Author discovers her novel on Junior Cycle Curriculum at Donegal writing workshop

Derry-based author, Sue Divin, recently delivered a creative writing workshop for the local writers’ group in Raphoe, to find out that her novel is on the Junior Cycle Curriculum. 

“Congratulations on getting your novel onto the curriculum,” said a lady in the group. Sue wondered if she’d heard correctly. It turns out, not that she’d known until then, that her second novel, Truth Be Told, has indeed been included in the Junior Cycle English curriculum. 

Sue’s previous book, Guard Your Heart, made references to Donegal and her upcoming novel, to be released next year, Runaway Road, will feature the Inishowen Peninsula. 

Truth Be Told, which was shortlisted in the Irish Book Awards, is described as ‘Derry Girls meets Parent Trap.’ As a YA/Crossover, it will appeal to adults and teenagers. Up front, it’s the story of two sixteen-year-old girls, Tara (from Derry) and Faith (from Armagh), who meet on a youth trip for the first time and discover they look virtually identical. The mystery is why?

Sue, who says she is both thrilled and honoured to have her novel on the curriculum, says her novel is “A quest set in the context of the north of Ireland in Autumn 2019. Readers should expect laughs, tears, and a rollercoaster of a read.’ It’s also a novel about truth, forgiveness and the stories of women across three generations. ‘I’d love it if some of the schools in Donegal chose to study it,” she says. “One of my favourite things as an author is having the opportunity to engage with readers.”

Sue’s first novel, Guard Your Heart (A Romeo and Juliet set in Derry in 2016), won the Great Reads Award (Ireland) and was shortlisted for the prestigious Carnegie Medal, formerly won by C.S.Lewis (author of the famous Narnia series). 

Guard Your Heart had many scenes set in Donegal, including Lisfannon Beach, Grianán Fort and Kinnagoe Bay. Fans of her writing, or adults and teens looking for a good read, may be interested to know that her next novel, Runaway Road (out in May 2026), is set along the Inishowen Wild Atlantic Way. ‘It’s not quite top secret,’ the author says of her next book, ‘but I can’t say too much until it's published! 

“Suffice to say, though, Donegal, especially the Amazing Grace coastline, is a part of the world I adore, and features strongly in Runaway Road. Let’s hope the discerning Donegal readers like it!”

To celebrate being on the Junior Cycle curriculum, the author is doing a free giveaway. Any Donegal post-primary school considering teaching Truth Be Told who would like a free copy of the novel as a donation to their school library, can request one via the author’s webpage www.suedivin.com