Cathy Kelly

Novelist Cathy Kelly, who lives with her partner and their sons in Co. Wicklow, talks to Fanny Blake about writing, plastic surgery and not being Claudia Schiffer

My imaginary life was much more interesting than my real life when I was a child. From about ten onwards I wrote poetry and told stories. My sister is seven years younger than me and we'd lie in bed and I'd make up tales.

My mother and I decided to write a novel for Mills & Boon when I was 19. She'd write in longhand and when I came home from college, I'd transcribe it on our terrible second-hand typewriter, adding in my bits. I don't know how two people can write a book, it really doesn't work. Ours was just desperate, so we never even sent it off.

I learned that you can't write what isn't in you. I was 22 and working as a journalist when the news editor introduced me to a publishing scout looking for Irish sagas. I was so excited, but when I couldn't write about Irish clogs and shawls I felt such a failure. Then five years later, I sat down and started writing for me. My first book was published when I was nearly 30 and now I'm 40 and writing my tenth novel.

My head is so jam-packed with ideas. The problem is I can't type fast enough. They keep coming at me all the time; on a walk, reading a newspaper, anywhere. I used to try and keep them in my head, but now I write them down.

I think a lack of confidence is a necessary requirement for writing. If you start to think you're brilliant, you're in trouble.

The most important things in my life are my twin boys, who are four, my partner and us being healthy and happy. Everything else comes after that.

Cathy on her latest novel...
“Past Secrets features a group of women who all have a hidden history that comes back to haunt them. The book's all about how you have to deal with your past life, not just bury it.”

Past Secrets by Cathy Kelly is out now (HarperCollins, £6.99).

Read more in the August issue of woman&home, where Cathy opens up about her partner, family and her fear of plastic surgery! Don't miss out, subscribe now

Find out more about Cathy's books, life and writing tips on her website

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