Interview Trisha FitzGerald-Petri

by

Roberta DeCaprio

1) You were born and raised in Ireland… such a beautiful country. What inspired you to make your home in Germany?

Actually, it all happened by accident! I went to Germany straight after I’d finished studying to do some summer work for three months. After that, I decided to stay a little while longer in order to learn the language. Then, one day, I met this German guy... need I say more!! Now it’s been twenty-six years and I have two kids who speak to me in a foreign language!

2) Do the years you lived in Ireland show up in your writing?

Oh, yes. Though I’ve now lived longer in Germany than in Ireland, I’m Irish through and through. I travel back and forth several times a year to visit my family and charge up my “Irish” batteries. All my novels are based in Ireland, or have an Irish background. I love the colorful, gritty dialogue and our special sense of humor.

3) What authors do you read, and what is it about them that inspires you?

I read lots of different kinds of novels and so many authors inspire me. I’m always impressed by really intricate plots and am amazed how these authors avoid getting caught up in a network of contradictions. On the other hand, even a simple story, if beautifully written and full of powerful imagery, will leave me feeling slightly envious!

4) Do you first make an outline of your plot and characters before you actually begin writing?

Yes, but mostly in my head. I do write down a list of ideas in case I’ll forget them, and make a general outline, but more often than not, I have a brainwave after several chapters and shoot off in another direction. I’m often quite curious to see how my novels will end.

5) Which of your novels was the most fun for you to create?

I think “Making Tracks” which Wings has re-released. It was my first novel, and an adventure every step of the way. When the story began to unfold, almost of its own accord, I remember thinking “how did I do that?”. I wrote it at a time when I was feeling a little homesick for Ireland, so it’s full of typical Irish dialogue and wit.

6) What avenues of research do you use?

Obviously, I use the Internet a lot and to be quite honest, I don’t know how writers survived without it. However, when I’m at home in Ireland I make notes of everything interesting I see and hear around me. I try to avoid topics I don’t know too much about, or I make sure I know an expert who will consolidate information I have gathered.

7) As a writer myself, I know anything and everything can set the wheels in motion for a new storyline. What gets those wheels spinning for you?

My family! My parents traveled all over the world and met all kind of interesting people. I grew up listening to the most fascinating stories. As a rule, however, an amusing anecdote or odd situations suffice to set the wheel in motion.

8) Can you share with us anything about your next work in progress?

I decided it was time to write something different. Normally my novels are humorous tales of suspense and light romance. At present I’m working on a novel which concerns itself with inner conflict and the anguish of choosing between loved ones. I hope to create a novel which will touch many women’s hearts, but leave them feeling stronger and more determined.

9) How supportive is your family with your writing career?

They understand how important writing is for me. They give me the space I need and share my excitement when things go right. I constantly consult my sisters, one in Ireland, and the other in England. I can rely on them to be brutally honest!

10) What advice would you give an aspiring writer?

I would advise aspiring writers to keep their eyes and ears wide open, but to not necessarily believe everything they see and hear. It’s important to evaluate the mountains of information available nowadays, and, at the end of they day, to do what feels right--not only in your head, but in your heart.