An interview with Noëlle Harrison

Noëlle Harrison began writing in the early nineties when she wrote and produced three plays that were staged in London and Dublin in the early 1990s. After the birth of her son in 1997, Noëlle began writing fiction, winning The Meath Chronicle/Bookwise Short Story Competition for her piece I Was There. More recently her short story, The Invisible Woman, was shortlisted for the Molly Keane Memorial Short Story Award in 2002. Beatrice is her first novel. She kindly took some time to answer a few questions posed by our Techie.

Did you always write?
When I was a little girl I used to write short plays with my best friend Kate and we used to perform them to our families. But a yearning to write did not come until I was at college and, instead of writing essays, I used to find myself writing poetry. Still, the idea that I might become a writer did not occur to me until I wrote my first play in 1990 while I was still living in London. Then the passion was born and since that time my goal has always been to be able to earn my living through writing.

Is the plot based on a true life story?
No, not specifically, certainly not that of my own family, although it is based on the reality of miscommunications and twisted truths hidden at the heart of many families. No one character is based on any particular person but there are elements of the lives of lots of different people I know brought together. The smallest incident in real life might make the basis of one scene, which I will then maybe take in another direction and embellish with my imagination!

Which character was the hardest to write, Sarah, Beatrice or Eithne?
Most definitely Eithne!
Sarah was the easiest to write...she just flowed straight out! And because Beatrice is a little more distant to the reader than Eithne it was easier to write her pieces because they are slightly more abstract. I needed to get right into Eithne's head as she is written in the first person and is our guide - we are with her from when she is a child to her mid thirties. Eithne is also a slightly less romantic figure than Sarah and Beatrice so it was harder to articulate her feelings than the other two women.

You use a lot of art in the book to create atmosphere and two of the characters are artists - is this because of a personal interest in art?
Oh absolutely. Art and writing are my two big passions. I have always loved art and studied the History of Art at university in London. One of my best trainings as a creative writer was writing art reviews for several years when I had to write concisely, for the reader, and to a deadline. I love writing about art in a way which is visual and accessible. At the moment I teach History of Art to students at Cavan College of Further Education which I really enjoy. Art constantly inspires my writing.

Why did you end the book the way you did?
Beatrice was written quite intuitively. The story led me rather than I decided what should happen. I know this sounds strange but I very much felt my way with the plot. I felt that this ending was the only ending there could be given Beatrice's character. (I don't want to give too much away!)

How did you go about researching this book?
Just by living! Beatrice is an exploration of family relationships, set in the brooding landscape of North Meath. I live in Oldcastle, County Meath so much of my "research" was walking in the woods, the bogs, and by the lakes soaking in the atmosphere. Similarly, in terms of family relationships, it was through the people I have met over the years, and the way they live that provided me with my raw material. I did do some more specific research on print making and that involved talking to a friend, Cora Cummins, who is an artist and going into her studio to see her etching techniques.

What made you want to be a writer?
It is my calling, that is all I can say. When I am intensely working, writing away, it is the greatest joy, the biggest satisfaction I can ever feel. I love losing myself in my book, coming to know my characters and creating this strange other reality. The sense of wholeness when I write is completely addictive so that when I am denied the time to write I get quite cranky!

What is the best piece of advice that you've been given about writing?
I can't remember who said this to me, but years ago I was told that ninety-nine percent of being a writer is rejection. It sounds a little negative. But that small piece of advice has kept me grounded when at times I felt that all I was ever hearing were the words NO! It made me realise that you just have to keep plugging away for that small one percent chance, and if your passion stays intact and you remain focussed your dream can come true!

Do you have a writing routine?
Yes. Discipline is crucial! I have a seven-year-old son so my time to write is sacred. The usual working day starts like so - yoga before taking Corey to school, and then straight into the writing for about three to four hours, then I take a break and walk the dog for an hour or so to get back down to earth. After I collect Corey from school I like to do something with him, and talk about his day so then I don't get back to writing until he is in bed and I will try to work for a couple of hours before I go to bed myself. I am very lucky to have this time to write, before I got my book deal I was working so I had to squeeze in my writing in odd pockets of time. Its good training because it makes you utilise every spare minute you have.

What writers do you admire?
I really admire Isabel Allende. She started writing when she had two small children and was working full time so she used to write at night. When I sometimes used to feel a little worn out I'd think of Isabel Allende and how she kept on going. In terms of inspiration though, it is musicians and artists rather than other writers that often inspire my work...I love exploring parallel expressions of creativity.

What was the last good book you read?
Pan Macmillan compared my writing to that of Julie Myerson so, since I had never read any of her books, I picked up one called Something Might Happen and read it on holiday. It was absolutely fabulous...really got under my skin, a very intense book but devoid of sentimentality. I was deeply honoured that I had been compared to her!

To read our review of Beatrice click here