The incredible eleven-time author and nine-time cancer survivor EMMA HANNIGAN shares with SOPHIE GRENHAM her favourite escapes in Connemara, how writing has been a VITAL RELEASE for her during treatment …
Emma Hannigan has penned eleven bestselling books since her successful debut in 2009 with Designer Genes (Poolbeg).
As a cancer survivor, her journey has been extraordinary. It started with the discovery that she carried the BRCA1 gene back in 2005, which led to a double mastectomy and removal of both ovaries. This, however, was only the beginning.
Emma has beaten cancer a staggering nine times and was diagnosed for the 10th last October. But she is not someone given to defeatism. Instead, she uses her mind and talent positively, by focusing her energy on creating work that inspires and helps others.
Emma has based a handful of titles on her experiences and is one of the Irish cancer community’s most cherished role models. Talk to the Headscarf (Hachette, 2011) is her uplifting account of life with the dreaded disease.
Emma lives in Bray, County Wicklow with her husband Cian, daughter Kim and son Sacha.
On her Bray home
I’ve lived here since I was born. Bar a stint in Cork after I left school, I’ve always lived close by. I ended up living in my parent’s garden. I didn’t stray too far in the end. We live ten minutes walk from Bray town centre yet we’re surrounded by trees. Bray is a great base with the N11 and M50 on our doorstep. The DART is within walking distance too. I’m an ambassador for the town and I’m proud to be part of a thriving community.
I’m a shopaholic so I love clothes shops but if I’m going to a pub I love the Martello on Bray seafront. I never tire of the sea view and find it incredibly comforting to sit in a cosy seat and look out at the ocean. If I’m going for a bite to eat with my husband and teenagers we’d usually go to Box Burger or Platform Pizza. They’re also on the seafront and are buzzy, busy and fun.
On work
I have an office in Bray. It’s in a beautiful Georgian house and from my window I can glimpse the sea. I have a big desk with plenty of room for paperwork and of course my computer. My Nespresso machine in the corner – I can’t live without my coffee. There’s also a seating area where I can have meetings or share a cuppa with a passing friend. When I’m not well I work from bed with my laptop. When I do that I end up with “the zoo” AKA our two cats Tom and Tigger and our Golden Doodle Herbie “helping.” They surround me and protect me with purrs and offered paws for petting!
On bookshops
My local bookstore is Dubray, Bray. I remember going there when the original store was on Quinsboro road when it was called The Bray Bookshop. Mrs Clear was always there to welcome us. My brother used to call her Enid, because he assumed she was Enid Blyton. She never corrected him. Mum brought us there every week to choose a book and we looked forward to it hugely. The smell of new books still cast me back to my childhood.
I love Bridge Street Books in Wicklow town too. Joanna and Hilary, a mother and daughter team run it. Their passion and love of books is clear from the moment you walk in the door. There are always little people in the dedicated children’s section sitting cross legged in awe as Joanna tells them about new titles.
On literature
I loved English in school and I know that’s where my love of writing came from. But I predominantly read commercial fiction now. I know I should be saying I only read literary works written in mandarin, but I love stories that I can relate to. The ones that reflect the type of world I inhabit. So I go for thought provoking books by people like me. I love Irish writers in particular. We have such a deep pool of talent in this country and I’ve made some great friends in that community.
On escapes
My parents have a holiday home in Connemara. It overlooks the sea and it’s where I go to exhale. I especially love walking at Gurteen bay. This is the most stunning powder sand beach with unspoiled views of The Twelve Ben’s on one side. In summer it’s like being on an exotic island and in winter it’s achingly beautiful. The colours that the sky and sea create as they amalgamate are breath taking. I think because there aren’t any interruptions from buildings or bustle nature is allowed to do the talking. I’m always humbled by being allowed to witness it.
The holiday home is very close to Cashel House so we go there regularly to be fed and watered and looked after by Kay McEvily and her staff. We’re always welcomed warmly and I love the comfort of familiarity.
On writing
I’ve said it many times before that writing is my therapy. I don’t know what kind of a state of mind I’d be in today if I didn’t have my books to pour my heart into. Being a writer is a very special privilege. It affords wonderful escapism and allows the author to delve into a different world.
No matter what goes on health wise for me, I know I always have the opportunity to feel free from sickness or pain by being swept away by a character or storyline. I get so involved with my fictitious friends that I can block out any adversity.
Being an author is so rewarding too. There’s a physical book at the end of several months work. I find it incredibly satisfying to hold the finished product in my hand. Seeing my name on the front of a book is always heart-swellingly lovely too. I have such loyal readers who reach out to me regularly. I’m so grateful to have a job I adore.
Her new novel The Perfect Gift (€29.50, Hachette) is out now and available from all good bookshops.
Sophie Grenham
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