Claire O’Connor, a West Cork-based writer, has captivated readers with her self-published thriller trilogy while simultaneously renovating a cottage in the picturesque village of Eyeries. Known for her exploration of womanhood, societal injustices, and moral dilemmas, O’Connor has garnered attention for her unique take on cults and closed religions in her work.
In a recent interview, O’Connor explained that her writing often delves into the complexities of female experience and the search for justice. “I enjoy writing short fiction and poetry as well as novels,” she said. “There’s an overarching theme in my work about womanhood, facing injustices, and exploring the moral compass.”
O’Connor’s decision to self-publish her works has been central to her creative freedom. “I never considered spending years querying or looking for agents. I didn’t want to waste time—I just wanted to write and get my work out,” she explained. “The best thing about self-publishing is that it gives me full control over my creations, without the interference of a middleman.”
Her latest trilogy, Over the Wall, takes a deep dive into the lives of those born into cults, following a young girl’s journey of escape and reintegration into society. O’Connor’s fascination with cults and closed religions dates back to her teenage years when she devoured documentaries and biographies on the subject. “I’ve always been intrigued by the type of personality that starts cults and how they draw people in,” she shared. “I’m also fascinated by life after the cult—how people cope with reintegrating into society. It’s not as simple as it seems. It takes a lot of work to adapt.”
While her writing has flourished, O’Connor’s journey has not been without personal challenges. She struggled with chronic back issues and surgeries that left her unwell for nearly four years. However, she found solace in walking her dog on the beach every morning and eventually set up a standing desk, which helped her return to writing. This period of recovery led to the completion and self-publishing of her cult trilogy, as well as a collection of poetry and short stories.
In addition to her writing, O’Connor is restoring a historic cottage in Eyeries, which has piqued the interest of locals. “Someone mentioned it might have originally been affiliated with Lord Puxley’s Castle and farmlands, as the cottage chimney is built in the British style,” she explained. “After that, Irish families lived in the cottage. It’s been decades since anyone lived there, but we’re gathering information from visitors who recall the family that once occupied it. It’s been a long process, but I’m looking forward to finally moving in this year.”
With her latest projects well underway, Claire O’Connor continues to inspire readers with her compelling narratives and unwavering dedication to both her craft and her personal journey.
