In 1990 I published my first novel #CityGirl. I became a ‘bestselling author.’ 5 rs later my publisher had signed up @sheilaoflanagan @cathykellybooks @MarianKeyes, and subsequently many more ✍️, inspired by my initial success. Lar Cassidy of @artscouncil_ie once asked me did
I know what I had done for Irish publishing. I was young, and embarrassed, and truthfully didn’t realise what the publishing of that first novel meant. I’m no longer young, and don’t embarrass as easily and now I proudly own what I’ve contributed to Irish publishing. The wave
of superbly talented, and successful commercial fiction Irish authors who subsequently rose to the top of bestseller lists, and sold millions of 📚worldwide have never been assisted (or even acknowledged) by the Arts Council. No Aosdána bursaries for the likes of us. Sheila is
absolutely right. ‘Literary’ fiction is the only genre that matters to an establishment that is snobby and exclusive. We’ve had two fiction Laureates, from the Literary fiction genre. (Who haven’t promoted us.) Do we have any representation on the board? Publishing has changed
drastically from when I was published 30 yrs ago. Very few writers can give up the day job and support themselves from their writing. Writers from EVERY genre need support, financial and otherwise. Listen up, @artscouncil_ie
