Grainne Murphy
Gráinne enjoyed an idyllic rural childhood. “There was lots of freedom. We cycled, and played in the forest and the river.” Her parents encouraged her love of reading – everything from Enid Blyton to the classics….
Helly Acton
Helly’s family lived in Zimbabwe and Saudi before settling in England when Helly was 14. “I loved reading and films, and I made up stories, but I didn’t think I’d become an author.” She worked in…
Michael Russell
Back in 1979, Michael Russell lived in Leeds. He stayed for eleven years, first farming and writing, and then working for Yorkshire television. It was the time when Peter Sutcliffe, better known as the Yorkshire Ripper,…
Zoe Somerville
A prolific writer as a child, Zöe lost her confidence as a teenager. “I was too intimidated. It was, almost, as if I’d read too much!” During university holidays, she went to America, then taught English…
John Boyne
John Boyne quite enjoyed lockdown. Without the need to get out and meet people – without appointments in his calendar, he spent his days doing what he likes best; simply reading and writing. Starting at 8.00…
Sandra Harris.
An introverted child, Sandra spent a lot of time reading. “It was a great escape,” she says. She moved to Dublin in 1991, and from 2005, has Cared for her second child, who is autistic…
Emma Donoghue
When Emma Donoghue delivered her latest novel last March, the publication date was set for 2021. But, surprising her, the editor decided to bring the date forwards. And, pulling together in harmony, her Canadian, American and…
Henry Murphy
Henry wrote a bit when he was at university, but then life intervened. “After college, I went to India with Voluntary Service Overseas. I stayed for a year, teaching English near Calcutta. When he returned, he…
Eoin McGee
Eoin has always loved numbers. And, inspired by Ellen O’Rourke, his business teacher at school, he went on to study the subject at college. After that he joined Irish Life – a company he had cause…
Louise Fein
Louise’s father was a lawyer who was prevented from practicing by Hitler. In England, as a refugee, he started a family business. “He never talked about the experience,” says Louise. “But he refused to speak German…
Tamsin Calidas
Tamsin has always been drawn to the arts. “As a child I expressed myself in art and music – it was an escape from a difficult childhood. I loved words. One of my first memories was…
Dara McAnulty
Dara has always been passionate about the natural world. “I remember, when I was very small, watching pigeons for hours. My interest developed from there.” At just 16, Dara has long been recognised for his knowledge…