Birth date: May 28, 1940.
Birthplace: Dublin.
Occupation: Writer.
Current home: Dalkey, a suburb of Dublin.
Marital status: Married to Gordon Snell, a writer, since 1977.
Working on: My new book is “Scarlet Feather,” and I’m coming to Chicago this week. I’ll have a float in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
I stay home to watch: I absolutely love soap operas. The English ones are very good, like “East Enders” and “Coronation Street,” which has been running for over 40 years.
The book I’ve been reading: “In a Sunburned Country” by Bill Bryson.
Favorite meal: Thai food.
Favorite performer: I fell in love with Marlon Brando when I was 15. He was so broody and moody, I thought if I could meet him, I could cheer him up.
Personal heroes: Historical figures like Hannibal, Lincoln and Napoleon who never doubted themselves.
I’d give anything to meet: Kurt Vonnegut Jr. I’m electrified by his writing. I’ve got a signed copy of “The Sirens of Titan” and I take it out and look at his signature like a groupie.
I’m better than anyone else when it comes to: Passing exams without knowing what you’re doing. I learned to drive at 49 and passed my test on the first go.
The one thing I can’t stand: People constantly complaining. I was fat and lame and my parents died young, but I believe you have to play the hand that’s dealt you.
If I could change one thing about myself: I would be less impatient. I try to hide it because it’s not a nice trait, so I squeeze my nails into my arms.
Most irrational act: In 1966, when I was 26 I “borrowed” 1,000 pounds and went around the world. I had a wonderful time, but when I came back I owed all this money. But it was the making of me. I started writing to make money.
My most humbling experience: I was in the ladies room and I heard two women talking about me and they said, “She never shuts up.”
The three words that best describe me: Large, cheerful, optimistic.
