I’m ready for you, 2017!
CARMEL HARRINGTON, BESTSELLING AUTHOR
BELLSELLING AUTHOR Carmel Harrington won’t be resting on her laurels in 2017 with not one but two books in the offing.
‘It’s not just the New Year I have to contend with, but within a few days, a birthday too! As a result, it’s not surprising that I find myself reflecting upon the previous year and the possibilities of the year ahead.
‘New Year’s Resolutions, like them or loathe them, the vast majority of us seem to make them, year in year out. It’s tempting to say bah humbug, that to set resolutions is to set yourself up to fail. But I’m an eternal optimist. I always think that this will be the year that I run a five-minute mile, lose weight, write a screenplay…
‘You see, I’m fierce fond of resolutions. I like the possibilities that they afford. I’m a dreamer and thinking about all I’m going to achieve is half the fun.
‘For me, alongside getting fit in 2017, I want to write a children’s book. I’ve had this story bubbling away inside of me for years. It’s about an beat-up black car, that is filled with magic. My children are a great beta audience and I’ve been telling them all about the adventures this car goes on for years. I’m encouraged by their reaction, so I think it’s time I try to translate the tale onto a page and see where it takes me.
‘January starts off busily for me, because my Irish bestselling The Things I Should Have Told You goes on sale in the UK. I’m excited to see how it does overseas. In June, my fifth novel, 72 Derry Lane, will be published in trade paperback format in Ireland. I’m particularly excited about this book. The title is a little homage to my father and aunt, who were born in The Ballagh, in a place called Derry Lane. My dad says he’s having a party on the lane to celebrate the book coming out, so watch this space!
‘I’ve also got several foreign translations happening throughout the year. With each of these publications comes media interviews. These are always fun – but, in truth, time consuming.
‘I’ve a few writing festivals to attend and speak at. I’m also chair of Wexford Literary Festival – that gets particularly busy in May.
‘And somewhere between all of this, I’ve got the not so little task of writing book six! I’ve promised to have a rough draft of it ready for my agent by Easter. I have a feeling I’ll have quite a few late nights coming my way. I’ll also continue doing my TV slots for TV3. I have to admit, that never feels like work. It’s a lot of fun.
‘One of the things I love most about my work is that I can write around my family’s schedules. That’s pretty cool. Come on, 2017. I’m ready for you!’