Ask the Author: Clodagh Phelan
Answered Questions (6)
Clodagh Phelan
The last book, not yet on Kindle, was inspired by the sinking of the passenger ferry MV Herald of Free Enterprise. It capsized just outside the entrance to Zeebrugge Harbour on 6th March, 1987 with the loss of 192 lives. It was an appalling example of corporate negligence. You can read some background on my website www.clodaghphelan.com under Books>The Sixth of March
Clodagh Phelan
Anything and everything but I am particularly drawn to disasters. Would love to write crime fiction but while there are deaths in all my books, they don't turn out exactly like crime fiction as such. I get very angry about corporate negligence - in fact any stupidity and carelessness that leads to tragedy for others - and that certainly inspired my books. The Eighteenth of November is about the fire at King's Cross tube and The Sixth of March has as it's catalyst the sinking of the Herald of Free Enterprise just outside Zebrugge harbour. Both appalling examples of corporate negligence.
Clodagh Phelan
Various blog posts on www.clodaghphelan.com I am dying to write the third book in my series The Eighteenth of November and The Sixth of March and have other ideas swimming around but until I can find time to get the first two books on Kindle, I can't start anything new. You can read background to the books on the website, usp above.
Clodagh Phelan
Just do it. Write every day. Even if it's only ten minutes. You need to keep up the consistency especially if writing a book, otherwise you lose the thread. Don't be discouraged. If you want to do it , do it.
Clodagh Phelan
Being a writer I guess. I just love working things out for a plot and crafting my words. That's a joy. However, in my case I don't have any option. I have to write to exist. However, it's horribly frustrating at times and when you are struggling to get published etc. a complete nightmare. But I don't have an option. I have to write because it's what I do. And when circumstances prevent you writing i.e. money it's hell.
Clodagh Phelan
I just keep going. I always think of what they say in the theatre, that you have to get bums on seats. As a writer you have to keep your bum on the seat. Just sit at your desk, even if you are doing nothing. Something will come. Another way is to have several projects and switch so if you are stuck on one, working on the other will take the heat off the one you are blocked on. I'm not sure what I'd do if I was totally blocked for a long time. It hasn't happened. Just now I'd almost kill for the chance i.e. time to start a new novel.
About Goodreads Q&A
Ask and answer questions about books!
You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.
See Featured Authors Answering Questions
Learn more