There’s not much money in books, but the work is its own reward...

CAROLINE GRACE CASSIDY is the author of six novels as well as writing screenplays for seven short films. Many will recognise her from her regular appearances on Elaine Crowley’s talkshow on Virgin Media One. She talks about how it’s tough to make money as a writer. So Caroline, writing successful books in Ireland – a licence to print money, eh? Sorry Bill, I couldn’t hear you there, the live-in nanny dropped the foie gras again – it really is so difficult to get good help. She left the pool unheated yesterday too, tch tch tch. What was your question again, dear? Seriously, didn’t Donal Ryan go back to his day job after all that success? Surely it can’t be that unlucrative? How much does a very successful novel earn a writer in Ireland? Donal’s honesty on the reality of being an Irish writer was so great. He is one of the most prolific writers ever and yet he still has his day job. You need to build up a catalogue of work until the royalties add up. I’ve published six novels now so I get by, let’s just put it that way. You don’t just write books, though, but also films – and you act and appear as a TV panelist. And you co-own production company Park Pictures. And you have two daughters. Busy woman! Any time management tips? Hit the ground running! Boom! Once the kids are gone to school, I write my novels for three hours at the kitchen table. We have opened a new office for Park Pictures in Rathgar. So I head there around midday and I’ve been a regular panelist for The Elaine Show for six years now. I usually do a show a week and then it’s back to get the kids at 2.30pm every day. I keep a physical diary, which helps. I sit down on a Sunday night and plan my week. How’s the Irish film business? A better money-spinner than books? Depends. I’ve made seven short films. All did really well, some won awards, but there is no money on the short film circuit. But what you learn from making shorts is invaluable. I was investing in the craft to move on and Screen Ireland have backed the development of my latest film, The Quiet Woman. What’s the secret of keeping the wolf from the door in the arts? Taking home the toilet roll from all opening nights! Sticking any perishable nibbles in your purse! No seriously, it is extremely hard to make a living – anyone in the arts will tell you that. You just have to keep plugging away. But we have the pleasure in loving what we do for a living, and to me that’s priceless. Do you have a big fat pension? I have a big fat penguin money box that I still throw my coins into. It will be opened this week for my Christmas presents. How did you get started? I was lucky with my start. I got a job straight from acting college working for Michael Scott, the theatre director. It was an incredible three years there and I learned so much. Any advice for someone who wants to give up the day job to do something they really like? Go for it! I say life’s too short to deal with rubbish. Okay, I get you also have to eat and pay bills, but the job market is wide open right now. At least take the leap and try something you don’t hate. Biggest financial mistake? Taking a driving lesson on Dollymount Strand in my brother’s company car and sinking it. Best investment? My first laptop. It gave me my career. Or my kids. I tell them, ‘Remember Mammy wants to live with you when she’s old.’ Ever been ripped off? A bogus charity collector called to the door recently asking me to buy a line. I did and later saw her at the shop throwing her T-shirt and the sponsorship card into the bin. I let it go. But she called again for some other charity, so I invited her in and gave her the third degree. I took her photo and she ran out like a scalded cat! I saw a lot of names on her card of my elderly neighbours, and that really annoyed me. Would you complain in a restaurant if given bad service? Absolutely! It’s hard when you are eating out with kids, as they want to be served fast. Do you give money to charity? I don’t give to charity collectors as much as I used to – instead, I give my own donations to charities via text. Favourite guilty treat? Red wine. Always.