Welcome to the Interviews page, to read interviews that I have had recently or previous author interview that I did for the site, go to the bottom of the page and click on the link.

I will be interviewing an author or editor here every month. This month I interviewed author Trisha FitzGerald-Petri.

Kyla: Welcome, Trisha. Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed by me. =) Can you tell us about your latest release?

Kathleen: Thanks Kyla! My next release is Over The Wall, and will be out in October. This novel means a lot to me because much of it is based on true experience. It was my second novel, but because it is so dear to my heart, I left it on the bottom shelf and released a third novel before I actually took the plunge and submitted it. Basically, without wanting to reveal too much, it is about growing up and growing old. These two side effects of life creep up on Finnula 'Fudge' Ginnane and her mother, Mary, simultaneously, yet while the pubescent country girl is helped through this confusing time by her best friend, Lilly McDermott , the older woman must face advancing age and the heartache of a secret relationship alone.

Kyla: Can you tell us what you are working on just now?

Trisha: True to my Irish sense of "inorganisation", I seem have become entangled in various projects! I'm working on a fifth novel called Along The Cutting Line, as well as an anthology in co-operation with the Frankfurt Writers' Group. I will be represented with three short stories. On top of that, I've been designing book covers. I originally studied Graphic Design and Communication at the College of Art and Design in Dublin, so it was a thrill for me to have the chance to work in this area again, even if only on a small, "hobby" basis.

Kyla: You teach English as a Foreign Language in Germany. Can you tell us more about this?

Trisha: Even in my professional life, I do a bit here and a bit there! For the last four years, I've been working part time in the International Department of a European distribution company which sounds as dry as old toast, but in fact I really enjoy communicating with all kinds of different people and nationalities. In the afternoons I teach and do translation work in various companies. This keeps me I up-to-date with my own language! Anyone who has lived abroad for a longer time will know what I mean - in the middle of a conversation, you suddenly have trouble retrieving words from your mental hard disk!! Strangely enough, when I'm writing this doesn't happen at all!

Kyla: Is there something different that you would like to try with your writing?

Trisha: Yes, I've often thought about trying out different perspectives and genres, but halfway into the first chapter, I find myself drifting back to my distinctive style which is a combination of humour (Irish humour!!), suspense and some romance. While my novels lean more in the direction of general fiction or mainstream, I feel they're incomplete if there isn't a little hankering for love in there somewhere!!

Kyla: Tell us who your favourite authors are, do you have any recommendations about books we just have to read?

Trisha: Goodness, that's a tricky question. Living in Germany where I don't have the opportunity to swap English books with friends and family, I'm inclined to read anything and everything that comes my way. Ever since I started writing myself, I've almost been more interested in the writing styles than the plots themselves. I supposed we authors are constantly comparing ourselves with others. Sadly, in a small way, becoming a writer has prevented me from plunging into a novel in the same way that I used to. In the old days, I'd never have noticed a typo, or incorrect punctuation etc., but now, if I do, it tears me out of the story for a split second and I immediately begin to wonder how many errors might be lurking between the pages of my own novels. One thing's for sure - once they've gone into print, I don't dare to look!

But to answer your question. I'm fond of Irish authors, obviously. I need to be transported back to the "auld country", to hear the dialogues, and smell the gorse. Marian Keyes is hilarious, but I also love Nuala O'Faolain's style.

Kyla: It was wonderful meeting you at the Booklover Convention in Germany, Trisha, one final question. Please tell us where we can purchase your fabulous books and where we can find out all about your latest news.

Trisha: Lovely meeting you at the Booklover Convention too, Kyla. I hope it won't be the last time we do a reading together and have the chance to confabulate upon the woes and tribulations of writing!! You can find out everything about me as well as a link to my books on my website: http://www.beepworld.de/members/trishafitzgerald or you can find me under "author search" directly at http://www.wings-press.com.

Thank you to Trisha for her interview answers. Look out for a great interview with author Julianne Lee next month.

Watch this space for further announcements of who will be interviewed next.

Kyla