June Considine- interview
When and how did you first begin your writing career?
It began one night in the mid-Seventies when, having persuaded my children that sleep was essential for the sanity of mothers, I reached for a pen instead of switching on the television set. I wrote a feature about a subject close to my heart, pre-school education, and that simple gesture of using the pen – instead of talking about using it – kick-started me on a roller coaster journey. Shortly afterwards, I joined a writing group in the People’s College in Dublin.
Did you find the workshop a worthwhile involvement?
Absolutely. I belonged to an ambitious and enthusiastic group, all consumed by a desire to write. I still have a number of close friends I made at that time. Soon after starting the classes I began writing short features for the now defunct Evening Press. My two children were very young at the time and, with a third baby on the way, I found it impossible to concentrate on a full length novel. Gradually, I become more and more involved in journalism and wrote on a variety of issues for a number of different publications.
How has your life changed since then?
I’ve worked as an editor on two specialist magazines and have written twelve books for children, as well as some children’s TV and radio scripts for RTE, the national radio and television stations. More recently, I’ve had two adults novels published - When the Bough Breaks and Deceptions.
Are you still an enthusiastic writer?
Admittedly, the words no longer flow with that same euphoric spontaneity that lifts most writers onto the roller coaster in the early years but each new book is an on-going challenge to improve my skills as a writer – which is why my enthusiasm remains undiminished.
Did you find journalism a useful skill when you turned to writing fiction?
They are two different skills but the training I received in journalism was invaluable in helping me to cross over into fiction. I’ve learned to write concisely and focus on the essentials of plot without going off on irrelevant tangents. Of course, it’s impossible to be totally objective about my own work but I do believe that journalism has given me a critical eye when it comes to editing out the self-indulgent little nuggets that are often cherished but do nothing to strengthen or enhance the story. Question: Why did you move from journalism to children’s fiction?
Answer: My initial desire when I first began to write was to be a children’s author. As a child I adored reading and hoped that my own work would give that same pleasure to today’s young readers. Also, through my own children and years of experience in pre-school education I was drawn back into that wonderful world of a child’s imagination.
Are authors of books for children taken as seriously as authors of adult fiction?
I’d like to believe that authors of children’s fiction get the respect they deserve. But when I was writing books for children I was regularly asked when I was going to write a real book. Associations like CLAI (Children’s Literature Association of Ireland) have made an enormous difference in terms of reviewing books and lifting the profile of children’s authors. Harry Potter has, of course, had a tremendous impact on the public consciousness and there is a definite change of attitude. Yet, when my first adult novel, When the Bough Break, was launched two years ago it was regularly described as my first novel – instead of my thirteenth.
Which is more difficult to write – adult or children’s fiction?
Both have specific demands. The challenge of writing for young people is to identify with the reader, be sensitive to the fact that my ideal reader may be a twelve-year-old who could have a curious seven-year-old sibling with a habit of borrowing books. Most importantly, it’s essential that I don’t patronise my readers. They will be quick to spot this trait and, justifiably, will ban the offending author from their shelves. Writing for adult frees me from certain constraints. I have one age group to satisfy - mainly the sixteen to ninety plus – which gives me the freedom to explore issues of a more complex and demanding nature.
Do you worry about reviews?
Years ago I dreaded the thought of someone disliking my work and expressing that opinion in print. Now, if it happens, I accept it as part of the publishing package. Obviously, I’d prefer to receive good reviews but it’s important to take the bad ones on the chin and walk away. A review is someone else’s point of view, nothing more, nothing less. I’ve listened to arts programmes where literary experts argue and offer totally opposing views on the merits or failures of the same book – does that make it a good or a bad novel? At the end of the day all that matters is that my readers enjoy my work and come back for more.
Do you work a certain number of hours each day?
I’m a disciplined writer and work a normal day. When the words are flowing (usually in the glorious period of final editing) my fingernails need to be carefully prised loose from my desk. Generally, I rise early and am often at my desk by six or seven in the morning. This allows me a few hours before phone calls and the demands of the day catch up. My family - I have one son, Tony, and two daughters Ciara and Michelle - are now adults and making their own way in the world – but my vivid, some would suggest ‘weird’ imagination ensures I don’t suffer empty nest syndrome. New ‘babies’ are a constant factor in my life – and my latest book - Deceptions - is due for release early October 2004. Obviously, I’ve more free time than in those early years. But free time is like an empty press – just waiting to be cluttered again. Hence the early start.
Do you write about people you know?
I have a deep and abiding respect for the libel laws of this country and am also reluctant to lose my dearest friends. My characters and plots are purely fictitious. I’m sure certain familiar traits will manifest themselves in my characters but this is done unknowingly. I am, of course, influenced by what is happening in society. When the Bough Breaks evolved after years of listening to people on radio telling personal and heart-wrenching stories that they had never been able to discuss in the past – and how they remain haunted by secrets. Deceptions is a different type of book yet it also deals with this theme of secrecy.
How do you relax?
I live in Malahide, a lovely coastal village about then miles north of of Dublin city. Between the sea and Malahide Castle grounds there are some wonderful walks and I use them regularly. Yoga, theatre, cinema, swimming and reading are also useful for winding down – although reading is a no-go area when I’m in the process of writing a book. I find myself easily influenced by writers I admire and it takes at least a day to stop feeling envious and write their style out of my system. I also love travelling and am hoping to tour New Zealand with my husband, Sean Considine, next year.
Are you currently involved with a writing group?
I’m on the committee of the Irish Writer’s Union and am a member of Irish PEN. For those interested in writing I’d definitely advise becoming involved in a group or attending the PEN talks. Joining a writer’s group is also very worthwhile. My group in the People’s College was an enthusiastic and ambitious gathering. They included playwright, Bernard Farrell, novelist and playwright, Dermot Bolger, novelist, Kathleen Sheehan-O’Connor, award winning short story writer and novelist, Margaret Dolan – and others who have since made names for themselves in the field of literature. The local libraries or the Irish Writer’s Centre should be able to give details on where local writing groups meet.
Do you think you will ever stop writing?
Yes. If you’re sending a wreath I’m partial to white roses!
