Evelyn O’Rourke: ‘Nothing is as absorbing as a good book. Time stands still’

What was the first book to make an impression on you?

A beautiful oversized fairy book of my mother's from the 1950s called A Day in Fairyland. When we were very good, and had very clean hands, she would take it down from the special shelf and we would ooh and aah over it. It was about two foot tall and filled with stunning illustrations of fairies. I remember it had its own musty scent. The magic and power of books started with that book for me.

What was your favourite book as a child?

I read everything and anything I could get my hands on but overall I was a passionate and committed Noel Streatfeild fan. Her characters went to ballet school for God’s sake. BALLET. SCHOOL.

And what is your favourite book or books now?

Whatever I am reading always seems to be my absolute favourite for I am a relentlessly optimistic and enthusiastic reader but to whittle it down…For familiarity Austen's Pride and Prejudice, for page-turning Half of a Yellow Sun by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, for escapism Donna Tartt's The Secret History, for admiration The Tragedy of Arthur by Arthur Phillips, for contemplation Colm Tóibín's Testament of Mary and for laughs on gloomy days, Sue Townsend's The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole aged 13 3/4.

What is your favourite quotation?

“Beauty is only skin deep but ugly goes clean to the bone” – Dorothy Parker.

Who is your favourite fictional character?

I would have said Elizabeth Bennett but when I heard the news that Sue Townsend had died I felt a genuine sense of loss for Adrian Mole. No more Adrian. So right now, out of affection, I will say Adrian.

Who is the most under-rated Irish author?

Working on Arena I like to think that we do a pretty good job of watching emerging writers and nurturing them so rather than under-rated, I think a writer who is in danger of becoming forgotten is Kate O'Brien (1897-1974). She has been described as the most important middle-class Irish novelist of the twentieth century, the link between Joyce and Edna O'Brien and McGahern.

Which do you prefer – ebooks or the traditional print version?

My back prefers ebooks when I travel, but my heart prefers print.

What is the most beautiful book you own?

I am incredibly fortunate that my husband John organised a stunning, leather-bound version of my book, Dear Ross, for my birthday. It is one to keep and it takes my breath away when I see it nestling in the box. The title is written in gold lettering and it looks like a classic!

Where and how do you write?

Morning times and late at night. In between school runs whenever I can grab time. I used to need to be “in the zone” before I had children. Now there is no time for any of that waffle about zones, you just have to grab any bunches of minutes when you can and I actually find I am far more productive now because when I get a chance to sit at the computer I appreciate it so much! I have been known to sort out the socks while editing!

What book changed the way you think about fiction?

I was handed Robert McLiam Wilson's Ripley Bogle by my friend Michael Parke when I was in first year in college and it blew me away. The author twists and turns the narrative, challenging the reader on every page and it was one of those reader moments where you keep asking, "are you allowed to do this?" Maybe it was my age.

What is the most research you have done for a book?

I went a bit far with Dear Ross as it tells the story of my year dealing with a cancer diagnosis while pregnant with my second child. Friends kindly warned me not to do so much research for any other book. It is weird that even when your research topic is yourself, it's amazing how many facts about yourself that you have to double-check when proof reading!

What book influenced you the most?

When I was writing Dear Ross, I needed to think about the role and elements involved in memoir and I had to learn how to manage the narrative arc of such a personal experience so I returned to Blake Morrison's And When Did You Last See Your Father. When that book was published in 1993, it had a profound effect on me and so many readers of that form.

What book do you wish you had read when you were young?

For various reasons, I kept avoiding Catcher in The Rye and didn't pick it up until I was 22. I hugely regret its absence in my teenage life.

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

Write and read everything. It is one of the few jobs where you can work endlessly in your own time and improve.

What weight do you give reviews?

I wish I could say none but I was so grateful when Dear Ross received such positive reviews that it was a revelation to me how important they were for my confidence. However, if you believe the good ones, then you gotta believe the bad ones too, which is a really horrible idea.

Where do you see the publishing industry going?

I note that John Banville told you in his questionnaire that they told him that the publishing industry was dying back when he started and it’s still here so yes, it will fundamentally change form with the effects of digital innovation but the thirst for good story telling is as strong as ever.

What writing trends have struck you lately?

It's interesting to note how multi-stranded approaches to novels are popular. This idea of intersecting characters and telling the stories from many people's perspective can add energy and pace to a book when executed well. See The Spinning Heart etc.

What lessons have you learned about life from reading?

That nothing is as absorbing as a good book. Time stands still.

What has being a writer taught you?

The power of half hours. You can get an extra ordinary amount done in 30 minutes if you fix your mind on it.

Which writers, living or dead, would you invite to your dream dinner party?

I am extremely fortunate that in my job on RTÉ Radio 1's Arena, I get the opportunity to interview writers so I can confidently pick a few, knowing they can be entertaining in real life as well as on the page! At this point Lorrie Moore would make it on my list, as would Glenn Patterson, Jung Chang and Margaret Atwood. Closer to home, Edna O'Brien and Joseph O'Connor, Colm Keegan and I would add Dorothy Parker.

What is the funniest scene you’ve read?

Adrian Mole’s diary when he meticulously documents Class 4D’s school trip to the British Museum. 7am Boarded coach. 7.05 Ate packed lunch, drank low calorie drink. 7.10 Coach stopped for Barry Kent to be sick. 7.20 Coach stopped for Claire Neilson to go to the Ladies. 7.30 Coach left school drive. Etc etc.

What is your favourite word?

Gone. Having had a cancer experience it is the only word you ever want to hear.

If you were to write a historical novel, which event or figure would be your subject?

The story of Constance Markievicz – revolutionary nationalist, suffragette and socialist. The first woman elected to the British House of Commons, and apparently gave this fashion advice: “Dress suitably in short skirts and strong boots, leave your jewels in the bank and buy a revolver.” Great material!

Evelyn O’Rourke was born in Dublin and joined RTÉ after studying drama and English at Trinity College, Dublin. Dear Ross, published by Hachette Books Ireland, is a series of letters to her unborn son as she undergoes gruelling cancer treatment. It made it to number one on the best seller list for non-fiction for which she is eternally grateful. She is married to TV producer John McMahon and has two sons.