This month we got to chat to the established Irish children’s author, Judi Curtin.
TPP: What was the inspiration behind Sally and Bridget’s story?
JC: I was inspired by my grandmother and her sister who made a similar journey to New York in 1911.
TPP: Do you think the reality of New York in the early 1900s matched up with the dreams of the Irish people who emigrated there?
JC: Judging by my granny’s letters, it may not have been perfect, but they had a lot of fun!
TPP: Who is your favourite character to write about in the ‘Sally’ series?
JC: I love a baddie, so writing about Cousin Catherine was fun.
TPP: How long have you been writing?
JC: Since I was a child really, but I only began writing as a career in 1999.
TPP: Why did you want to become a writer?
JC: Reading was my favourite thing when I was little. I wanted to be like Enid Blyton.
TPP: Can you remember the first book you ever read and loved?
JC: I’m not exactly sure of the first one, but I can remember reading The Voyage of The Dawn Treader many, many times. I didn’t read the rest of the Narnia series until I was an adult but Dawn Treader was always my favourite – there’s something special about reading a book when you’re a child.
TPP: Who are your favourite authors?
JC: I could write a book on this. I love to read Ann Patchett and Elizabeth Strout. Irish author Niall Williams is so talented – I love his books.
TPP: What would you be if you weren’t an author?
JC: I’d probably still be teaching in a primary school – my first career. I wouldn’t mind being a gardener in a warm climate though.
TPP: What is your favourite book of all time?
JC: I can’t limit myself to one. For children, maybe Heidi or The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. For adults, The Great Gatsby, or any of Elizabeth Strout’s.
TPP: Aside from reading and writing, do you have any hobbies?
JC: Oh, yes I have lots of hobbies – and I’m still discovering new things. Some things I love to do are gardening, sewing, reading, tennis, yoga …
TPP: What is your favourite part about being an author?
JC: I can work in my jammies, and I get paid for making up things. Also, I love visiting schools and libraries and talking about books with the children.
TPP: What is your number one tip for aspiring writers?
JC: Sit down and write. Lots of people talk about writing but never manage to get started.
