2 weeks Ago
Alan Nolan is a children’s author and illustrator. The Dubliner, who grew up in Windy Arbour, is known for books such as The Riddle of the Disappearing Dickens , The Curious Case of the Irish Yeti , Double Trouble at the Dead Zoo , and the Sam Hannigan series. His novella, Sam Hannigan’s Rock Star Granny , was the World Book Day Book for Ireland in 2019 and in September he was awarded the 2024 Children’s Books Ireland award for his outstanding contribution to children’s literature.
His latest book is Molly Malone & Bram Stoker in the Riddle of the Disappearing Dickens , the third in the ongoing Molly & Bram series. Nolan has been shortlisted for Specsaver Children’s Book of the Year (senior) at the An Post Irish Book Awards. He lives in Bray, Co Wicklow, with his wife, three sons, and a cocker spaniel called Lily.
How did your upbringing shape your relationship with money? Although we were far from rich when I was young, my parents were very good at managing their money, and I’ve tried to keep that particular family tradition going. Have you ever felt broke? The first and second years of being a self-employed author/illustrator were fine, but the third year was tough. Is it possible to make a full-time living as a children’s author in Ireland? It’s almost possible – I have a side hustle doing illustration and graphic design for a small group of clients, so that supplements my income.
Have you ever been affected by the housing crisis? No, we bought a long time ago. But two of my children are moving-out age and are finding it difficult to find anywhere remotely affordable. Would you buy Irish property now? Being a self-employed children’s author, I doubt they’d give me another mortgage.
What’s the most expensive place you’ve ever been to? I was in New York this summer and spent $32 (€30.34) on a pastrami sandwich. What was your biggest ever extravagance? See above! What was your biggest ever financial mistake? Spending $32 on a pastrami sandwich.
I know it’s a New York pastrami, but come on. Do you still carry cash? I try to carry small amounts of cash, for parking mainly. And to fob off my children with.
What was your best ever investment? I bought a piece of original art by one of my favourite comic book artists 20 years ago. It hangs over my desk and still inspires me every time I look at it. What was your worst ever job? As a teenager I worked in a small newsagent in Dalkey in Dublin (the shop’s name rhymed with Kevin O’Heaven) and left after one day.
I was dismayed and slightly embarrassed when they sent me a cheque. Are you a spender or a saver? A little bit of both. Do you have a pension? Yes, but not a huge one – I intend to retire to Sallynoggin.
What three things would you not be able to do without if you had to tighten your belt? Libraries are fantastic and my wife uses them all the time, but I am a book hoarder. I love to own physical books, so I couldn’t cut down on buying books. The other two things would be olives and mortgage payments.
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