Always into music and writing, Anna played in bands at college, and afterwards, but she made writing her career.
During her MA, Anna gained a placement at the .
“I was there for five years. Then I freelanced for three years before working at , as part of the launch editorial team,” she said.
“I’ve been freelancing since 2009, writing for , the , and the .”
Between 2019 and 2024, she worked on a historical project with RTÉ.
Anna’s first book, , won the Senior Children’s Book of the Year at the 2011 Irish Book Awards.
Two of her following six books were shortlisted for the award. , 2016, and , 2020.
“I was also trying a horror novel,” she said.
Anna has always loved good romantic comedies, and in 2023, decided to write one: “I pitched the idea, and began writing in spring last year, with an Arts Council grant.
“I loved writing it so much, I didn’t want to finish.”
1975/ Dublin.
Dominican College in Drumcondra; Trinity College, Dublin, German and history of arts; Dublin City University, MA in journalism.
Marino, Dublin.
Husband Patrick Freyne, journalist, and Anna’s former bandmate.
Freelance writer and editor.
“At Trinity, I dropped out of the Musical Society Chorus in favour of the college newspaper. I fantasise that I’d stayed and became a West End star.”
Joan Aiken; Eva Ibbotson; David Nicholls; Jaime Hernandez; Nancy Mitford; Marian Keyes.
“It’s about Laura’s sister Annie.”
“Write the book you want to read.”
@urchinette
After college, Laura gave up music for a corporate job, while her bandmate, Tadhg, became a superstar.
Now, he wants her to help him finish writing a song the duo started in college. Should she, when things had ended so badly?
I’m in love with this book! It taught me the mechanics and emotions of being in a band.
