‘I grew up in a singleparent family. Even our TV was rented’

E.R. Murray writes novels for children and young adults, as well as short fiction. Originally from Middlesbrough in the UK, she now lives in West Cork. Her books include The Nine Lives Trilogy and the stand-alone novel Caramel Hearts.

Murray is due to co-conduct a five-day workshop for teenage writers at the West Cork Literary Festival this July.

The festival is due to run in Bantry from

July 10 to July 17. For more information, visit westcorkliteraryfestival.ie or ermurray.com.

What’s the most important lesson about money which your career in writing has taught you?

I don’t earn my full income from my books — even though I have four books published.

I earn some royalties and also money from a film option but the biggest portion of my income is from writing-related freelance, such as school events, workshops, manuscript reports and so on.

So the most important lesson learned would probably be: make sure you’re flexible and have a solid grounding in other work that can keep you financially buoyant so you can support your writing.

The most expensive country you ever visited?

Definitely Iceland. I had a residency there for a month and everything was incredibly expensive. Halfday tours were several hundred euro, and food was insanely pricey — it was around €28 for an eightinch takeaway pizza. Thankfully, I did my research first and brought lots of essentials with me.

The best advice you ever got about money?

The saying ‘shy kids get nowt’ was a common phrase when I was growing up and it gave me an appreciation for opportunity. I’ve always been confident enough to ask for opportunities, such as pay rises, job promotions, new positions and so on.

What has the ongoing coronavirus crisis taught you about money?

It’s confirmed what I already believe: money is useful but integrity should be a person’s driving force.

Apart from property, what’s the most expensive thing you have ever bought?

I don’t own property and have never wanted to. I’ve moved around a lot and so property always felt like a bind. I also don’t drive — so I don’t own any expensive items. I tend to invest in travel and experiences, though I did spend a ludicrous amount (around €1,000) on a special-edition Montblanc fountain pen when I was leaving a very well-paid job to concentrate on my books.

It was a statement — but also an investment. I half-jokingly told everyone I could sell it if the writing didn’t work out. Thankfully, it did.

What was your biggest financial mistake?

I took on a partner’s debt, then got stuck with that debt when we broke up. Foolish, I know.

Are you better off than your parents?

By far, but that wouldn’t be difficult. I grew up in a single-parent family in the north of England during Thatcher’s Britain. There was no money for anything — even our TV was rented and we often went without gas or electricity. We relied on free school meals and bread queues for food.

If you won the Euromillions, what would you do with the money?

New experiences and travel are what make me tick, so I’d probably visit some out-of-reach exotic locations.

But I’d also have to fund some causes I believe in, especially those providing more opportunities for working-class artists.

What was the last thing you bought online?

Books. I’m doing my best to support indie bookshops during these difficult times.

Would you buy Irish property now?

No. I wouldn’t be able to afford it by a long shot and I couldn’t imagine putting myself into that much debt. I would find it far too stressful.

Do you ever haggle?

I like a good haggle. I used to go to Turkey a lot when I was in my early 20s and I remember haggling for some necklaces for hours.

What three things would you not be able to do without if you were tightening your belt?

Books. Wine. Walking boots.