I live in a village outside Belfast, Northern Ireland, with my husband, two children and a spoilt cat called Hamish. I am a physiotherapist in a hospice in Belfast, and Casual Cruelties is my first novel. I wanted to write about middle-aged women who discover that menopause, while challenging, has some benefits. As I wrote about Laura and her husband, James, the story became more about their deteriorating relationship. A few weeks after I signed the contract with Bloodhound Books, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, so writing has become a good distraction.
Meet Alison Irving
Questions on Writing
What was the hardest part of writing Casual Cruelties?
The hardest part was writing the different ways that James demeans and belittles Laura. I am very fortunate that I have a very supportive partner, so I needed to research coercive control and how women who find themselves in a toxic relationship can safely extract themselves from the situation.
What have you learnt about yourself when writing?
I learnt that I should have faith in myself and put the doubts aside. I also learned that having a sense of humour and a thick skin is invaluable!
Do you make yourself write everyday/regularly, or only when inspiration strikes?
I write most days, sometimes it flows easily and other days it’s a struggle. But I’m happy if I even add a couple of paragraphs or work out a particularly thorny part of the story.
What does literary success look like to you?
Literary success is people other than friends and family reading my work and enjoying it. I didn’t start writing with the greatest of aspirations, I started writing because it was something I had wanted to do for a long time and the time was right to try.
How much planning/world building do you do before writing, and how much comes along as you write?
I’m not a great planner, I’ve found the story tells itself, though I tend to write and rewrite parts several times before I’m happy with it.
What was it that attracted you to this particular genre?
My favourite books to read are those with a bit of psychological drama and I’ve found I’m a little bit dark in what I write as well.
How do you celebrate when a book is published?
The four of us opened a bottle of Prosecco and had a Chinese takeaway!
Questions on Books and About You
Firstly, the most important question, what books are currently ‘on your bedside table’?
My current read is Those People Next Door by Kia Abdullah and I’ve just finished All in her Head by Nikki Smith. Next up is Just Another Missing Person by Gillian McAllister
What children’s book would you suggest every adult read?
The Narnia series.
What does your writing space look like?
I’m lucky I have a small study where I can write. Hamish likes to curl up in a box nearby, so he keeps me company.
How many books do you think you own?
My daughter counted them a few months ago and informed me we have over 1,000, so apparently we have a library at home!
Who is your literary icon?
One of my go-to authors is Ken Follett. I’ve read all his books and am astounded that one person can write so many different genres.
If you could own one rare/1st edition copy of a book, which would it be?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee.
Is there an author who you always read?
I have several authors that I’ll read as soon as they publish new work: Victoria Hislop, Shari Lapena and Jane Harper.
And finally, are there any plans for any new books? If so, what teasers can you give us?
I’ve written a second book which follows the story of Claire, one of Laura’s friends. I wanted to delve into the mindset of a good person who deliberately choses to do something unsavoury, despite the risks involved.
Thank you Alison😊I have to agree with you, the Narnia series are definite must-reads for any age!
Alison Irving’s Books
Books By Your Bedside 