Marie's books are heavily steeped in Irish goodness. Born in Ireland herself, she carries a deep appreciation for all things Irish - and it makes her stories even richer. I took some time to catch up with Marie and ask her some questions about her writing, her background and her love for the Central Valley of California.
Hello, Marie! You live in Kingsburg, CA - but your original birthplace was overseas. Can you tell us a little about yourself - where you're from and how you came to live in Kingsburg?
Marie: I began writing about six years ago after the last of my
four children left home for college. At that time my husband travelled
extensively to China for his job and I thought it was the perfect time to write
the novel that I had always dreamed about. It sure was a great way to deal with
the empty nest syndrome!
One day as I read the Fresno Bee I saw an article on a class
that was to be held in Fresno, it was titled, “How to write your first book”. I
looked upon that as a sign and I enrolled immediately. I am now at the beginning
stage of writing my forth book.
How did you begin writing?
Marie: All my books are Irish Novels, set in Co. Wicklow, Ireland
in the 1970 to 1980 time frame. They tell stories of hardship and pain growing
up in rural Ireland at that time. I do however like happy endings, triumph over
adversity and some form of justice! I have many fond memories from my childhood
and I try to weave them into each novel, of course I change the names and
places but some parts of all the stories have actual events in them that are
true.
Describe your books for new readers. What kind of stories do you tell?
Marie: I love Ireland and everything Irish. I am one of eleven
children, my mother and father worked incredibly hard to provide for us and
they managed to give us all a great childhood. The wonderful memories I have of
my time in Ireland inspires me.
Marie: My favorite author is Maeve Binchy, and when I moved to
America at the age of 23 years I found great comfort in her books. We lived in
Vermont for eighteen years and I remember sitting up at night by the woodstove
looking out at the snow falling, a cup of tea in one hand and one of her books
in the other. Her books were set in Ireland and it made the distance from home
seem so much shorter. She brought Ireland closer to me. I felt like Maeve was
sitting by the fire next to me telling me her stories in the gentle, easy way
that she alone can do. She is still my inspiration today.
We both live in the Central Valley of California, so I'm curious: What is your favorite spot to visit here? Marie: Living in the central valley here in California we are
very blessed to be so close to Yosemite. I love to go there as much as I can
and when my family and visitors from Ireland come over, that is the place they
all want to see. It is a different world up there; a beautiful serene world.
Marie: My best piece of advice for any aspiring writer is to
stop talking about writing a book and just get started today! Keep at it. It
will take time but it will all be worth it once it is complete.
What will you be working on in the future?
Marie: I am working on my fourth Irish Novel, “Paddy Joe and His
Sisters” I am also writing some short stories for online publications.
About the Author
My name is Marie O’ Byrne and I was born and reared in a small fishing village called Greystones, in County Wicklow, Ireland, the seventh child in a large family of thirteen. I had a fantastic childhood growing up with all my sister and brothers and all my memories are happy ones. We spent many nights sitting around the fire in our cottage with our parents and Aunts and Uncles telling stories.
About the Author
My name is Marie O’ Byrne and I was born and reared in a small fishing village called Greystones, in County Wicklow, Ireland, the seventh child in a large family of thirteen. I had a fantastic childhood growing up with all my sister and brothers and all my memories are happy ones. We spent many nights sitting around the fire in our cottage with our parents and Aunts and Uncles telling stories.
I left Ireland in 1984 to move to Vermont, USA with my
husband and two children. While in Vermont I had two more children and attended
Vermont State College. We moved to California in 2003.
I have written three Irish Novels. The Cart Full of Holly,
Lavender Fields and Evening Rose. They all take place in County Wicklow. All
books are available as E-Books.
I love to receive feedback from my readers and there is a
guestbook on my website.
To learn more about Marie and to buy her novels, visit her Official Website.
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