Interview with the author What inspired you to write Rosaleen’s story? As a reader of nonfiction and lover of all things history, it thrills me to write stories about women. It’s no secret that women do not show up in history books as often as men do, and when they do, they are usually women of means. Rich, royal, the wife of a great man. However, we know that other women were there. Women of all classes, throughout all of history. Doing work, making decisions, participating in society. I like to explore those women in my stories. Who were they? What did they do? Specifically, Rosaleen’s story came to me when I read an article about England sending Irish orphan girls and young women to Australia during the famine to become domestic workers and eventually wives of convicts. How long did it take to write Signed, A Paddy? It took nearly ten years to write Signed, A Paddy. I started researching for it in 2012 and almost finished the first draft by the time my daughter was born in 2016. I took some time off then to be an exhausted mom with a baby who hated to sleep. I tried now and then to pick it back up and finish writing it. Whenever I did though, I just felt stuck. The story felt like it was leading nowhere. Finally, in the summer of 2020, when I knew my daughter would be going to school and I would have the ability to dedicate much needed time to the story, I started working on it again in earnest. That was when I decided that most of the book needed to be rewritten. I started on the rewrite in the fall and finished it within a few months. The first five chapters were the only parts of the book that I kept during that rewrite. What is your writing process like? I am a character-driven writer and so I like to use both characters as well as history to drive the story. I start with research. I research the time period, the politics, the events, and I craft characters around that history. Then, for the most part, I try to let the characters tell the story. I don’t do a lot of outlining. I don’t do a lot of intricate plotting. I have a rough idea of where I want the story to go, but if it strays from that, I’m OK with that, too!
✔ Author(s): Lisa Boyle
✔ Title: Signed, A Paddy: An Irish Immigrant Story (Paddy series)
✔ Rating : 4.4 out of 5 base on (382 reviews)
✔ ISBN-10: 1736607715
✔ Language: English
✔ Format ebook: PDF, EPUB, Kindle, Audio, HTML and MOBI
✔ Device compatibles: Android, iOS, PC and Amazon Kindle
Readers' opinions about Signed, A Paddy by Lisa Boyle
Nayeli Hooper
Discover the poignant story of a family navigating life's ups and downs in this moving novel. The author's empathetic writing and well-drawn characters create a deeply emotional experience. Each chapter explores themes of love, loss, and resilience with sensitivity. The plot's twists and turns keep you engaged throughout. It's a heartwarming and thought-provoking read. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about family dynamics.
Audrea Mahmood
Follow the heartwarming journey of a group of friends navigating life's challenges together. The author's empathetic writing and well-developed characters create a deeply emotional experience. Each chapter explores themes of friendship, love, and resilience with sensitivity. The plot's twists and turns keep you engaged throughout. It's a story that celebrates the bonds that connect us. Perfect for readers who enjoy stories about friendship and community.
Dayne Holt
Uncover the secrets of a haunted mansion in this chilling gothic novel. The author's atmospheric writing and suspenseful plot make for a captivating read. Each character's hidden motives and dark pasts add to the tension. The twists and surprises keep you guessing until the very end. It's a haunting and immersive story that you won't want to put down. Perfect for fans of gothic fiction.
