On not being pigeonholed, motherhood as a writer, and believing that you are what you do.
Writer
Interview 31 Poet Annette Skade: ‘I honestly think creativity is a vital force. It is an ever expanding space which encompasses so many actions, instances and moments.’
On her latest book of poetry Holdfast, creativity and our connection to nature.
Interview 30 Author Orla Mackey: ‘The role of the artist is essential. If you think that’s an overstatement, just imagine a world without music or books or visual arts.’
Author Orla Mackey on the music of everyday speech, the difficulty of the second book, and learning that your own voice is ok.
Interview 29: Illustrator & Writer Lily Corcoran: ‘I like to highlight the things that one often overlooks, from the shadow of a flower to a kind gesture from a stranger. Beauty is everywhere.’
Lily Corcoran on learning a new craft, combining creative work with motherhood, and the determination needed to be authentic.
Author Paula McGrath
I began writing seriously around the time my twin boys were born. I don’t know what that was about, except that the urge to write, which was always there, became urgent and refused to be ignored. I was, as you can imagine, very busy at the time, but this just made the pockets of time I did have all the more valuable; I remember—possibly inadvisedly—dashing out to a writers’ group between breastfeeds!
Author Nuala O’Connor
As for my forte, in terms of writing I’d say it’s fiction. In terms of craft, I’d say it’s stick-with-it-ability and a willingness to always learn and grow.
I admire writers like Salinger and Ferrante who, to whatever extent, managed to extricate themselves from the PR roundabout and just get on with the writing. That’s what important for creatives: doing the work. Not the promo and public appearances – creating.