It’s not every day you get to interview one of Ireland’s most successful thriller writers, but with the acclaimed Liz Nugent on her way to Aotearoa we were lucky enough to get the chance! Since the publication of Liz’s debut novel Unravelling Oliver in 2013, she has released two more fantastic psychological thrillers that examine the inner workings of some unforgettable and disturbing characters. Liz has also won four Irish Book Awards, with her second novel Lying in Wait voted Readers’ Choice for the famed Richard and Judy Book Club.
Even more exciting: on Thursday, 3 October at Karori Library you, too, can join Liz for a special (and free!) event as she chats to Wellington writer Kirsten McDougall about turning to psychological thrillers after a career in Irish radio and television, and the art of getting inside the heads of monstrous characters. So join us on Thursday, 3 October for Liz’s only Wellington event!
When: Thursday, 3 October
Where: Karori Library
What time: 6.30pm – 7.45pm
In previous interviews you’ve mentioned your focus on ‘explaining but not condoning’ the extreme or horrific actions your characters take. Could you talk more about your approach with this? (And have you had any interesting responses from readers in regards to your characters?)
I like to get under the skin of my sociopathic protagonists and figure out what makes them tick. I want to know their triggers and their motivations for committing heinous acts. And I find that easier to do when I write from their point of view because people will always justify their actions no matter how bad they are. How often have we heard ‘she made me do it’ as an excuse? The provocations are real to them so while I absolutely do not condone their terrible behaviour, I think I understand it. Readers have a very mixed reaction to this. Some will have sympathy for the murderer while some will absolutely hate him/her. But I leave it ambiguous in the books. It’s up to the reader to decide whether it was nature or nurture that made the character the way he/she is!
I really like your description of hearing the short story that Unravelling Oliver is based on being read aloud by actor Barry McGovern. How do you think this ‘reading aloud’ process influenced your writing–and have you used it with subsequent works?
I wrote this short story called Alice in 2006 and made it to the shortlist, and because of that, it got broadcast on national radio. I have a background in theatre so I asked if Barry could be the reader. He is such a good actor that he brought the character of Oliver to life for me, and that gave me the impetus to go on and develop that short story into a book. I haven’t done that with other characters but when I’m writing, I think of certain actors in my head who would be right for the role and how they might play them. It’s a weird way of writing, but it works for me!
What has been your experience of teaching creative writing masterclasses like the one you’ll be running at Celtic Noir? Is there any specific advice you’d give to someone interested in writing psychological thrillers?
I’ve taught the class I’ll be teaching in Dunedin three or four times in Ireland and the feedback is pretty good. I take a very informal approach. We should have a bit of fun when we’re learning so hopefully, I’ll get to know a bit about the students too. It is very relaxed, and as I’m using the work of Vince Gilligan, who created Breaking Bad, it will be hugely entertaining.
Pschological thriller writers should go back and read the works of Daphne du Maurier, Patricia Highsmith, and Barbara Vine. They really are the masters (mistresses) of the genre.
What is your sense of the thriller genre and crime fiction at the moment, both globally and in Ireland?
I have a feeling that the incredible growth in popularity has to do with the current political climate. Nothing seems fair in the world right now. In Ireland and elsewhere, we look to Jacinda Ardern as a great political leader and while I’m sure not every Kiwi is happy with her, she conducts herself with grace and dignity. In Ireland, we are geographically caught between the UK and the USA, both currently being governed by pathological liars and buffoons. When people like that get into positions of huge power, it makes for a very unjust society. That’s why I think crime fiction is booming because at least, usually, the bad guy gets caught in the end.
Would you be interested in adapting your own work for either television or film?
I am currently just finishing a short film I have written based on a story I wrote many years ago. It’s going into production very soon so I’m pretty excited about that.
My first novel has been optioned for the screen by Leonardo di Caprio’s production company in LA. It would change my life if that got made but I’m realistic enough to know that it may never happen. Books get optioned all the time and never turn into films. I can dream, though.
You’ll be in New Zealand for the Dunedin Writers and Readers Festival (as well as other events, including here in Wellington!). Do you have any other writerly–or not so writerly–plans while you’re here?
I’ve got events in Auckland, Nelson, Rotorua, Wellington and Dunedin and I’m really looking forward to meeting writers Amy Ridout, Kirsten McDougall, Fiona Sussman, Dame Fiona Kidman, Liam McIlvanny, Adrian McKinty, Vanda Symon and Zoe Rankin. Also looking forward very much to meeting readers and booksellers. I love bookshops and libraries so I’ll certainly be visiting plenty of those on my way from north to south.
Not so writerly, the scenery, the wineries and watching the water going anti-clockwise down the plughole! Also, I want to see the haka close up. My husband is travelling with me and I know the Rugby World Cup is on while we’re there, so we’ll be on three time zones: New Zealand, Ireland and Japan.
