Galway woman Aoife Burke has been selected to represent Ireland in the latest edition of "100 Artists of Europe" published by Culturale Lab in Italy.
The curated book is described as "a creative space dedicated to discovering and celebrating talent and originality", and "a meeting point for artists, creatives, and enthusiasts, where unique ideas are promoted and celebrated".
The publication will be distributed digitally to over 100 art galleries and cultural institutions around the world.
"I'm absolutely delighted to be included in this prestigious publication. It will help afford me invaluable recognition in the literary and artistic world."
An extract from Ms Burke's novel, Luminess - The Island of the Moon, will be showcased in the new publication.
The fantasy novella also received the Distinguished Favorite award in the science fiction category from the Independent Press Awards in New York.
The judges described her work as "blending mythic imagination with poetic clarity, conjuring up a world where courage, wonder and belief intertwine".
"Burke's writing captures the essence of the heroic journey - a passage through mystery, solitude and discovery that mirrors the human need to believe in something greater than ourselves," the judges said.
Luminess follows heroine Myrren Whittaker on an epic quest to rescue the mystical island of Luminess before it vanishes forever.
"I've always known I would be a writer. It’s a gut feeling I’ve had since I was a child," Ms Burke said.
"A story comes to me, and I have to write it. Going with that instinct was the best thing I’ve ever done."
Aoife Burke is a graduate of the University of Galway with a BA in English and Journalism.
She now plans to do an MA in Writing next September and is working on a second science fiction novel.
