On the Cover of a Magazine

“Strike a pose.” Madonna said it best in Vogue. I never thought I would borrow the line for myself, yet there I was, on the cover of Ulster Weekend.

The feature focused on my novel A Violent Heart, and on growing up in Belfast. Two things tied together in ways I did not fully see until I had to talk them through. Belfast shaped my voice. It shaped how I see conflict, loyalty, and silence. Those ideas sit at the core of the book.

Being asked to talk about both felt grounding. Pride mixed with disbelief. I grew up surrounded by strong characters, sharp humour, and stories told plain and straight. Seeing those roots reflected back on a magazine cover felt surreal, and quietly satisfying.