It’s never too late to write!
Looking for a new read? Look no further!
that’s life! sat down with author Esther Campion, who lives with her husband, Mike, in Tasmania. Esther shared her tips for getting started as a writer and her inspiration ahead of the release of her new book,
A Week To Remember.
Tell us about A Week To Remember.
A converted stone farmhouse on the Irish coast is about to receive its rst guests. Aisling and Mick Fitzgerald are travelling all the way from Tasmania to celebrate their wedding anniversary, but Aisling is burdened with a secret that could ruin their marriage. Exhausted Declan Byrne has spontaneously taken the week off to visit the village of his childhood summers.
Katie Daly returns after 35 years to nd she must confront her painful past.
Finally, Mia Montgomery is taking this holiday without telling her husband. Each of this group of strangers is at a crossroads. And one week may change all of their lives. A Week To Remember includes scenes set in Ireland, where you grew up, and in your new home, Tasmania. Do you see any similarities between the two? I do in terms of the lush, green surroundings and the people.
In Ireland, people can be easy-going – and a little nosy! It feels similar in Tassie. But in Tasmania I’m fascinated by the different animals and plants – seeing the shadows of wombats at night lets me know I’m very far away from home.
Is there anything you miss from Ireland?
The pubs – nothing quite beats standing in an Irish pub, glass in hand and a bit of music on. I don’t miss the weather, though!
How did you get into writing? I’d always wanted to be a writer, but ended up working in science. When we moved to Australia, I sent emails to my friends writing about the highs and lows of moving countries. They said how it had made them laugh and cry – it was amazing to hear how my writing provoked emotions.
So, I joined a writing group where I wrote short stories and poems, before eventually writing novels.
My rst book was rejected by heaps of publishers, so I kept writing – and the next one I wrote, Leaving Ocean Road, was published in 2017.
No-one has an easy life – we all have hardships and lessons to learn
You’ve been compared to much-loved authors Monica McInerney and Maeve Binchy. How does that feel? It’s terrifying but a huge honour to even be mentioned in the same
sentence as them. They’re household names and the comparison blows my mind.
What would you say to those wanting to write?
Just do it! Action leads to motivation and you need to touch the page with a pen or nothing will happen.
It’s never too late. I didn’t start until I was in my 40s
– a friend of mine produces beautiful stories and is in her 90s. You can be any age, it’s all about your mindset.
What inspires your work? Life experience has really helped my writing. Over the years, I’ve realised that no-one has an easy life
– we all have hardships and lessons to learn. I write about the curve balls that so many of us experience. People say my books are relatable because of this.
Do you have a special place where you write?
I have a study without a door, which is good to keep an eye on everything in the house, but can be distracting.
If I get writer’s block, I love walking outside to feed our horses, Tarns and Opal, a carrot – or I’ll speak to my husband, Mike, who is so supportive and excellent at giving constructive feedback.
Whenever I’m writing, my loyal labrador, Coco, is usually sitting by my feet and I always have a coffee – I feel like I can’t write unless I have a cup next to me. ●
‘A Week To Remember’, published by Hachette Australia, is available to buy now.