The Sunday Times has rolled out a new online video series featuring six of Ireland’s best-known authors – and reveals what books have inspired, amused, entertained or influenced our greatest writers!
Entitled ‘On the Shelf’ and sponsored by Bewleys, each video features Eithne Shortall, chief arts correspondent with The Sunday Times and a novelist in her own right, visiting authors in their homes and writing rooms to check out what books line their bookshelves.
Over a cup of Bewley’s tea or coffee with Shortall, they then reveal their five favourite books. The authors also chat about their career, goals and hopes for the future. The first episode featuring Joseph O’Connor kicked off the series in early October. Other interviewees include Catherine Ryan, Donal Ryan, Patricia Scanlan, Shane Hegarty and John Connolly.
According to Karen Price, creative director with News Ireland: “The aim of the campaign is to acknowledge and celebrate the pivotal role that writing and reading plays in all aspects of Irish life, while acknowledging the breadth of brilliant writing talent in this country. Authors and books are at the heart of feature coverage in The Sunday Times and this is why we want to encourage more people to pick up a book and enjoy the pleasure of reading.”
Jason Doyle, managing director of Bewley’s added: “Bewley’s has a long-celebrated history of bringing artists and creatives from all walks of life together to share experiences and be inspired.”
“Bewley’s Grafton Street has played an important and historic role in Irish literary, cultural and social life with connections to Irish writers and artists; Yeats, Patrick Kavanagh, Samuel Beckett and James Joyce to name a few. Our partnership with The Sunday Times gives us a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our literary heritage in the modern era with a new audience. We are hugely excited to be playing a part in this series championing contemporary Irish authors.”
The video interviews are available on the Sunday Times website, www.thetimes.ie/OnTheShelf as well as on YouTube HERE
