Author Eimear Lawlor on the many factors that go into creating an encouraging and successful situation in which to write . . .
Early Mornings: My Most Creative Time
I’ve always been an early bird rising before dawn. The first fingers of daylight tug at me, urging me to start the day. From as far back as I can remember, I’ve been awake before dawn, when the world is still and the possibilities of a new day stretch out before me. There’s a certain magic to these early hours. The demands of the day haven’t yet taken hold, and the solitude allows me to focus entirely on my writing.
Writing Space
My husband renovated a room for my writing and storage of hundreds of books. I collect books like Imelda Marcos collected shoes. I have hundreds and a lot of them are unread as I use the library a lot on my kindle and physical books.
Writing Habit
When I received my first book deal, it was both a thrilling moment and a turning point. I am a pantser more than a plotter. There are pros and cons to that in that I would be more creative without plotting and amazed as I wrote what story flowed from the nib of my pen. But the downside was I could state at the blank page for hours. So that moment spurred me to formalise my writing practice.
I enrolled in an online novel writing course that not only sharpened my skills but also instilled the discipline of writing for at least an hour every day. This routine has become the backbone of my creative process.
Tools That Keep Me Organised
Staying organised is crucial for any writer, and I’ve found two tools that I simply can’t do without: Scrivener and Apple Notes.
- Scrivener: This software has been a game-changer for me. It’s like having a virtual writing studio where I can draft, edit, and organise my work seamlessly. Whether I’m structuring a novel, storing research, or revisiting earlier chapters, Scrivener keeps everything in one place. The ability to view my entire manuscript or zoom in on specific sections has been invaluable for managing longer projects. I have simplified it and use only the basic tools.
- Apple Notes: Inspiration rarely strikes when it’s convenient. For years, I carried a notebook, jotting down ideas that would often come to me at the most unexpected times. While I like the tactile feel of writing longhand, and find I am more creative transcribing my scribbles later was time-consuming and sometimes frustrating. Now, with my iPad and Apple Notes, I can capture ideas instantly and copy them directly into Scrivener with minimal fuss.
Kilkenny Writers’ Group
Writing can be a solitary pursuit, and there are lots of online writing groups offering daily one hour writing sessions. But, for me, my weekly writing group Kilkenny Writers’ Group in Kilkenny Mayfair Library meetings are more than just a space to share our work; they’re a chance to exchange ideas, offer constructive critiques, and find encouragement in the shared challenges of the writing life.
Beyond our regular sessions, we’ve taken our passion for writing into the community, participating in workshops on public speaking and poetry. One of the highlights of our group’s activities was organising a spoken word event at the Kilkenny Arts Week Fringe Festival. This is funded by Kilkenny Ats Office .We invite the public to participate in our two hour sessions and it is a chance for us to showcase our work varying from prose, short story to haiku poetry.
I’m lucky to live in Kilkenny where there are many supports for writers from Kilkenny Arts Office to the new The Mayfair Library which opened last year.
The Challenges of Promotion
The promotional phase for my last book, Kitty’s War was both enjoyable and exhausting. As much as I enjoyed connecting with readers at book signings and events, the relentless pressure to self-promote through social media was draining. The need to constantly post updates, share photos, and engage with followers left little room for the creative process.
Writers now are there own PR agents and need to have a social media presence. For my next book, I plan to approach promotion differently. I want to find a balance that allows me to connect with readers without compromising my writing time or mental well-being. Perhaps a more targeted approach—focusing on a few meaningful events and collaborations—will prove both effective and sustainable.
Financial Support and Discovery Writing
Writing hasn’t been as financially rewarding as I once imagined, but I’ve been fortunate to receive support through a grant from the Kilkenny Arts Office and a bursary from the Irish Arts Council. These resources have been invaluable for me.
As a discovery writer, my process is both challenging and thrilling. While I always know the beginning and the end of a story, the middle often unfolds in unexpected ways. This approach keeps the writing process fresh and exciting, as I discover twists and turns alongside my the unexpected arrival of new characters. Of course, it also means navigating a fair amount of uncertainty, but I’m trying to have more of an outline in my head before I start a new project
Looking Ahead
Writing remains the heart of my daily life—a source of joy, exploration, and fulfilment. Over the years, I’ve come to accept an important truth: you can’t please everyone. Just as some people enjoy Metallica while others prefer Beethoven, readers’ tastes vary widely. A single critique doesn’t define an entire book’s worth or its impact.
This understanding has freed me to focus on writing stories that feel authentic and meaningful to me. While constructive feedback helps me grow, I remind myself that no piece of art can resonate with everyone—and that’s perfectly fine.
(c) Eimear Lawlor
Read more from Eimear on Writing.ie here.
About Kitty’s War by Eimear Lawlor:
Kilkenny, 1939. Ireland might be neutral, but Kitty Flynn is caught in her own war. Forced to give up her child at seventeen, she escaped to London in search of a fresh start.
However, in 1941, upon hearing that her brother, Anthony, who had been injured during the Spanish Civil War, is now gravely ill, Kitty must return home to care for him. In a time where food and medicine are scarce, Kitty is relieved to secure a nursing job – that is, until G2, the Irish Intelligence notices her proficiency in German…
G2 are determined to use Kitty’s translation skills to extract information from the German internees at The Curragh Military Camp, even using Anthony as leverage.
Before she knows it, Kitty finds herself in the treacherous world of espionage. And soon Kitty must decide: will she sacrifice herself to save her brother?
Order your copy of Kitty’s War by Eimear Lawlor here.
