Nicola Pierce

Nicola Pierce is an Irish author acclaimed for her historical novels aimed at young readers. Her literary career began with the publication of her debut book, Spirit of the Titanic, which received widespread praise and went through five printings in its first year.

Born and educated in Ireland, Nicola Pierce attended Presentation Secondary School in Terenure before earning a Bachelor of Arts from University College Dublin. Initially a ghostwriter, she transitioned to writing children's fiction when approached by Michael O'Brien of The O'Brien Press, who suggested she write a novel for young readers, perhaps on the Titanic.

Pierce's work often delves into significant historical events, bringing them to life for a younger audience. She followed her debut with City of Fate, set during the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II, which was on the shortlist for the Warwickshire School Library Service Award in 2014.

Pierce continued her exploration of historical narrative with Behind the Walls (2015), a novel set during the Siege of Derry in 1689. Then came Kings of the Boyne (2016), which chronicles the events of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. The latter was shortlisted for the Literacy Association of Ireland (LAI) awards, further cementing Pierce's reputation in the genre.

In 2018, she authored an illustrated book titled Titanic, which explored the stories of the ship's passengers and crew, enriching the lore surrounding the infamous maritime disaster.

Pierce's most recent novel, Chasing Ghosts — An Arctic Adventure (2020), intertwines two narratives based on documented events from 19th-century Ireland and the Canadian Arctic. The story follows the Arctic-bound ships HMS Erebus and Terror, which left London in 1845 under the command of Sir John Franklin.

Pierce frequently incorporates historical figures into her work to provide authenticity and immediacy to the historical periods she depicts. For example, in Kings of the Boyne, she chose to highlight the character of Gerald O'Connor, a Jacobite soldier from County Offaly, to bring the Battle of the Boyne to life for readers.

Beyond her novels, Pierce has a deep interest in American history, particularly the history of Native American Indians.

Nicola Pierce lives in Drogheda, Ireland.

Photo credit: nicolapiercewriter.com