Interview with Patricia Scanlan

Dublin-born novelist Patricia Scanlan talks to iVillage about her latest novel, Two for Joy, her campaign to promote adult literacy, and reveals the best piece of advice she's ever received

When did you first start writing?
In the late Eighties. I was first published in 1990.

Was it hard for you to break into publishing?
I had my rejections. Interestingly enough, City Girl was rejected by Corgi, who later had to pay a lot of money for it and my other novels. The lesson: Never lose hope.

Is the plot of Two for Joy based on any real-life experience?
Two For Joy was loosely based on the experiences of a couple I was vaguely acquainted with through friends. It's the story of how infertility ruins a marriage. However, in general, I don't use real people. I invent my own characters and they go through the common experiences that are part of all our lives.

You're involved in something called the Open Door Project. What's that all about?
Open Door is a concept I came up with to help and encourage readers who have literacy problems. I wanted people to enjoy reading and not see it as a chore or something daunting. I asked some of my author friends and colleagues to join with me in writing a series of novellas with literacy problems in mind. We wanted to write enjoyable adult novellas that were not difficult to read. Roddy Doyle, Joe O' Connor, Maeve Binchy, Marian Keyes, Cathy Kelly and Sheila O'Flanagan are some of the authors involved. We are now on our fourth series, and they have been translated into seven languages.

What do you enjoy most, writing novels or teaching creative writing?
I enjoy both. Writing is a unique experience. It's wonderful when the characters take on a life of their own and the novel starts to drive you. It's a powerful feeling that you can create a character, a town, an experience and do with it what you want.

I enjoy teaching creative writing because it's a pleasure to enthuse my young students with the thrill of writing and the joy of being creative. It's great to see their confidence develop over the term, and some of the work is of a very high standard. I love watching them write from the heart.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
My ex-agent once said to me 'if your characters are cold and miserable we should be cold and miserable. If they're joyful and happy we should be the same.' It was great advice and taught me to put myself into my character's shoes.

Who are your favourite authors?
I have many authors that I love to read, but one of my absolute favourites is Madeleine Wickham, who has now made her name writing under the name Sophie Kinsella. Try and read The Tennis Party or Cocktails for Three. Superb writing. I also love Annie E. Proulx

What's the last book you read?
I am currently reading and enjoying Brick Lane, by Monica Ali

How do you relax?
I love silk painting, but haven't done much lately, unfortunately.

Two for Joy by Patricia Scanlan is published by Bantam Press and is out now in hardback price £ 12.99. Buy now for just £9.74 at Tesco.com.

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