Today iI’m on the blog tour for The Ballynoon Friendship Circle. I’m sharing a Q&A with the author with thanks to Zoe O’Farrell and the team at Spellbound Books for inviting me on the tour, and of course, to Pauline Morgan for answering my questions!

Have you always wanted to write?

The answer has to be yes. From the moment I could connect the letters to form words. I have always been fascinated with writing, from notes to produce a complete manuscript.

What were your previous jobs? Have they helped you with your writing process?

I’ve had lots of various jobs. Such as stable girl, shop assistant, sewing machinist, running a domestic cleaning business, weekend housekeeper to an Earl and a professional Clairvoyant-Medium. These experiences and events have all contribute to assist me on my journey as a writer.

What was your inspiration for The Ballynoon Friendship Circle?

After relocating to N.Ireland, my homeland, I joined a friendship circle at the village hall. Listening to the ladies stories and conversations, I got the idea to write a book.

How do you construct your characters? Do they have traits of people you know?

I have a list of character traits and pick about five to build a character. Sometimes I have used family and friendships quirky traits in the past.

What does your writing process look like? Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I’m a plotter by nature. A writer friend introduced me to using notebooks to plot the story. I’m the owner of colourful notebooks waiting to use for the future. I can’t resist purchasing a notebook.

How did you research the Ballynoon Friendship Circle? Did you enjoy it?

By joining the village friendship circle, I felt the new person in a group and sensing the emotions. The greeting of the members and friendships forged. I was fascinated with their experiences and the dialogue. I truly enjoyed the whole experience.

Who are your favourite writers? Are you influenced by them?

I grew up with authors such as Catherine Cookson, Maeve Binchy, Trisha Ashley, Cathy Bramley, Judy Finnigan, Fern Britton and Victoria Hislop. Are to name a few. I would say they have influenced my writing by their brilliant ability of storytelling.

If you could invite three people, living or dead, to dinner, who would they be and why?

Oh, gosh, Victoria Wood for her brilliant sense of humour. Patrick Swayze would be my eye candy guest, entertain us by singing or dancing after dinner. My last dinner guest would be Graham Norton, to provide a good old gossip session. Hoping, he asks me to co-join him in writing a book.

Who would you least like to be stuck in a lift with and why?

The animated character Betty Boob. I don’t why I cringe every time I see or hear her.

Who would play the main character/s in a film version of The Ballynoon Friendship Circle?

The ex-husband and wife team, Kenneth Branagh and Emma Thompson, would make excellent Edel and Martin characters.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Spend time in the garden. I love sharing time between our two pet dogs and two demanding cats and escaping to my reading corner in the attic with a good book.

What is next for you?

I have approx—thirty thousand words in the first draft of a sequel to The Ballynoon Friendship Circle.

Favourites:

Book? Light a Penny Candle by Maeve Binchy

Film? The Lost Boys

Band/Singer? Hot Chocolate

TV show? Highlander

Colour? Purple

Place? Crete

Biscuit? Custard Cream

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The Ballynoon Friendship Circle is available from Amazon.

You ccan follow the rest of the blog tour here: