Sheila Quinn

I grew up on the southern coast of Ireland, and now live in a small village outside Madrid with my husband and two children. I previously worked in education and publishing in Spain, and at the World Bank in Washington. I have been writing all mylife, but The Day of the Dragonfly is the first novel I have published for children. Although I would strenuously deny it in a court of law, mytwo children were the initial inspiration for the book, though neither of the main characters even remotely resembles them. For one, they are not half as tidy, and hate junk food. I particularly wanted to write a story which would amuse and interest my own children.
My childhood was filled with books and the highlight of the week was the Saturday morning visit to the library. Favourite authors were Malcolm Saville, Enid Blyton, Noel Streatfield, C.H.Abrahall and I loved the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mystery stories.

Reading continues to be a passion and my favourite writers are Barbara Kingsolver, Annie Proulx, Joseph O’Connor and Colm Toibín. I also adore the books of JK Rowling, Roald Dahl and Philip Pullman.

My hobbies include wildlife observation, particularly birds, but anything will do; walking in the countryside; gardening and travelling. Recent thrilling experiences include being chased up a tree by wild boar; falling off my bike and breaking my shoulder; and cleaning out my son’s wardrobe. And finally, I am very proud to say my thirteen year old daughter, Inés, designed the cover for the book.

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