Chele Crawley with a copy of her new book; see next week's Westmeath Examiner for an interview with Chele about the book and the writing process.

Writing Matters: Chele Crawley

Published: Sun 26 Apr 2026, 11:00 AM

What is your favourite book?

Pride and Prejudice is a bit of cliché, but I absolutely adore Jane Austen and Pride and Prejudice in particular is a fabulous slow-burn romance/ enemies to lover tale. It’s a classic and with good reason.

What book do you wish you had written?

Storms of War by Kate Williams.

It’s a wonderful story about a German family living in England at the outbreak of World War One. I love books set against a historical backdrop.

What story are you most proud of?

My debut novel, Lady Dixon’s Niece, of course. I have spent six years on it. It has been the book that has taught me how to be a writer. It is the book with blood, sweat and tears poured into it, but I’m a better writer for it.

Guiltiest reading pleasure?

Bridgerton series or anything by Julia Quinn. Who doesn’t love a bit of spice?

Most memorable book-related event you’ve ever been to?

Going to listen to John Boyne perform a reading from Fire in his Elements series in Dalkey. It was intimate; a cosy little snug section of a public house on a Sunday morning, and we were all packed in like sardines. When he read, you could’ve heard a pin drop.

Biggest writing inspiration?

I have so many. Lorraine Murphy, Ann Griffin, Patricia Gibney, to name a few.

Who is Westmeath’s greatest writer?

We are so lucky, here in Westmeath, to have a wealth of talent, writers, poets and songwriters, including those who have sold incredible volumes across the world.