Writers Abroad Magazine Issue 2 March 2015 | Page 21

WRITERS ABROAD MAGAZINE what it would have been like in earlier eras. I’m sure that living in the beautiful, tranquil countryside also helps me conjure up the settings for my stories. Despite my unease with the legacy of The Troubles, the strong sense of community (on both sides of the religious divide) has had an impact on me. I admire and value it and it is always the backdrop to the stories in my novels. Q. What are local attitudes to writers? Generally it is a great place for writers. Residents welcome and respect them but don’t put them on a pedestal. Since the island has such a rich literary tradition, people don’t find it unusual to have writers living in their community, even renowned ones. The local newspapers regularly feature new releases by writers living in the area and the District Council encourages the small but thriving arts community. Q. Swapping cultures will always present new aspects to moral conclusions and assumptions. Does this reflect on your writing? Northern Ireland is a more traditional society than where I grew up in Canada so whether I’m writing historical or contemporary stories, I have to take this into consideration when deciding my characters’ motivations and actions. For example, there is less tolerance of flexible gender roles and opinions differ from my homeland regarding social issues such as abortion. My characters must act and react within the parameters of this society past and present. Q. What have you learnt from living in Northern Ireland? Probably the single most important lesson I’ve learnt is the importance of community. The social structure of this society provides a convincing backdrop to my stories and also enriches my life. I value the sense of belonging I have in Fermanagh Writers, the local writers’ group I belong to, and in the area where I live. Q