply emotional but humorous read.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lorna Byrne (100%). A deeply kind and amazing soul who helped us to navigate through the quagmire of grief and paranormal activity.
What are you working on now?
Many readers have shared similar experiences about the afterlife.
I am now compiling their stories into a new book.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It’s very early days. I have just started to promote it online and via my website www.ismisecara.com.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Follow your heart. Never quit asking questions on everything from the core purpose of your book to digital media strategies and beyond. The digital marketing space is dynamic and chaotic but laced with exciting opportunities.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Lorna Byrne advised us ‘If you can change one person’s life, then the book will have been a success’. We have achieved that and much more. It’s great to share royalties with brain disease charities.
What are you reading now?
Rise of a Lightworker by Will Sibley.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To develop a second book on the afterlife and to raise much needed funds for brain disease charities.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Power of Now.
Ten Dead Men: Story of the 1981 Irish Hunger Strike.
Angels at My Fingertips: The sequel to Angels in My Hair.
1984.
Author Websites and Profiles
Dr Kieran Mervyn Website
Dr Kieran Mervyn Amazon Profile