Rare interviews offered up writing secrets and personal gems

Authors often admit to frustration when readers attempt to gain some insight into them via the works they produce — with the over-analysing often resulting in off-the-wall conclusions.

As such, fans of Maeve Binchy who hope to learn more about the writer after her death should be thankful they do not have to resort to such steps.

While far from being a regular interviewee, the rare times the author — who passed away on Monday night aged 72 — spoke to reporters allowed her to reveal hidden gems about her life in her own words.