Beginner's pluck: Orlagh Collins

After college in Dublin, Orlagh worked in the production department for various films, then she left for London and worked in the city in IT recruitment.

“I stayed there for 18 months to earn some money, then left to get into films.”

Starting as a Freelance in production managing — on films including Calendar Girls, and Ali G, she then joined Pathé Films as head of physical production. She oversaw many award-winning films, including The Queen.

“The job with Pathé was amazing. It gave me the whole new view of film.”

Orlagh met her husband on the film, Breakfast on Pluto. The couple moved to Ireland for the birth of their children, but now live in Somerset.

“My ambition was always to be in films. I love that still, but I feel so grateful to have found writing, and I want to carry on doing it.”

Who is Orlagh Collins

Date/place of birth: September 1975 in Dublin.

Education: Portmarnock Community School. Dublin City University; Communications.

Home: Near Bath, Somerset.

Family: Husband Alan Maloney, children Alfie 10, and Mable, 9, and dog, Mildred.

The Day Job: “I did a movie last year, but now, I’m writing fulltime.”

In Another Life: “I think I’d have been a really good undercover private detective.”

Favourite Writers: Anne Enright; Donal Ryan; Roddy Doyle; John Boyne; Caitlin Moran; David Nicholls. And YA writers like John Greene.”

Second Novel: “I’ve delivered it to Bloomsbury. It’s another YA, but is set in Camden Town.”

Top Tip: Accept that nothing is immediately brilliant, and just keep going. And stay true to what excites you.

Website: www.orlaghcollins.com

Twitter: @orlaghcollins

The Debut: No Filter; Bloomsbury, €11.20/Kindle, €7.21

On the surface, 15-year-old Emerald has a perfect life. Popular at school, she is rich and beautiful – and has an enviable boyfriend. But could snapchat be hiding the real story?

When her mother hits a crisis, Emerald is sent from England to her grandmother on the outskirts of Dublin. She’s bereft, until she meets Liam. But can their burgeoning love survive family prejudice?

“Liam and Emerald ignite something in each other. She won’t be subjugated again.”

Marketed as YA, this novel will appeal to adults too.

The Verdict: An emotional tour de force. Louise O’Neill meets Romeo and Juliet.