1. When did you think about writing as a career and what were your first steps into it?
I was drawn to storytelling from an early age – but I didn’t think I could earn a living from it so I went into journalism. But when my first short story won a Hennessy Literary Award I thought, maybe I can.
2. Best gigs you’ve been to?
U2 in Nice. The concert was good, but what made it memorable is the inspiration I had there for a short story, after meeting a stranger who claimed I was descended from the reptilian bloodline.
3. Fantasy wedding/birthday party band?
The Bee Gees. They’ve stood the test of time and they wrote a song called Words.
4. The record you’d take to a desert island?
Let's Twist Again by Chubby Checker because he literally taught me how to do 'the twist' when I interviewed him in London years ago.
5. And the book?
Samuel Pepys' diaries. It transports you to 17th century London.
6. Top three films?
I have a soft spot for Breakfast at Tiffany's. The film rights to my witchcraft novel, The House Where It Happened, have sold and a script has been written, so one day I’d like to include it amongst my favourite films.
7. Worst film you’ve seen?
Any bang-bang pow-pow film.
8. Favourite author?
David Park is a talented, compassionate and, above all, beguiling author – he has an understanding of the human heart.
9. Sport you most enjoy and top team?
My life tends to be a sport-free zone. But I make an exception for the Tyrone GAA team.
10. Ideal holiday destination?
India is next on my list.
11. Pet hate?
Injustice – large and small.
12. What’s your favourite:
Dinner? Risotto or pasta.
Dessert? I’m susceptible to white chocolate.
Drink? Fizz of any kind. An ex taught me how to open Champagne corks, saying I’d always remember him when I did it – and he was right.
13. Who is your best friend and how do you know each other?
I have several close writing friends – Sarah Webb and Lia Mills, in particular..
14. Is there a God?
There is kindness. Perhaps that’s godlike.
:: Martina Devlin, author of About Sisterland, will be reading at the John Hewitt International Summer School in Armagh on July 28 at 1.30pm. (johnhewittsociety.org).
