Happy St Patrick’s Day!
To celebrate St Patrick’s Day we have invited Ben Collins, author of Irish Unity: Time to Prepare, to take part in our quickfire Q&A.
What is a quick-fire Q&A?
We have our interviewee pick a number at random (between 1-42) and we ask them the general question listed next to it. Shortly after we switch to asking book-specific questions (1-22), to give you a brief insight into our wonderful writers and their books.
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What is your favourite thing about being an author?
Working with a great team at Luath Press to get my words into a physically published book has given me a great sense of achievement.
Having other people read what I've written is a humbling experience.
What was your favourite book as a child?
Graham the Gorilla by Nick Baker. It was a brilliant story and I was able to get a signed copy which meant a lot.
What is your favourite writing snack/drink?
I guess this would have to be a cup of filter coffee using my coffee grinder at home. I enjoy beer or wine after I've finished writing but not while I'm writing.
What are you reading currently?
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid. It's a wonderful book and great escapism from some of the worrying things which are happening in the world.
What is your favourite thing about Ireland?
The people are amazing and carry a piece of Ireland with them in their hearts wherever they are in the world.
If you could spend the day in anyone's shoes, who would it be?
President Emmanuel Macron of France. I'd love to understand his thought processes and how he works through the day. I'm a big fan of him and his ambitions for both France and Europe.
How long was Irish Unity in the works?
I came up with the concept in the summer of 2012. It took a long time to get it published. However, there was a lot happening in the meantime with the Scottish independence referendum and then Brexit. I had to wait until I got a job which allowed me to publish it as well.
What emotional reaction do you expect people to have to it?
I've had a mixed response. As I expected, those who support what I am saying are positive about it, whilst some of those who are opposed to the very idea of Irish unity have been rather forthright in their views. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I'm grateful to everyone who's taken the time to read it.
Why did you choose the title you did?
Because I think we need to prepare now for Irish unity, in advance of a border poll being called, so that we can avoid the chaos of Brexit.
What do you wish you had known when starting the writing process for this book?
Ensuring that I kept a detailed record of all references rather than having to refind them in the last weeks before publication would have been a good idea.
What is the main message you would like people to take from this book?
Irish unity will offer opportunities to everyone who lives on the island of Ireland regardless of their background or nationality.
We need to put a plan in place now before the referendum is called so that people have a detailed proposal to vote on rather than some vague idea. Nobody should feel threatened by the constitutional conversation as we are talking about putting a plan to the people to decide whether they want to embrace it or not.
Peaceful discussions about what will provide the best future for all people who live across Ireland are the essence of democracy.
