Aoife Burke: Writing Myth, Memory, and the Art of Dreaming

Based in Galway, Ireland, Aoife Burke approaches writing as both a disciplined craft and an act of imaginative freedom. Her work unfolds at the intersection of high fantasy, folklore, and personal reflection, where mythical creatures - both invented and inherited - become vehicles for exploring human emotion, resilience, and hope. Through carefully constructed worlds, she invites readers into narratives shaped by love and loss, struggle and triumph, and the enduring belief that even the most fragile underdog can find their place.

Introduction - A Path Shaped by Language

Burke’s relationship with storytelling began early. At just seven years old, she won her first art competition, followed years later by recognition as an award-winning poet at the age of fifteen. These formative moments confirmed an intuitive connection to language that would later be refined through academic study. She completed a Higher Certificate in Arts in 2014 and went on to earn a four-year degree in English in 2023, dedicating over six years to formal education in the humanities.

As an adult, Burke discovered that her English language ability ranked within the top ten percent of the population - a finding that reinforced what experience had already shown: writing was not simply an interest, but a vocation. Further national and international recognition followed, including a runner-up position in Ireland in the EU Sakharov Journalism Competition in 2020, alongside additional writing awards that helped shape her professional identity.

A Practice Rooted in Patience and Imagination

Burke’s creative process is deliberate and deeply structured. She plans her novels over long periods, often developing a story across two years before it reaches completion. Notebooks form the backbone of this process, filled with narrative outlines, character studies, and hand-drawn maps that give shape to imagined worlds. Music plays a central role in her writing routine, offering calm and focus while allowing ideas to unfold organically.

Her stories belong to the realm of high fantasy, yet they resist imitation. Drawing inspiration from mythology and folklore, she combines familiar archetypes with original creatures and landscapes, striving to create narratives that feel both timeless and distinct. The result is a body of work that balances escapism with emotional depth, offering readers not only adventure, but a sense of inner reflection.

Themes, Influences, and Emotional Landscapes

At the heart of Burke’s writing lie universal themes: love, death, loss, and perseverance. Her narratives often center on unlikely heroes and the quiet strength of those who endure adversity. While her stories tend toward hopeful conclusions, they do not avoid darkness; instead, they acknowledge it as part of the journey toward meaning.

Inspiration emerges from everyday life as much as from imagination. Walking, listening to music, drawing, and moments of personal experience - including love and grief - all feed into her creative world. Literature remains a guiding influence, with writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien shaping her understanding of world-building and narrative immersion, though Burke’s voice remains firmly her own.

Joining a Global Publishing Project

Burke discovered 100 Artists of Europe through social media and felt an immediate connection to its vision. For her, participation represents an opportunity to share not only her personal story as a writer, but also the broader universe of work she continues to develop. As a multi-award-winning author currently working on new material, the project offers a meaningful platform for visibility and professional growth.

Being part of an international publication alongside artists from diverse disciplines reinforces her belief in creative exchange. The project situates literary practice within a wider cultural dialogue, acknowledging writing as an art form that stands alongside visual expression in shaping contemporary European culture.

Looking Ahead

Burke is currently developing two new fantasy novels, each centered on original characters that continue her exploration of myth, identity, and emotional transformation. These long-term projects reflect her commitment to depth rather than speed, allowing stories to evolve with care and intention.

To readers, she offers a simple message: dreaming is not only permitted, it is necessary. Writing, born from daydreams and imagination, can be both therapeutic and transformative. Through her work, Aoife Burke invites readers to escape - not as a form of avoidance, but as a way of reconnecting with creativity, possibility, and hope.

Website / Portfolio: https://sites.google.com/view/aoifeburke/home

Instagram: @aoifeburke1047

X (Twitter): @Eva_Burke1

Project: 100 Artists of Europe – Culturale Lab