This is quite an intense book, and deals with some grave subjects. How long did it take to write and how did you deal with writing about such sensitive issues?
Noel McCready: The story took over a year and a half to write and four months to edit.

I drew heavily from my social work experience investigating child abuse when developing Rose’s character. Trying to see sexual abuse from Rose’s perspective involved a degree of empathy. My social work experience may be dated (1980-86), but the heartbreaking stories of child abuse continue in the news and life story books.

Suicide is such a taboo subject and I think we need to be more open about it.

Counselling is an area which is perhaps misunderstood - viewed by some as giving advice or a load of mumbo-jumbo. The counselling sessions between Debs and Maxim are a little taste of what counselling might mean.

Whilst these issues are sensitive, there is a thread of Northern Irish humour to lighten the storyline.

What’s the essential message of your story?
Noel McCready: The essential message of my story is that life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, different perceptions of the same event by different people. All it takes is a chance encounter, a vivid recollection, a combination of funny and tragic episodes to deepen our character and put us in touch with our innermost feelings. Hassles and hope go together just like bread and butter.

Have you had a chance meeting with someone that changed the course of your life? What have your own experiences been?
Noel McCready: I met an old school friend on the street one day who said he remembered me. I didn’t remember him. He hadn’t much, materially. After chatting about the school we both used to attend, all details remembered with uncanny accuracy by my friend, we parted. I felt such respect for his honesty and integrity that I resolved to be more cautious than ever before judging anyone.

My childhood was spent in a loving home on a small farm. I fed pigs, calves, drove the tractor, all the things you do on a farm. Moving to ‘the big smoke’ (Belfast) to study for a degree, and making relationships with students from all walks of life, broadened my outlook. An administration job followed for a spell, rather boring I’m afraid. I then embarked on training to be a professional social worker and practised for several years. I’ve been in teaching now for more than twenty years.

I enjoy hill walking and climbed the highest mountain in Co Kerry, Ireland, in the summer 2008 - dry on the way up, torrential rain on the way down. Bit like life really. ‘To see life steadily and to see it whole,’ Matthew Arnold I think. By the way, climbing Carrantuohill was on my bucket list.

What made you write this book?
Noel McCready: My mother’ s death in 2006 was a turning point. The idea of writing a novel just had to be translated into action - no time to waste. There were many emotions running through my mind and I found writing therapeutic. I tried to see things through the eyes of each character. The story had to be told.

Do you have any other literary project for the future?
Noel McCready: Yes. I’m writing a second novel. The story has required a lot of background reading about a part of Irish history I didn’t learn in school. It is a contemporary story with an historical dimension. There are no deadlines. I want to learn the craft of writing as best I can.