Friday Reads – Escape to the Irish Village by Ann O’Loughlin

My featured book today is the heartwarming novel Escape to the Irish Village by Ann O’Loughlin. We’re going to be talking to Ann about the book, and her writing life. So grab yourself a cuppa, get comfy and let’s get started. 😊

Blurb

Can she finally find the home she’s always wanted?

Emma Wilson is running from a broken marriage after her life has been torn apart, and she’s desperate to start over. Escaping to a small Irish village, Emma begins working for seventy-five-year-old fashion enthusiast Judith McCarthy in her beautiful manor house at the heart of the tight-knit community. The quirky locals give Emma a warm welcome and, inspired by Judith’s passion for life, Emma hopes she

can rebuild her life in this village by the sea. As Emma and Judith’s lives intertwine, Emma meets Judith’s brooding son Miles. At first, the two argue over everything, clashing over decisions about the estate and how to support Judith. But when Emma begins to see a different side to Miles – a hardworking man who will do anything for his family – she can’t deny the attraction

between them. But can she open her heart and love again?Soon Emma realises that Judith’s bold spirit is hiding deeper troubles. The village that means so much to them both is in danger of being destroyed, and protecting their home will be the biggest challenge of Judith’s life. It seems the two women have been thrown together when they need each other most…

Can Emma and Judith save the village? And will Emma build a future with Miles? Or will she lose the only place that has ever felt like home…?

A page-turning and life-affirming novel about the power of female friendships, the importance of community and the magic of second chances. Perfect for fans of Susanne O’Leary, Cathy Kelly and Mary Alice Monroe.
Buy link:  https://geni.us/B0CXJTTZL8author

Welcome to my blog, Ann.

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

Yes, I have always wanted to be a writer. I was always writing short stories. When I finished school, the only way I could pursue writing was through journalism. I say I was happily diverted into journalism. I am still working as a national newspaper journalist, but ten years ago I followed my dream and wrote my first book. I was lucky The Ballroom Café became a bestseller, and was translated into eleven languages, which was quite a start. I have been happily juggling writing and journalism since.

Has any author inspired you?

 Maeve Binchy was a wonderful writer and journalist. She combined both careers so successfully too. She used to write early in the London newspaper office, so the story goes, and would then turn to her journalism.

I write at home early in the morning and then go on to work as a journalist.

Maeve Binchy, I think also showed that there is room in the market for intelligent women’s fiction. Just because a book is written by a woman and the readers are predominantly women does not mean it can’t tackle serious issues either.  

What do you like writing most?

I love writing dialogue.  Returning to Maeve Binchy, she admitted to being an eavesdropper and I must too. She said you had to do it to be able to write realistic dialogue. She’s right. I store snatches of conversation in my head or maybe key phrases and they come out at the right time, or I like to think they do. It’s also easier for me in day job because I listen to a lot of people talking.

Do you have a special place for writing?

I write in the kitchen. I like to be at the centre of the house, but I do make sure to write very early so there are not so many interruptions. I am lucky my husband and children tip toe around me and seem to place food at my elbow, and a cup of tea or coffee, when I need it. Writing is a lonely business, and I like to be able to connect with my loved ones, though there are times I ask for quiet too. I always have my two labrador dogs at my feet, and they remind me very quickly when I need to take a break.

Are you a pantster or a plotter?

Gosh, I am such a pantser. I so wish I was like other writers who plot down to the last paragraph, but unfortunately, that’s not me. This will sound decidedly odd.  I hear the voices of the characters in my head and I follow their lead. There are days  I sit down at the laptop, and I have no idea where the story is going, and suddenly it all happens.

Is your writing ever inspired by your family or real life incidents?

 I  think every writer takes in little bits from around them and stores it away, probably unconsciously, and it comes out when it is required. I think my work is very much informed by my journalism over the years.

What are you writing at the moment?

I have just finished my next novel . I am waiting now to edit the manuscript. It’s a nice phase to be in because it gives me time to catch up on my reading and to play around with some more novel ideas.

What time of the day do you write best?

I am an early morning person. I make a strong cup of coffee and get going. I don’t allow myself have breakfast until I have the first one thousand words done. The dogs know my routine and when I close the laptop they are ready to join me for breakfast.

What are your hobbies?

I love to work in my garden. The writer William Trevor used to get up very early to write and stop for breakfast at 9am, and then spend the rest of the day in the garden. I don’t have that luxury but I do love spending time working in my garden. I live beside the Irish Sea so it can be quite a challenge fighting the wind and salt laden air at times. I also love to travel.

What advice would you give to other writers?

Keep writing and write every day. Even if it is only a few hundred words, it is important to keep writing. If you are a writer you really have to develop a thick skin. Forget about getting friends and family to read a manuscript and listen to your editor. Remember the best writing comes in the rewriting. Also enjoy it; celebrate every little win and hopefully some big ones too!

Great advice Ann! Thanks so much for dropping by to talk to us today. Wishing you lots of writing success.

Meet Ann.

BIOGRAPHY

Bestselling author Ann is also a leading journalist in Ireland , Ann O’Loughlin has covered all major news events of the last three decades. Ann spent most of her career with Independent Newspapers and is now a senior journalist with the Irish Examiner newspaper. Ann has also lived in India. Originally from the west of Ireland she now lives on the east coast with her husband and two children. Ann’s books have been translated into eleven languages.

Find Ann

FACEBOOK @annoloughlinbooks

TWITTER @annolwriter

INSTAGRAM @authorannoloughlin

TIKTOK @authorannoloughlin

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