Author Gabrielle Mullarkey lives in Oxfordshire but her family originally comes from Co. Galway. They left for Kent when she was six. A journalist for more than 20 years, she has written over 1,000 short stories and had two novels published.
What are you up to right now?
Detoxing the only way I know how — by writing. I’ve nearly finished my third novel and I’m developing an idea for an article on creative writing for therapeutic purposes.
Who are your heroes?
Seamus Heaney for his wonderful, accessible poetry, especially about writing itself. More topically, Malala Yousafzai. It’s incredible to think that, in our time, women should still have to campaign for the right to be educated.
What’s been the best decade of your life so far and why?
In my 30s I gained enough confidence and experience to try a completely different tack so after training as a journalist, I gave myself permission to spend more time on my creative writing.
What song sends a shiver down your spine?
I love Barbra Streisand’s Evergreen. Corny, but true. Growing up, I used to listen to the Wolfe Tones at full blast — as this was suburban Kent, God knows what the next-door neighbours thought!
What is your favourite place in Ireland?
As I’m from Galway, I love the coastline and the stone-walled roads leading from Tuam to the nearby countryside where my parents grew up. If I had to pick one special place, it would be Old Kilcullen round tower and graveyard.
What makes you angry?
Casual rudeness and lack of consideration, which has a knock-on effect and can make the world seem a scary, unfeeling place. There is such a thing as society (whatever Margaret Thatcher said), but we all have to embrace its responsibilities towards each other. Here endeth the lesson.
What book influenced you most?
The Hobbit, which I read at school; a brilliantly written, action-packed page-turner. It inspired me not just to carry on reading, but also, to carry on writing.
What was the worst moment of your life?
My father dying very suddenly when I was 16. It wasn’t just a personally shattering event for all concerned — as a carefree teenager, it forced me to grow up and appreciate the fragility of life.
Which local star in any field should the world outside Ireland know about?
My brother James is a talented amateur triathlete who runs, cycles and swims to raise money for charity.
If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?
I’d like to put down roots, having been nomadic for much of my life. I’m Goldilocks (metaphorically speaking), searching for the bowl of porridge at just the right temperature.
Can you recommend an interesting website?
Lapidus, the website for the Writing for Wellbeing Organisation, at www.lapidus.org.uk. It lists regional workshops to help you develop your writing without feeling judged or prescribed.
What is the best lesson life has taught you?
If you want something done, ask a busy person!
What is your favourite film and why?
Wall-E, a Pixar animation about a little recycling robot on a deserted, post-apocalyptic Earth who watches Hello Dolly on a loop, befriends a cockroach and dreams of a hand to hold — all without the aid of dialogue for the first half-hour or so. It’s sentimental without being mawkish or didactic, and always makes me cry!
What do you believe in?
My own instincts and, once you’ve discounted death and taxes, the certainty of uncertainty.
What trait do others criticise you for?
Indecisiveness born of dithering uncertainty. See above!
What are the best and worst things about where you live?
I live on the outer edge of the M25. The best thing about my locality is that the pubs do OK chips. The worst thing is the price of a well-cooked local chip.
On what occasion is it OK to lie?
When you’re asked the best and worst things about where you live (mobs with flaming pitchforks spring to mind if you err on the side of honesty).
What do you consider the greatest work of art?
Van Gogh’s Starry Night, because it’s different every time I look at it. The swirls of paint are hypnotically infused with life.
What is your ultimate guilty pleasure?
Dunking a Lindt chocolate in a foamy cappuccino topped up with Baileys, while watching an old black-and-white tearjerker or an episode of Columbo.
Who is the love of your life?
My partner Jim, a Kildare man. We’ve been together over 20 years, with nary an agreement between us: he says ‘tomayto’ and I say ‘can’t stand them myself’, but on the plus side, he keeps me in Lindt and Baileys.
Hush Hush is republished by Corazon Books and is available as an e-book now for £1.99
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