This fifth Anthology of Original Writing from Ireland's Own includes over 40 short stories and memories pieces from the latest annual writing competitions run by Ireland's leading family magazine, supported by Dublin self-publishing company, Original Writing. Twenty-two Irish counties are represented, with stories also from England, France and South Africa.These stories touch on many aspects of Irish life from the past and in the present day, with joyful themes interspersed with bereavement and emigration, told with pathos, nostalgia and often a dash of humour. The diverse memoirs will certainly strike a chord and evoke a response from many people. Some of the writers have been published before, but for the first-timers this book may represent a small but significant first step on the road to a literary adventure.Foreword By Alice TaylorHanging on the side of my kitchen cupboard is a plaque from The Wild Goose Studio in Kinsale with the above inscription. It is a quote from poet, philosopher and inspirational thinker, John Blake, who lived from 1757-182. I sometimes look at that quote and ponder on the depths of its wisdom. It causes me to deeply appreciate the gift of writing.All creativity is a gift, be it writing, painting, music, gardening, baking, carving or whatever. This pool of creativity needs stimulation by use and it satisfies a deep inner need. If our pool of creativity is left to stagnate from lack of use it can die, but if kept flowing it will enrich our lives. Hence the joy in the gift of writing.Every writer knows the delight of the right word fusing into the back of a barren mind, or the perfect sentence floating like a butterfly into a blank brain. Blake attributes this to the divine within us. What a glorious concept!So before thought of publication comes into the mind of the writer, we already have had the delights of creativity. It is deeply satisfying to our inner being. When we have honed a piece of writing to our satisfaction, or finally got on canvas what was in the mind's eye, or see the first snow drop planted in the Autumn, thrust itself up through the bleak January earth, we experience the joy of creativity.But for the writer then comes the need of recognition from our fellow humans. When I had my first manuscript accepted by a publisher, I danced with delight around the kitchen and sang "Alleluia". We writers have a deep desire to see our name in print. This Anthology provides that opportunity. Congratulations to all whose stories are glowing within.Alice Taylor.