To kickstart the TPP Reading Club, we were delighted to meet with one of Ireland’s most popular children’s authors, Sarah Webb . . .
1. How long have you been writing, Sarah? I’ve been writing since I was about ten years old. I was late to reading – I didn’t read fluently until I was almost ten.
2. What made you want to become a writer? Being a reader! Once I could read, there was no stopping me. I practically ate books! I loved Enid Blyton and the Bunty comic most of all. The first stories I wrote as a child were inspired by Blyton: tales of children on holidays, getting up to all sorts of mischief and adventure.
3. What was the inspiration behind The Weather Girls? In 2018 I watched RTÉ’s Great Lighthouses of Ireland and first heard the remarkable story of Maureen Flavin and the Blacksod D-Day weather reports. I was fascinated. I knew it would make the basis of a great story for children.
4. How long did it take for The Weather Girls to go from an idea to a published book? It took about six years, from the initial idea to the published book.
5. Why do you think historical fiction is so important? By reading historical fiction, children can step into another person’s shoes and see the past come alive. We can learn a lot from the past at any age, but sadly we don’t always do that. I believe good books can help children build empathy.
6. What is your number one tip for aspiring writers? Read! Read all kinds of books, from comic books to historical fiction. That’s where you will learn what works in a story and what doesn’t.
7. Can you remember the first book you ever read and loved? The Bunty comic – I was reading the pictures long before I could read the words. I love comics to this day.
8. Who are your favourite authors? I have so many! I love the Irish authors Marita Conlon-McKenna, Judi Curtin, Eoin Colfer, Patricia Forde, Clara Kumagai (her book Catfish Rolling is for older teens), Chris Haughton, Deirdre Sullivan . . . We have such amazing writers in this country!
9. What would you be if you weren’t an author? I have three other jobs – I’m a children’s bookseller, event manager, creative writing teacher and reviewer – I love the variety!
10. What is your favourite book of all time? Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret by Judy Blume
11. Aside from reading and writing, do you have any hobbies? I like sailing and I try to get out on the water as much as I can. And I like studying and reading about whales and dolphins, if that can be considered a hobby! They are such fascinating creatures.
12. What is your favourite part about being an author? Talking to children and young people about writing and books. It’s a real privilege!
The Weather Girls is published by the O’Brien Press and is available in all good bookshops.
