Author interview: ‘Rituals’ created by novelist’s collaboration with visual artist

Danielle McLaughlin chats about her new novel ‘Rituals’ with Marjorie Brennan, and describes the evolution of its central character, a middle-aged woman whose routine-driven life is steered in a new direction

Danielle McLaughlin: ‘I want to make something that leaves somebody with a little bit of hope or a sense that the world is a worthwhile place to be in. I hope readers will feel better about being in the world when they get to the end of the book.’ Picture: Ros Kavanagh

Most published writers will be familiar with the ‘sophomore slump’ where the the pressure to deliver on a successful debut can make the follow-up book a slog.

There were no such worries for Cork writer Danielle McLaughlin when it came to her second novel.