By Eimear O’Dwyer

FOLLOWING the resounding success of author Chloe Michelle Howarth’s first two novels, the West Cork native has now secured a two-book deal with Penguin Michael Joseph. The first book is written, says Chloe, and delves into themes of queerness in rural areas during the financial crash of 2008. ‘I haven’t really seen too much representation of lesbians at that time in Ireland, especially in rural areas. So, I wanted to put lesbians there in the crash and think what might that have been like and how might their lives have been going.’ This is the first time Chloe has written about a time period she has lived through, and she says it was refreshing to have some memories to incorporate into her writing. ‘This was the first time I’ve written about a time period that I was alive for that I can remember. I was probably 12 in 2008 when the crash happened, so although I’d be seeing it from a very different lens than how I actually lived the experience, it was nice not to have to do so much research. Some of the stuff I can just recall.’

On completing the novel last year, Chloe recalls that Irish singer CMAT released her album Euro Country, delving into the turmoil that ensued following the Celtic Tiger. This, Chloe says, came as a relief and gave her confidence that people were ready to talk about the financial crash and its lasting impacts. ‘I was kind of like ok phew, people are ready to hear about the crash, because it was so recent, really.’ While the second book of the two-book deal is under wraps for now, Chloe says we can expect a continuation of her work, shining a light on queer people in rural spaces. ‘So obviously the second ones not written yet. I have an idea of what it’s going to be – like I’ve started it but I haven’t shared with them yet.’ ‘I think it’s kind of clear now with my work, there’s a theme of queerness, rural Ireland is always a part of it, so you know they can expect that that’s coming again.’

Chloe grew up in Rosscarbery and her debut novel Sunburn was shortlisted for a number of accolades. Amidst the whirlwind of publicity and tours for her most recent offering, Heap Earth Upon It, and writing her new novels for Penguin, Chloe still finds time to return home often. ‘I’ve been home a good bit recently, which is really, really nice. I was in Cork last month – I did an event at UCC. I’m coming home again in a couple of weeks, and I’m so looking forward to it,’ she says. ‘I actually can’t wait to go down to the beach in Ross and take a nice walk and a little sea swim and just chill out.’