Perfect Poolbeg deal for Claire
'Journal' reporter Claire Allan has secured her writing future for the next three years after signing a new book deal with Irish publishing giant, Poolbeg Press.
This follows Claire's initial four book deal with Poolbeg Press - which is due to publish Claire's fourth novel 'It's Got to Be Perfect' in October this year.
Claire's previous three published novels have all achieved both critical and commercial success making their impact on the bestsellers' lists and attracting the attention of reviewers and the reading public.
She debuted in 2007 with 'Rainy Days and Tuesdays' - which was very loosely based on her own experiences of post natal depression before following this success up with 'Feels Like Maybe' in 2008 and 'Jumping in Puddles' in 2009.
"I never imagined the books would be as successful as they have been," Claire said. "But I knew that by signing with Poolbeg I had a great team of publishers behind me. They have published some of my all time heroes and I have utmost respect for the entire team."
The last three years have been incredibly busy for Claire - who still works as a full-time reporter for the 'Journal'.
"It has been tough at times - but always exhilarating. I love going to Dublin on the book tours and getting to the real heart of the industry.
"I still feel a flutter of excitement when I see a new cover for one of my books or see my books on shop shelves and I genuinely have been overwhelmed by the reactions of readers who have taken the time to get in touch and tell me they have enjoyed my books."
Married with two children, including baby Cara who is soon to turn one, Claire said finding time to write can be difficult but she insists it has helped her keep her sanity.
"Writing is my time. Writing a good book feels to me just like reading a good book. I just sit down and let my imagination run wild."
2010 is shaping up to be a busy year for Claire. In May her most recent book 'Jumping in Puddles' will be re-released in paperback and in October 'It's Got to Be Perfect' will hit the shelves.
"They are very different books. 'Jumping in Puddles' is definitely a little heavier - dealing with some very serious issues but hopefully always with that trademark sense of black humour.
'It's Got to Be Perfect' is a little more down the line of traditional chick-lit - and about society's obsession with having the perfect life. I had a blast writing it - probably the most fun I've had with a book."
Of course there is no rest for the wicked and Claire is already working on her as yet untitled fifth book.
"It lies somewhere between the two - with some fairly serious issues thrown in - but it is already proving to be a lot of fun to write."
Poolbeg publisher Paula Campbell says she is "absolutely thrilled" to have Claire on board for another three books and hopes this is just another stage in a longterm relationship between the pair.
"Good authors with the quality of Claire's writing are hard to come by," she said.
"Poolbeg are thrilled to continue working with her. The market for women's fiction is very difficult at the moment and competition is tough but with every book Claire keeps moving up a level."
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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