'Don't give up the day job' advice to writers

A very interesting insight into the life of an Irish writer was given last evening in Woodbine Books, at the launch of Murt Malone's latest book The White Country, Novella & Stories, writes Brian Byrne.

A multiple award-winning author from Kildare town, many of whose books reflect insights into the daily lives of the people of Lebanon gained during his tours of duty as a UN peacekeeper, Murt talked about being interested in writing since he was a pre-teen, which later became a passion that has directed his life ever since.

He recalled the advice given to him by the late John B Keane after Murt had won a prize and bursary at Listowel Writers Week, 'not to give up the day job' because of the impossibility for most of making a full time career in writing. Advice Murt took to heart by staying in the Army until he had earned his pension. 

Other funding through grants and winning writing competitions are also vital to the vast majority of writers, he said. "You need the space to write, without having to be worrying every day about money." 

We'll have an in-depth report on the evening in the Diary at a later stage. 

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