Carol Rifka Brunt
“I started writing when my children were small,” she says.
Carol had several short stories published in literary journals before she embarked on her novel. “The novel grew from a 700-word story about a man who is dying, and his relationship with his niece,” she says. “He was painting a portrait of her to build their relationship before he left the world.”
Who is Carol Rifka Brunt?
Date/place of birth: December 26, 1970, Queens, New York.
Education: High School, Pleasantville, New York; St Andrew’s University, Scotland. “I started with Medieval History and English, but changed to Philosophy. I met my husband there.”
Home: On the edge of Dartmoor, Devon.
Family: Husband Chris, an astronomer; children Maddy, 15, Oakley, 13, and Julia, 9.
The Day Job: Full-time writer. “Before publication, I worked in a nursing home, one night a week.”
Hobbies: “Baking; quilting; and learning the clarinet.”
Favourite Writers: Toni Morrison; Annie Proulx, and journalist Barbara Demick, author of Nothing to Envy.
Second Novel: “I have notes for it. I declined a two book deal. I don’t see the point, and I didn’t want the pressure.”
Top Writing Tip: “Give yourself time. You’ll know when it’s done. The best stuff can come during revision.”
Web: www.carolrifkabrunt.com
Twitter: @carolrifka
THE DEBUT
Tell the Wolves I’m Home. Macmillan. €14.99. Kindle: €9.77
At 14, June Elbus adores her uncle Finn. A renowned painter, he’s the only person who really ‘gets’ her. So when he dies of Aids, she’s devastated. Her family kept Finn’s private life secret, and when his lover Toby, approaches her, she’s unsure of him. But their shared love of Finn results in a loving and meaningful friendship.
The Verdict: This tender coming-of-age story explores sibling tension and shyness. It’s a debut to savour.
— Interviewed by Sue Leonard
