Hi Katherine, Can you tell us a little about why you wrote this book?
My children inspired this story, which reflects our family life. They live in a world of imagination and creativity, and they are only beginning their journey within the GAA. They adore playing hurling and camogie, which is all about fun, teamwork, and enjoyment. They are learning the basics and are having a ball doing so. They are at the stage where their hurl can be their best friend. They take great pride in their hurls and should it get lost they are devastated until they find it. Which is precisely what happened in our case. I wanted to write a book that explores that deep connection and celebrates that love while drawing in elements of Irish culture that they also love such as farm animals, forts etc.
Ok. What surprised you the most as you researched or wrote it?
What surprised me the most about writing the story was how much I enjoyed the process. When I started writing this story, I would find myself having breakthrough moments and ideas where the words just flowed onto the page and that was really exhilarating and energising.
We love it when that happens. What do you think will surprise readers the most?
I think that people will be surprised at how much they care about Lucy, Clipper, and their bond. I believe they will be keen to see how their situation will be resolved. I also think that readers will be surprised by how much they resonate with the story. You don’t have to be a highly proficient hurler or camogie player to connect with the narrative. If you have ever pucked a ball against the gable of your house you will be familiar with Lucy and Clipper.
Fair point. What’s the most important lesson or message readers will get from it?
The most important lesson I feel is that friendship has no bounds. It can come in all shapes and forms. Also, imagination is a wonderful thing to have. It can spark magic and turn the ordinary into extraordinary. Indeed, never underestimate the importance of family, community, hope, teamwork and perseverance. If you have that you can make anything happen.
A lovely message for readers. Did writing this book change your life in any way?
Since writing this story there have been endless ideas and possibilities popping into my head. It has definitely changed my life for the better.
What do you hope will come from others reading it?
I hope others enjoy this story as much as my family enjoys it. I believe nothing is more magical than sitting down to read a story with or to your children engaged, immersed and in the moment. If my story can help to create such magical times in a home, I would be extremely happy. I also hope that children take away the lesson that friendship knows no bounds. To embrace new challenges with a smile and maybe learn some new skills along the way. It is so important to never give up hope and with a bit of teamwork, cooperation and perseverance you can achieve anything. I believe that our children need to hear stories like these and stories that they can relate to.
Yes! Ok, what are you working on now?
I am still fine-tuning my current book but you’d never know…poor Clipper might get mislaid again.
