About the book: Author Claire Shiells’ debut novel, After Dad, was published on 28 September. Drawing on the real-life personal tragedy of the murder of Claire’s own father during the Troubles, it is a contemporary love story set in modern day Northern Ireland and Donegal.

Millie, whose father was killed by the IRA when she was a child, is a spirited, flawed, journalist, who returns home after a decision leaves her gilded London life in ruins. Eventually retreating to the family cottage in Donegal, she meets the enigmatic Finn McFall, a Catholic from west Belfast. In this new modern Ireland, Millie believes religion is no longer a barrier for love; but soon discovers a fragile peace and simmering sectarianism. Can love really conquer all?

1. What was your favourite book from childhood?

The Little Match Girl by Hans Christian Andersen follows a homeless child using her last match to stay warm. I read this when I was a girl myself – it traumatised me then and still does today. When I read it to my own daughter a few years ago, I had to leave the room and have a good cry. Sadly, I think it’s as relevant today as it was in 1845 when it was written as a (literary) fairy-tale. I also loved Little Women. I remember my mother reading it to me when I was little and who could forget Anne of Green Gables. She was so sassy!

2. What is the book that made you want to be a writer?

Nora Webster by Colm Tóibín.Tóibín is one of Ireland’s great writers. His observations of a 1960s widow struggling to come to terms with her husband’s death is beyond brilliant. His words are so simple, yet so penetrating. I remember thinking how wonderful it would be to write about Ireland the way he did. I ended up reading the last few chapters of the novel so slowly because I couldn’t bear it to finish. It was after reading this book that I decided I had to write.

3. After working as a journalist for much of your career, what was the “now or never” moment that inspired you to write your own book?

The itch just got so bad I had to scratch it! I know many journalists end up writing fiction, but I was very conscious my novel would have a lot of me in it, so I had to wait until I was ready to bear my soul. It’s good to write about what you know, but telling your story (or airing your dirty washing, as my mother might say) can be very daunting. At the start of the pandemic, I had long-awaited surgery for endometritis, which had caused me chronic pain for years. Surgical complications led to me becoming critically ill with sepsis. I was so lucky to survive and I think, ultimately, that inspired my “now or never” moment. I just knew I had to write this book.

4. What was the single biggest challenge in writing your own book, After Dad?

Writing a book based on or inspired by a real event can be challenging - especially if the event is a traumatic one. You have to be quite calculated in your response, and not allow sentiment to weigh down the words. Although After Dad is a contemporary tale, it is haunted by The Troubles, like so much of life in Northern Ireland. It was important to me that the book showed balance and didn’t glorify sectarianism.

5. Finn McFall is your romantic lead; but who is your favourite fictional romantic lead?

There are many, but my favourite has to be Gabriel Oak from Far From The Madding Crowd, by Thomas Hardy. He is straightforward yet complicated, humble yet proud. The way he plays the long game with flighty Bathsheba is wonderful. I always thought he somehow knew how a woman’s mind worked. A rare trait, I’d say!

6. The north-west countryside and coast feature strongly in your book; what is your favourite place to get away from it all?

I edited a travel magazine for years and was lucky enough to travel widely. Yet, without doubt, my favourite go-to-place for R&R is the north west of Ireland. My family are lucky enough to have a holiday cottage in Portstewart where we decamp to at every possible opportunity. I’ve just spent the whole summer there and loved it. It’s also where I have produced some of my best writing. From there, I often jump on the ferry over to Donegal. I just love the solitude of the beaches in this part of the world. The pubs aren’t bad either!

7. Seamus Heaney also plays a part in the book. What is your favourite Heaney poem and why?

It’s hard to choose. I do love Scaffolding, but at a push I’d say Mid-Term Break. The simplicity of the words, and the terrible realisation of what has happened are unforgettable. Anyone who has suffered a terrible, unexpected loss will resonate with the words. Every time I read it – I forget I’m reading poetry. It’s as if I’m just chatting with a friend.

8. What is the one piece of advice you would give to a first-time author?

Cut every sentence till it bleeds. And a cheeky second: don’t compare and despair… just be you

9. What books are currently on your bedside locker?

I’m amassing a Northern Irish literary cache. The Raptures by Jan Carson; Trespasses by Louise Kennedy and These Days by Lucy Caldwell are all there waiting to be devoured. I’m starting with The Raptures, which features strange goings on in a small Ulster village. Perfect autumn reading.

10. What classic book is on your yet-to-be-read list?

Ulysses by James Joyce. I need to clear my diary, my desk and my head to get into this one.

For further information, visit www.ClaireShiells.com or connect with Claire on Instagram and Twitter @claireshiells and on Facebook @Claire Shiells – Writer.

After Dad is available from all good bookshops RRP: £9.99/€11.48, or can be ordered online from Apple & Amazon (RRP: £4.99/€5.74 ).