Claire Hennessy releases first adult story collection soon

Claire Hennessy is an accomplished author who has dedicated nearly 25 years to writing young-adult and children's fiction. She is now releasing her first collection of stories for adults, titled "In the Movie of Her Life," after a long journey of over 15 years crafting these pieces. Hennessy reflects on her career, discussing how she began writing when the publishing industry was very different. The field lacked the online presence it has today, and she learned about publishing through older methods, like newspaper interviews. This experience has shaped her perspective as a writer and editor for various literary projects over the years. The new collection features 24 stories that touch on themes she cares deeply about, such as reproductive rights and societal issues. Hennessy has been a vocal supporter of women's rights, actively participating in campaigns like the one to repeal the Eighth Amendment in Ireland. Her stories are described as offbeat and thought-provoking, illustrating the complexity of characters' lives and emotions. Despite her success, Hennessy is aware of the challenges of balancing creativity and everyday responsibilities. She emphasizes that pursuing creative work is often a struggle and does not always allow for romanticized escapes from daily life. In recent years, Hennessy has faced some personal and professional changes, including departing from the Banshee Press and her partnership with the Big Smoke Writing Factory. She acknowledges the difficulties that can come with group projects but remains focused on her own writing and teaching efforts. As she approaches the release of her new book, Hennessy expresses a balanced outlook on expectations. She believes it is important to keep writing and working on new ideas rather than getting too caught up in how her work will be received. Ultimately, she values the process of creation itself and acknowledges the unpredictability of the publishing world. Hennessy's new collection will be available on April 3rd, and she continues to engage with her community through teaching and other literary endeavors.