One minute with: Catherine O'Flynn, novelist

 

Friday 09 August 2013 14:30 EDT
Comments
O'Flynn says: 'The room I usually write in is a big loft room. I sit at the window and watch the comings and goings in the road, mainly the old, possibly imaginary man on bike'
O'Flynn says: 'The room I usually write in is a big loft room. I sit at the window and watch the comings and goings in the road, mainly the old, possibly imaginary man on bike' (John Lawrence)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Where are you now and what can you see?

I'm at my desk, in the room at the top of my house. I can see the retired man from down the road cycling up the street. This is a constant. Everytime I look out of the window I see him on his bike, smiling serenely. It's obviously a sign, but I don't know what it means. It's like the lumber truck in Twin Peaks.

What are you currently reading?

The Infatuations by Javier Marias.

Choose a favourite author and say why you admire her/him

Kurt Vonnegut – I admire him for his tenderness, anger, humanity and humour.

Describe the room where you usually write

It's a big loft room. I sit at the window and watch the comings and goings in the road, mainly the old, possibly imaginary man on bike. When there's not enough to distract me in the street, I pretend to forget I have a kettle and toaster up here and wonder down to the kitchen.

Which fictional character most resembles you?

Somedays Sergeant Wilson, somedays Captain Mainwaring.

Who is your hero/heroine from outside literature?

David Bowie, 1970-83.

Catherine O'Flynn's latest novel, 'Mr Lynch's Holiday', is published by Viking

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in