A member of staff at Ludlow Sixth Form College has celebrated the launch of her own bilingual graphic novel.
, Lecturer and Student Support Assistant at Ludlow, is the writer and artist behind Between Storms, or Eadar Dha Shian in Scottish Gaelic.
The manga-style historical fantasy graphic novel is set in the 8th century and follows a young protagonist, Iola, as she builds a life for herself on a Hebridean island. The story explores themes of found family, community and identity.
The inspiration behind the book grew from ’s longstanding fascination with Celtic mythology, folklore and history. Although the seeds of the story had been in her mind for some time, it began to take its final shape following a visit to the Outer Hebrides.
In 2023, was invited as a guest to OH!CON, the Outer Hebrides Comic Con, where she began location-based research for the book. It was also during this time that the idea of producing a Scottish Gaelic translation was first suggested.
As both the writer and artist, creating the graphic novel was a significant undertaking. completed most of the artwork for the 200-plus-page book over around 18 months, alongside working at Ludlow College and TMBSS.
The Gaelic edition, Eadar Dha Shian, took the best part of two years to produce. The process included successfully applying for grants, updating some of the artwork and working with professionals including editors, proofreaders and linguists.
The book was celebrated with a launch event at An Taigh Ceilidh, a Gaelic community centre on the Isle of Lewis. The charity works to promote and support the Gaelic language and ensure it remains part of Hebridean life and culture.
One of the highlights of the event for was hearing an extract from her work read bilingually in English and Scottish Gaelic.
Reflecting on the experience, said: “It felt extraordinary to hear the words and characters I had come up with come to life through the voices of others, and in two languages no less!”
Both the English and Gaelic versions of the book are available from the publisher’s online shop HERE
The Gaelic edition can also be purchased through the Gaelic Books Council, while sells the English edition directly through her Ko-fi page.
Copies are also stocked in selected independent shops, including Bayley’s and Castle Bookshop in Ludlow and Hay-on-Wye Comics. More of ’s artwork can be found on Instagram. @eirarichardsart