Excerpts from The Irish Times, The Irish Examiner. Sunday World, Woman's Way, RTE Guide,
What shape are you in?
I am in good shape, considering I am a mother of four and an ex-smoker, which is a legacy from my DJ days. I used to smoke from boredom and it just seemed to go with the job in those days. Now, I power walk and play tennis. I enjoy keeping in shape. I'm usually a size 10 or 12.Do you worry about your weight?
I wouldn't say 'worry,' but I do keep an eye on it. I usually judge my weight by the comfort of my clothes.
Do you smoke or drink alcohol?
I no longer smoke but it's something I will have to watch for all my life. I know I'm an addict. If I just took a single drag from somebody's cigarette at a party, I know I would be hooked again. Thankfully that's not the case with the wine.
Do you use any alternative medicines or therapies?
I don't believe in nature out of a bottle. I like the real thing. I love getting out of the city and into the country. And I think grown-ups like hugs and oil rubs just as much as babies do.
What motivates you?
I don't know. I think it's genetic. My dad is known at The hurricane. He is highly driven and so are my brothers and sister. It's a family thing.
What makes you happy?
Being with my family and writing - when it's going well. I really love Sundays because we have made a big effort to make that our "family day." We get all the papers and the girls get sweets and comics. Nobody accepts an invitation anywhere on Sundays so we can have a time together.
What sustains you?
Plenty of sleep. If I feel down I get an early night. By the next morning I'm ready for anything again! My Mum is also a terrific influence on my life. We talk almost every day and I can share anything with her. She always cheers me up if I need it. She's an amazing woman and a real lady.
Do you have any vices?
Where do I start? Wine, cream, chocolate, chips and late nights, to name but a few. I don't consider champagne - my favourite drink - a vice. That's a life necessity!
Does your work affect your health?
Yes it does. Being a novelist, I have a sedentary day. That's why the power walking is so important. The only exception is the time around a book launch. Then I go from bad to worse because it involves a lot of boozy lunches and drinks receptions! Life's tough …
Do you catch cold most winters?
Hardly ever, thank God. I don't know why.
Do you think you suffer from stress?
I think everyone suffers from stress these days and it's my pet project to de-stress the world - with my novels. I write fantasy fiction so readers can escape into another world for a while, thereby alieviating their stress. Like most people, I bring all of my stress upon myself. When that happens I let everything go - just chill out. I eat what I want, stop writing for a few days, maybe go to an art gallery or visit town. Taking time out usually sees me right. I just cut myself as much slack as I need. Mums are under enormous pressure to perform. We can't phone in sick and yet we're not machines so the only solution is to ease the standards we have set for ourselves and take a deep breath. It usually passes in a day or two and we're ready to take on the world again!
