'Derry Journal' reporter Claire Allan is gearing up for the launch of her second novel "Feels Like Maybe" which is set to hit the shops at the end of August.
Claire’s first novel, ‘Rainy Days and Tuesdays’ stormed the bestseller charts earlier this year, reaching the coveted number 2 position in February.
“I was delighted with the success of ‘Rainy Days and Tuesdays’ and am really excited about the lau
nch of my second book,” Claire said.
“I loved every second of writing ‘Feels Like Maybe’ and I’m really excited now that we are so close to getting it out there and having people read it.”
‘Feels Like Maybe’ tells the story of two best friends, one of whom finds herself unexpectedly expecting while the other has secretly been struggling with fertility issues. It’s set between Derry and London and delves into the delicious world of interior design.
“I really enjoying creating a cast of very real characters to help me tell my story, from Derry girl Aoife who finds herself pregnant but can’t quite tell the folks back home to the delicate Beth and her husband Dan who are desperately trying to have a baby.
“I had great fun with the supporting characters too and enjoyed writing in more and more of Derry.”
Despite the serious subject matter, the book is very honest and funny - and definitely not for the faint hearted.
“It opens with quite an honest birth scene - I don’t believe in holding anything back, but hopefully people will see the humour in it.”
Claire said she had brilliant feedback from readers who enjoyed ‘Rainy Days’ and were delighted to see it littered with Derry landmarks.
“It’s not often you get books set outside big cities like Dublin or London, so for local readers it was a treat to read about Squires, or Buncrana beach and be able to relate.”
‘Feels Like Maybe’ is the second book Claire has written under her contract with Irish publishing giant, Poolbeg Press.
“Working with Poolbeg has been amazing. I’ve felt my career is in totally safe hands and everyone involved in the team has been really supportive and great craic. I’ve also made friends with some fellow writers which has been a real privilege.”
Claire is just finishing work on her third novel, which has a working title of “Jumping in Puddles” and which is due for release in Autumn ‘09.
“Book three has been my biggest challenge yet, but I hope that with each book I get better.”
‘Feels Like Maybe’ will be released by Poolbeg Press on August 25. It can be pre-ordered at Amazon.co.uk
The full article contains 453 words and appears in Journal Friday DER Edition newspaper.
