H. Schussman’s review of Dancing to an Irish Reel, by Claire Fullerton

Readers Point of View

This book is truly literary fiction. Clair Fullerton artfully weaves a subtle romance with poetic nuance. For me, the appeal was the routine. Some people like whirlwind vacations, but I like to settle in and grow some roots. Dancing to an Irish Reel is about Hailey settling into a small community and getting a feel for the personality of the locals. She meets the dark mysterious Liam Hennessey and can’t shake the attraction. This tale does a wonderful job of illustrating the different ways we go about falling in love; men versus women, Irish versus Californian. Hailey is analytical, curious, and straightforward. Liam is a free spirit, confused, and never faces anything straight-on.

I imagine each reader will connect with different personalities in the story. I liked Adrian. He is one of those guys who enthusiastically helps in any way he can. Some people find him extremely annoying, Hailey thinks he’s adorable. I also loved her description of an elegantly dressed older gentleman named Seamus Kearney. I want to sit with him and have a cup of tea.

Writer’s POV

A special skill Fullerton has is to allow each personality to be uniquely different. Typically writers create dialogues with the same speaking style. She writes each person’s dialogue differently.  “In Connemara, we like to stay connected, you know. No need to be parted by a little thing like death.” This was Liam’s comment regarding the local haunted cemetery. After a couple of pages you can almost hear the Irish brogue.

If a sentence stands out in literature, I know I’m on to something good. In Fullerton’s case, many such sentences occur. My favorite of the book describes a businessman Hailey must deal with… Her first impression; “He had glowing white hair that stuck out every which way, and untamed eyebrows to match. A course mustache swept hither and yon to either side of his mouth as if it were fighting gravity.” Lovely, sigh.

I also appreciated her ability to stay true to first person POV. As any writer knows this isn’t easy. The first person can’t know what is happening out of their presence. Claire Fullerton masterfully pulls it off. Well done!

Claire Fullerton, An Interview

Claire in Ireland at Kilmacduagh Monastery

H. Schussman's interview with Claire Fullerton Author of Dancing to an Irish Reel, and A Portal in Time

Heidi:

First, Claire, tell us a little about yourself.

Claire: 

I am proud to say I'm a Southerner; I grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. I now live in Malibu, California, and spend a lot of time up north on the Monterey Peninsula, in Carmel-by-the Sea.

Heidi:

What genre do you write?

Claire:

I write literary fiction that aims at portraying the beauty of the human experience in all its layered nuances and   manifestations.  I aim to encourage and inspire by pointing out that the seemingly ordinary in life is actually extraordinary!

Heidi:

When did you start writing?

Claire:

I began by keeping a journal around the age of eighteen; my writing career started there, in my opinion, yet it became official more than ten years ago when I began publishing poetry and short stories. A creative, weekly column in Malibu's newspaper coincided with magazine publications, as well as multiple publications in the "Chicken Soup for the Soul" book series. I began writing novels five years ago.

Heidi:

What are you working on now?

Claire:

I am joyfully engaged in pre-promotion for the March 31st release of my second novel, "Dancing to an Irish Reel," which concerns a 25 year old woman who leaves the LA record business and moves to rural Ireland where she meets a famous Irish musician who won't come closer nor completely go away. I call this story a "near-miss" on the road to love.  Besides this, I am well into a third novel which is set in the Deep South.

Heidi:

Who is your favorite character in your stories?

Claire:

I am partial to Declan, who lives in "Dancing to an Irish Reel." He is a high-strung, plan making, twenty five year old from Derry, Ireland who heads the Galway Music Centre. Much of the drama in "Dancing to an Irish Reel" revolves around Declan's capricious personality, but he is also the voice of insight to the book's main character as she navigates the road to love as a stranger in the strange land of rural Ireland.

Heidi:

Do you see yourself in any of your characters?

Claire:

Oh, unequivocally yes! I am especially in the curious and whimsical character of Anna Townsend from my paranormal mystery,  "A Portal in Time." 

Heidi:

Where do you write? Describe your work-space?

Claire:

I turned one of our bedrooms into my sacred writing space! It has a hardwood floor and a view of the ocean from atop a perch on a hill. My cherry wood writing desk has a computer monitor the size of the great outdoors and a keyboard my husband tells me is swift as they come. I have 5 framed prints above my desk that I bought in Ireland, and a portrait someone did years ago of the house I grew up in in Memphis, which is positioned on the wall not far from a sketch of my mother in her golden youth! I have a cherry wood, sleigh daybed, a tall bookshelf with my favorite books surrounded by walls painted in a warm yellow ( the color of vibrant inspiration!) The other colors in the room are terra-cotta, which may sound conflicting, but to me, everything works harmoniously.

Heidi:

Who are your all-time favorite authors?

Claire:

Oh, I'm so glad you asked! I am a freak over Pat Conroy, who wrote "The Great Santini," "The Prince of Tides," and "South of Broad," to name a few.  He rings every nostalgic internal note within me of the Deep South. His fluid, beautiful, seemingly effortless use of descriptive language is currently unparalleled ( in my opinion), and I have learned much from the way his novels are crafted. Beyond Pat, I admire Donna Taart, who is another southern author, whom I think is in a league of her own.

Heidi:

Did you find writing a query letter a challenge? If so, how did you overcome it? Do you think there was a key phrase or idea in your QL?

Claire:

I am not intimidated over writing a query letter. I think the aim is to be concise and incredibly clear. A query letter is a writer's friend because it lends the opportunity to show the recipient exactly who it is they're hearing from, as well as what they're coming to the table to offer! The challenge will always be the cadence and the crafting of a query letter, but the exercise gives the writer the opportunity to shine!

Dromoland Castle, in Shannon, Ireland

Heidi:

What advice do you have for a writer aspiring to be published?

Claire:

Write what you love, write in as authentic of a voice (your voice) as possible, do your homework regarding publishers, follow the submission guidelines, and be respectful!

Heidi:

Would you like to acknowledge someone for their help faith in you?

Claire:

Yes, The powers that be because I listened and headed the call! I'm still listening!

Heidi:

Would you be willing to share your Facebook page and website with your fans?

Claire:

Of course!

Claire's  Facebook

Claire's Website