Beginner’s pluck: Freelance writer and editor Anna Carey

Anna Carey: 'I’ve been freelancing since 2009, writing for 'The Irish Times', the 'Sunday Times', and the 'Sunday Business Post'.' Picture: Brid O’Donovan

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 Sunday Tribune.

“I was there for five years. Then I freelanced for three years before working at The Gloss, as part of the launch editorial team,” she said. 

“I’ve been freelancing since 2009, writing for The Irish Times, the Sunday Times, and the Sunday Business Post.”

Between 2019 and 2024, she worked on a historical project with RTÉ.

Anna’s first book, The Real Rebecca, 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. The Making of Molly, 2016, and The Boldness of Betty, 2020.

During lockdown I was working on an adult novel about the film industry in the 1940s but I wasn’t enjoying it.

“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.”

Who is Anna Carey?

Date/ place of birth: 1975/ Dublin.

Education: Dominican College in Drumcondra; Trinity College, Dublin, German and history of arts; Dublin City University, MA in journalism.

Home: Marino, Dublin.

Family: Husband Patrick Freyne, journalist, and Anna’s former bandmate.

The day job: Freelance writer and editor.

In another life: “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.”

Favourite writers: Joan Aiken; Eva Ibbotson; David Nicholls; Jaime Hernandez; Nancy Mitford; Marian Keyes.

Second book: “It’s about Laura’s sister Annie.”

Top tip: “Write the book you want to read.”

Instagram: @urchinette

The debut

Our Song

Hachette Books Ireland, €16.99

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?

The verdict: I’m in love with this book! It taught me the mechanics and emotions of being in a band.