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Ask Sheila
I’m always happy to answer questions people have about how I started writing and the two links below will give you most of the information you need! But if there’s anything else you want to ask just post your question in the comment box at the end of the page.
About me….
As you can see, a Dubliner all my life. My parents owned a grocery shop in the Iveagh Markets, in the Liberties area of the city and I guess city blood runs through my veins.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most popular questions about my writing and getting your own book published
#1 by Peter Carlsson at July 29th, 2010
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Hi Sheila – I’m late as always! A Swede finding books too late! And a world-renowned Irish female writer… uff, so late!
So I just finished reading your first book, that you wrote like eight years ago. You have changed I suppose, but the book is great. And I had to read the rest! Spoiling what was supposed to be my working days – just reading your texts……
I also suppose that some of the things you write about at that time might have been self-experienced. That a major problem in reading books. You work with your own prejudices about the author/ess. Me being Swedish, having worked in the UK, having spent TOO much time in Ireland, and thinking about the normal trouble in a relation between a ‘AB/NORMAL’ man and a ditto women – I felt sad and laughing at the same time. And I love Carey’s caring mother. Thank´s for writing, and contributing to the world of human understanding. Big Hugs!
Peter
#2 by Sherry MacDonald at July 25th, 2010
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HI Sheila
I am an ardent reader of your books, I love your stuff! My son recently bought me the Kobo ereader through Chapters but I can’t find you on the ereader book list!!!!!!
Is there a plan to get you on the list of authors soon???
Thanks, Sherry
PS If need be, you’ll be the only hard copies I buy from now on…
#3 by Laura at July 12th, 2010
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Hi, Sheila,
I have read many of your books and “How will i know” and “Too Good to be true” are my absolute favourites. Do you ever want to just carry on writing even when you at the end of a book? Do you think of what might happen after the end?
Laura
#4 by Sheila at July 28th, 2010
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Hi Laura
That’s a great question. There’s no doubt that the characters live on for a while in my mind after I finish a book and I do have some thoughts about what they might do afterwards. But I also like to let my readers make some decisions for them too and that’s why I don’t write full length sequels. However I have written a follow up short story for Isobel (from Isobel’s Wedding) which is in my Connections collection and another story featuring Andie, Cora and Jin from Anyone But Him is in my new collection A Season to Remember which comes out in October this year. So I don’t always let them go!!!!
best wishes
Sheila
#5 by bergensberte at July 8th, 2010
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Hi
I assume this comment will not be published as I am “a bit” disappointed!! The perfect man is a book for teenagers or at least not past twentfive. And yes, I fully agree that there is a market there as well and that there is a contract to produce books asap. But, I liked your books. I could relate to them as a woman who has made a lot of mistakes in her life and will continue to do so. But this book, dear O`Flanagan was so naive and innocent and repetetive that I had to stop reading it. But, there is always a positive side and I have decided to give it a go just because of this book of yours. I am a serious booklover and have my own library of about 2000 books and finally I have realised that I can do better than this book of yours, admit it, it did not take much… Watch out for a coming star:)
#6 by Sheila at July 13th, 2010
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Hi
I’m sorry to hear you didn’t enjoy The Perfect Man but I’m glad that it’s spurred you on to write your own book. I look forward to seeing it on the bookshelves.
best wishes
Sheila
#7 by Nancy Mykoebost at July 1st, 2010
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Hi Sheila:
I’m a Brit living in Canada, I’ve read all your books and check Chapter’s weekly for a new one, I’m desperate enough to start re-reading.
Please let me find one soon.
Nancy.
#8 by Sheila at July 13th, 2010
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Hi Nancy
It’s lovely to hear from such an ardent fan! I hope you’ve already got your copy of The Perfect Man and enjoyed it! The next publication in UK & Ireland on 2nd September is Stand By Me. It should be out in Canada around the same time so check with your local Chapters.
Happy reading!
Sheila
#9 by Zoe at June 23rd, 2010
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Hey sheila,
I’m a student and only sixteen years old. I was recently reading your current book ‘The perfect man’ which i must say, was impossible to put down. For many years now i have taken quite an interest in writing and for a while now i have been meaning to start writing a story but i never quite had that get up and go. So when i completed your book that was when i thought to myself, ‘now is the time to start writing’ i have put together a few ideas and i am really pleased with what i have so far but i have never done anything like this before and i was wondering if you would give me any tips that would of help, it would be much appreciated. i hope to hear back, thankyou.
#10 by Sheila at June 24th, 2010
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Hi Zoe
I’m delighted to think that The Perfect Man is pushing you towards writing your own book. Check out the FAQ part of my site which has tips on writing. The main thing, though, is to write the story you want to write about something that interests you. Don’t get caught up in thinking that you have to write a certain type of book or that it has to be a certain length. Just go with what feels right for you. Don’t try to do too much at once. Set yourself some realistic targets, particularly if you’re studying. Try to write something every day – even a short scene will mean you’ve made progress. When it comes to thinking about publication/editors/agents etc, get yourself a copy of the Writers’ and Artists’ Yearbook (or subscribe online). It’s very helpful.
Best of luck
Sheila
#11 by Susan at June 14th, 2010
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Hi Sheila
I have read all your books and was just wondering if you had a new one coming out this year, you are my favourite holiday reading!
Thanks
Susan
#12 by Sheila at June 14th, 2010
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Hi Susan
If you haven’t read The Perfect Man it’s out now in paperback. My next book, Stand By Me, will be published in September and I will have a collection of seasonal stories published in October. So hopefully one of these will tie in with your holidays this year!
best wishes
Sheila
#13 by Leigh-Ann Smithers at May 31st, 2010
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Hi Sheila
I have recently purchased a copy of your book “Anyone but him” and I have really enjoyed the story thus far, but I got page 504 and suddenly realise that pages 505 to 552 have been omitted from my copy and have been replaced with pages 41 to 88! I am dying to know what happens in the rest of the story. Would you be able to help with this? as I dont know who prints your books and who would be the person that I may need to talk to about this.
Thanks you for your help.
Regards
Leigh-Ann
#14 by Sheila at June 6th, 2010
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Hi Leigh-Ann
I’m so sorry to hear about your problem with Anyone But Him. Unfortunately this occasionally happens in a big print run of books when a couple of them end up with missing pages or with pages in the wrong order. It’s very frustrating though. The bookshop you bought it from should replace it for your immediately, but if you have a problem with that you can contact my publishers directly. In the UK they are Headline Book Publishing, 338 Euston Road, London NW1 3BH. Their phone number is (207)8736000 and email enquiries@headline.co.uk.
I hope you get sorted out quickly and that you can get back to enjoying your book!
All the best
Sheila
#15 by Catie Smith at May 26th, 2010
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Hi Sheila
I’ve been writing for some time and my dream is to be published one day. I’ve read the advice in the Artists and Writers Yearbook as regards sending a synopsis and first 3 chapters. Is there a standard or required minimum or maximum words for the 3 chapters? I’ve just been writing so far and the further I’ve got the more I can see some ‘natural’ chapter breaks. Is it something that just develops with the story? I’m dithering whether to send what I have incase it is too much or not enough and your advice would be appreciated!
I love your books and my Fiance is hiding some that I haven’t read yet until we go on honeymoon in September!
Love
Catie Smith
#16 by Sheila at June 24th, 2010
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Hi Catie
It’s good to see you’ve done your research and know what’s best to send. It’s excellent that you can see natural chapter breaks in your work. Don’t worry about how long or short the chapters are. Just send them along with your synopsis (which doesn’t have to bee too long but should give the general overview of your novel). Remember to print your m/s in double spacing and preferably in 12pt size font.
Good luck with the writing and your wedding – have a wonderful honeymoon.
all the best
Sheila
#17 by Carolyn at May 24th, 2010
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Hi Sheila just finished The Perfect man thought it was great,(fab)but a little disappointed about ***plot spoiler***,I enjoyed the whole cruise scene as I am a lover of cruises I just wish my husband was.look forward to your next book.
regards Carolyn
#18 by Judith at May 8th, 2010
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Hi Shelia
I love all your books can never put them down,I was just wondering how you were inspired to start writing and what age did you start? One more thing what is your latest book an if you have any new ones could you please tell me and also when is it coming out.From Judith.
#19 by Sheila at May 21st, 2010
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Hi Judith
It’s lovely to hear from someone who says they can’t put my books down! I’ve always loved both reading and writing – when I was small I used to make up my own stories using characters in the children’s books I was reading at the time. So the truth is I’ve always written – though it wasn’t until 1994 that I actually completed a full length novel. My latest book is The Perfect Man and it will be published in paperback on 27th May. The next after that is a novel called Stand By Me which comes out in September and finally (a busy year for me this year!) a collection of linked stories called A Season to Remember which will be published sometime in October. So plenty of reading for you….
all the best
Sheila
#20 by Jonathan at April 29th, 2010
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Hello Sheila! I am doing a project work about you, but i can’t find your age anywere. So may i ask you how old are you? // Jonathan from Sweden
#21 by Sheila at May 3rd, 2010
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Hi Jonathan
I was born in 1958. Good luck with the project.
Sheila
#22 by Dayna at April 22nd, 2010
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Hi Sheila
Ive read all your books, they are great, they are easy to read and I can’t put them down most of the time.
I was wondering when your next book is coming out?
Thanks
Dayna
#23 by Sheila at April 28th, 2010
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Hi Danya
The paperback edition of The Perfect Man will be published in May 2010, followed by Stand By Me in September. And then a brand new short story collection, A Season To Remember in October. Hope you enjoy them!
best wishes
Sheila
#24 by joy at April 18th, 2010
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I have just read ISOBELS WEDDING is there a
follow up book.
many thanks
#25 by Sheila at April 28th, 2010
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Hi Joy
There isn’t a full length follow up novel to Isobel’s Wedding. But you can read more about Isobel and what happens to her in my short story collection, Connections. Hope you enjoy it!
alll the best
Sheila
#26 by Annie Czuchra at April 12th, 2010
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Hi Sheila,
I just wish to thank you for many happy hours spent reading your books and say how much I look forward to every single new one.I was also wondering if any of them have been translated into Polish?
Best regards,
Annie
#27 by Sheila at April 28th, 2010
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Hi Annie
Yes, some of my books are available in Polish. Too Good to Be True (Zbyt Piekne Zeby bylo Prawdziwe), My Favourite Goodbye (Moje Najmilsze Pozegnanie) He’s Got to Go (On Musi Odejsc) and Yours Faithfully (Twoj na Zawsze). Others are being translated at the moment.
best wishes
Sheila
#28 by Louise Braverman at April 5th, 2010
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Hi Sheila, Have just finished “Anyone but him”. Loved it but found that the end rather left me wondering. You wrote about Jack, but didn’t give the reason as to why he actually came to stay with her (from Cora’s side as well). Would love to hear from you.
Thanks
Louise
#29 by Sheila at April 28th, 2010
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Hi Louise
The main reason Jack and Cora begin a relationship is that she is very understanding and he is confused about his own family life and his place in it. Their relationship develops from there. However you can dip into some more about Cora and her family in the follow up short story which will be in my latest collection, A Season to Remember, coming out later this year. I hope you like it.
all the best
Sheila
#30 by Vera at April 4th, 2010
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Hi Sheila,
I’m from Cologne/Germany and love reading your books – but only in German language because my English isn’t as good as reading a whole book in a foreign language.
Do you know when your next book will be published in Germany in German language and how it will be named?
Thank you for your answer!
Greets & happy Easter,
VERA
#31 by Sheila at April 12th, 2010
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Hi Vera
Thanks for your post – I hope you like the German translations!
The last one of my books published in German was Bad Behaviour (Lass es Leibe Sein). I’m not sure when the next one will be released (I never get to hear until they actually are in the shops!). But from this year I will be posting on the site when new translations have been published, so check back for more information.
very best wishes
Sheila
#32 by Kayshani at March 26th, 2010
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Hey. Love the books….
Just quickly to settle a pub bet，in which year were you born? We think you look very attractive in the photo in bad behaviour, but we can’t decide. Hope you can help…
Love from Pompey, keep writing.
Kayshani La Gibbon-westfall
XXXXXXXX
#33 by Sheila at April 12th, 2010
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I’m glad you think I look good because I hate having my photo taken. I was born in 1958. Did anyone win the bet?
cheers
Sheila
#34 by howarthkate at March 22nd, 2010
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hi sheila, do you do any book signings in the uk? if so when and where will they be? xx
#35 by Sheila at March 25th, 2010
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Hi Kate
I have done some book signings in the UK, usually around the time a new book is published. I always put up details on the website and on my Facebook or Twitter pages so keep an eye on these to see if there are any signings in your area.
all the very best
Sheila
#36 by Lina at March 19th, 2010
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Hi Sheila
I write a special subject for my school leaving examination and it’s about you and your books! I have some more questions about your biography if that would be OK with you because it would help me so much!
My Questions are:
Your exact birthday
your school career (I Don’t know how to say that right^^)
do you have brothers or sisters? and what did your mum professional? because you said you mother accepted a job for you!
When did you start writing full time?
and what do think will your future be like? do you want to do new things or stick to writing?
It would be so helpful if you could write me some answers!
Thank you
all the best
Lina
#37 by Linda at March 19th, 2010
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Hi Sheila,
I am a big fan of your books and have read them all, but I am trying to find a book which I was sure you had written which started with a recipe at the beginning of every chapter. It was about a girl who went to Sicily for the summer to look after a house and fell in love with the owners son? I am sure it was you. Apologies if I am mistaken.
Kind Regards
Linda x
#38 by Sheila at March 25th, 2010
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Hi Linda
The book you’re thinking of is My Favourite Goodbye. It’s still available in most big bookshops, or from Amazon or as an eBook.
all the best
Sheila
#39 by Rhiannon at March 18th, 2010
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Hi Sheila, Im a big fan of your books, have read most of them. Looking forward to the Perfect Man! Im a secondary english school teacher and an avid reader! I live in Spain so books aren’t that easy to get hold of, but Ive picked up a lot from the local car boot sale.
Last week I finished Caroline’s Sister, which was a great bedtime read for weeks. So imagine my disappointment when I got to page 737 and found out some pages were missing! Connor has just walked into their new shop with flowers, so Im assuming they fell in love! But what happened to Caroline? Please tell me if you ended the book with her happily single or did she go back to one of them? Id love to know!
Best regards, Rhiannon
#40 by Sheila at March 23rd, 2010
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Hi Rhiannon
I can’t believe you’re missing the last few pages! How annoying! I’m sending you a separate email with the ending…..
all the best
Sheila
#41 by Victoria at March 17th, 2010
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Hi Sheila, Victoria here. I really enjoy reading your stuff – through last 7 years your books were on the mission to help me to improve my English and settle in Ireland
)
As a linguist I would be happy to translate your novels into Russian or Ukrainian – basically, I’d love my mam to be able read them! How did you organise that translation to Dutch?
#42 by Sheila at March 23rd, 2010
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Hi Victoria
It’s lovely to hear that you’ve been reading my books for 7 years and I do hope they’ve helped with your English and with lliving in Ireland (your English is perfect!). The translaations of my books are actually done by the overseas publisher who buys the rights to translate them. Some of my books have already been translated into Russian and the publisher is Geleos:
http://www.geleos.ru/
I don’t know if they can be ordered online or not because unfortunately I can’t speak or read Russian!
all the best
Sheila
#43 by Vari at March 8th, 2010
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Hi Sheila
I have just reread Bad Behaviour and I felt it ended a little abruptly. Will there be a continuation? is there a sequel? I was hoping that Darcy would find herself with Neil Lombard?
#44 by Sheila at March 10th, 2010
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Hi Vari
It sounds like you have one of the few rogue copies of Bad Behaviour. When it was first published a batch of books were sent out to shops missing the last few chapters. Most of these copies were recalled and replaced. If you bought it new you can bring it back to the shop for a replacement copy. There should be 37 chapters in the full book – and I hope you’ll like how things turn out for Darcey…..
all the best
Sheila
#45 by Conny Manero at February 26th, 2010
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Hi Sheila,
For the third year in a row I took part in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award (ABNA) competition.
The first year I made the first cut, last year and this year I didn’t.
I thought I stood a good chance this year. I had a good story and a real editor helped me with my pitch.
Still, it wasn’t good enough.
Tonight I’m wondering how a writer keeps going? On the one hand they say that anything that one enjoys doing is never a waste of time, but on the other hand … why keep going and going if there is no place to go?
At what point does a writer give up?
Conny
#46 by Sheila at March 3rd, 2010
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Hi Conny
Well, you’ve asked the million dollar question and it’s not one I have a good answer for. I wouldn’t be despondent about not making it through the ABNA competition this year.The fact that you made it before shows that you have an ability to tell a story that reached someone. Chosing a work to make it through a competition can depend totally on the preferences of the people reading the submissions. For example, two of my novels were shortlisted for the RNA awards but in my view a different novel was a far more likely story to have been shortlisted but it didn’t make it. So these things can be very arbitrary.
There is a difference between writing for your own pleasure and writing for publication. I suppose all of us want to share our work with as many people as possible and that’s what keeps you going throughout the time when it seems you’re only writing for yourself. However, you have to want to write for yourself too, otherwise you wouldn’t do it at all. You have to almost have a need to put things down on paper to keep going. And the truth is that most writers feel that way. I wrote a lot of work that was never published before I eventually signed a contract. You’ve got to look at it as learning and refining your skills as a wirter.
The ABNA competition is just one avenue for your writing. If you have work that you feel is ready to be submitted for publication you should check out the FAQ on my site which gives some info on the process.
very best of luck!
Sheila
#47 by pat owen at February 23rd, 2010
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Iv enjoyed How will I know, but for one thing,
why do the women constantly bite thier lips ?
or chew them, I didnt count how many times you used this phrase, but it was a hellava lot….
Sorry Sheila
#48 by Sheila at March 3rd, 2010
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Hi Pat
When I first had Claire bite her lip it was because she was still in a very emotional state. Somehow that habit crept into the book more than I realised. I should have picked it up when editing but sometimes you miss those things. However I did cop on to it afterwards and as a result nobody has bitten a lip in one of my books since!
all the best
Sheila
#49 by Mary at February 16th, 2010
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Hi Sheila
I was just wondering if all your books are available in ebook format (for sony ereader)…if so can you direct me to where I can purchase same.
Thanks
#50 by Sheila at February 19th, 2010
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Hi Mary
Yes, my books are now availbe as ebooks and you can get them from either WH Smith or Waterstones
http://ebooks.whsmith.co.uk/AFB6B720-EFB0-430F-AC9C-F562AA854400/10/132/en/Default.htm
http://www.waterstones.com/waterstonesweb/browse/ebooks/4294964587/