Person to Person: 'I’m writing the first draft of a novel using a fountain pen and a Field Notes book'

Tell us about yourself;

I’m a historical novelist turned crime writer living by the sea near Cork. My debut novel, White Feathers, was shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award. The Planter’s Daughter is my latest novel.

For my day job, I am an automation specialist working for a large logistics company. I’m also a Green Party member since 2017.

Where were you born?

Kilkenny, in the Aut Even hospital.

Where do you live?

A clue: If you look straight ahead on our balcony, you can see where the Titanic last anchored.

Family?

Married with one son.

Person you most admire?

I really admire Sadiq Khan. He’s used his position as Mayor of London for the public good and he’s done fantastic work reducing air pollution. Grace O’Sullivan, who was an MEP until recently, is a lioness. She was a crew member on the Rainbow Warrior when the French attacked it.

Person who most irritates you?

Not irritate so much as violently repel. There’s a clip where someone hits the TV when Benjamin Netanyahu comes on and their friend says, “no, don’t do that”, then gets an axe and smashes the screen repeatedly until his image is broken and gone. Same with Musk.

Where was your most memorable holiday?

Recently. Every year since 2023, I take off in January for my cancerversary, as I was diagnosed with breast cancer on the 17th of that month. I booked a beach lodge above Long Strand and cycled all the way there from Cork on my e-bike, Robinette. Lighting the stove and drinking that glass of red wine and hearing the crash of the waves outside was just blissful. It’s not that far from Skibbereen and Lough Hyne where The Planter’s Daughter is set.

Favourite TV programme?

I actually went out and bought a VPN just to see The Other Bennet Sister on BBC iPlayer, and it was worth it. Really heart-warming, and I feel bad now for quoting Mr Bennet approvingly in White Feathers when he said, “You have delighted us quite enough”! Other than that, I watch YouTube, which is great because no matter what you’re into, there will be a subsection dedicated to it. There’s a woman called Chloe Howie who does a series called Disaster Breakdown where she looks into the story behind various plane crashes.

Favourite radio show?

Don’t really listen to the radio. More a podcast girl.

Your signature dish if cooking?

I’m a pretty indifferent cook. One thing that’s a favourite in the household is “everything salad” - green leaves, cheese cubes, walnuts, and chicken cooked in sesame seeds, oil, a bit of sugar and red wine. I got it from my mother and modified it a little.

Favourite restaurant?

If I’m in Cork, I’ll pop into Umi Falafel and have their breaded halloumi wrap or a salad. Izz Café is brilliant, but I’m not usually in that part of town so haven’t eaten there for ages. Naturally Nourished near the train station has gorgeous food too. In Cobh, The Wholey Ground and Guilty Pleasures do wonderful pastries and scones.

Last book you read?

I’m currently reading Lucie Dumas by Katherine Mezzacappa. It’s the reimagined story of a real person, Lucie Dumas, who was effectively forced into sex work in Victorian London and then managed to catch the attention of the writer Samuel Butler, who kept her in lodgings on Handel Street. It’s such a vivid experience. You really see the inside of the brothel and the convent with the same sharp eyes. There’s such learning in Mezzacappa’s approach that you’re completely immersed. Loving it.

Best book you read?

That’s a tricky question. I’ll say the one that stayed with me, Cancer Ward, by Alexander Solzhenitsyn. “Today it was a marvel. Tomorrow it would be in the bin.” Actually, first it would be sent to pathology and the day after it would be in the bin, but it’s still a powerful line, and I read it long before I got diagnosed!

Favourite song?

Again, tricky. But if you want to talk about a song that is musically perfect, then CMAT’s Lord, Let That Tesla Crash is up there. Absolutely beautiful and she knows what she’s doing with those chord sequences.

One person you would like to see in concert?

CMAT was on in Cork recently. Perhaps I’ll catch her next time.

Morning person or night owl?

Definitely not a morning person. I love sleeping.

Your proudest moment?

Publishing White Feathers is probably the top one, but completing the Cobh 10 Mile road race for the first time in 2025 was a big deal for me. I never thought I’d have the discipline.

Name one thing you would improve in your area in which you live?

I would have something like Bolt or Bleeper electric bikes. Where I live is very hilly, but it’s no bother with an e-bike. I’m already seeing a few e-cargo bikes around town but would love to see more. Better for the planet, and for health.

What makes you happy?

My morning cup of coffee, brought to me in bed. Among so many other things.

How would you like to be remembered?

As someone whose work moved hearts and minds and provoked discussion.

What else are you up to at the moment?

I’m writing the first draft of a romance novel using a fountain pen and A6 Field Notes notebooks. There’s a whole subculture around Field Notes, but I’m finding it great fun, if quite challenging. Also, I’ve been ranked as a finalist in the Historical Novelist Society competition for a work-in-progress called Blood Ties.

• The Carousel Aware Prize (CAP) recognises excellence in independent publishing, and the shortlist will be announced in mid-August, with winners revealed at a ceremony at Chapters Bookstore, Dublin, next October.