An Interview With The Author

Author: Jennifer Rose McMahon

The Pirate Queen Series. Fantasy/historical/time-travel/PNR

Book 0 (prequel): ROCKFLEET

Book 1 BOHERMORE

Book 2: INISH CLARE

Book 3: BALLYCROY (coming early 2018)

1. What inspired you to come up with your book series?

I have been planning the Pirate Queen Series for over twenty years, since my college days abroad in Ireland. While studying abroad in Galway, I travelled throughout the country absorbing the history as well as myths and legends. I also traced my roots to find where my grandparents came from, Country Mayo and County Leitrim. While exploring my O’Malley heritage, I discovered Grace O’Malley, chieftain of the O’Malley clan from the 1500’s and Ireland’s notorious pirate queen. Once I learned about Grace O’Malley, my Pirate Queen Series was born.

2. What is my favorite scene?

In ROCKFLEET, my favorite scene is when the main character, Maeve, discovers the source of her terrifying visions. Once she begins to understand the hauntings, she is able to piece together her true purpose and identity. Her shift from an insecure young girl to a powerful warrior is the best!

3. What do you love most about writing?

My favorite part of writing the Pirate Queen Series has been the ability to bring Grace O’Malley, the only female chieftain of Ireland’s medieval history, back to the forefront and into mainstream conversation. Her powerful rule and loyal army made incredible shifts in Ireland’s history, including a significant meeting with Queen Elizabeth 1 which influenced the future of Gaelic Ireland. I think Grace O’Malley is a role model who brings empowerment to women everywhere.

4. What is my writing routine?

I steal my writing time from any available crevice. As a full-time high school guidance counselor and mother of four, I find myself writing in the car during soccer practice or in my bed on the weekends before the house wakes up. But I find my writing time to also be my happy space where I can travel off in my imagination and hang out with the characters I’ve created. It’s a magical place.

5. What’s on your bucket list?

My bucket list includes another trip to Ireland where I have full access to enter the castles of Grace O’Malley and explore them to my hearts content. I’d also love to see the original documents of her meeting with Queen Elizabeth and of her other holdings and activities. I also hear there is a ring of Grace O’Malley that has been passed down through the O’Malley clan. Oh, I would looooove to hold that ring in my hand, and maybe even slip it onto my finger.