Bernie has always collected Teddy Bears and this passion has now developed into writing stories about them. She has over 200 bears in her private collection and will feature them on her online portal in due course. Her inspiration for her series of books began whilst working at the Granuaile Centre in Louisburgh, Co Mayo. Surrounded by a wealth of knowledge on the Irish Pirate Queen is where her fascination with Granuaile developed. Bernie combines both history and fiction to create a seamless blend of enchanting stories.
She is based in the West of Ireland, where she is now preparing to launch her first book in the series. Having said that she is currently working on her illustrations for the second book already! Being surrounded by such beauty in the West of Ireland, there's no better place to nurture this creativity and inspiration.
Bernie's love of books stems from when she was very young and books were a big part of her childhood growing up. Enid Blyton books featured prominently and she also draws inspiration from her interest in Beatrix Potter. The ability to imagine and journey within books is one of the most precious gifts anyone can have.
One of her first Teddy Bear's was one she made together with her mum for a childcare project when she was 15 years of age - a treasured possession she has to this day alongside her collection.
