Interview with Amelia Doyle: Observing Life, Writing Stories, and Etiquette
I am thrilled to be chatting with Amelia Doyle, a writer who sees the world in delightful
detail. She notices the little things most of us miss: a fleeting glance, a pause in
conversation, a tiny gesture and turns them into stories that feel alive, witty, and full of
heart. Her work makes you laugh, nod in recognition, and sometimes sigh at the honesty of
it all. In this conversation, we explore the quirks, habits, and tiny moments that
capture her attention and the small irritations that make her roll her eyes.
Talking to you Amelia is a joy because you have a rare ability to make the everyday feel
extraordinary.
I haven’t blushed like this in quite some time! Maybe ever. You are too kind.
Before we start the interview, I would like to thank you for having me today. It’s my very
first as an author and I feel honoured to have been chosen to be featured in “The House of
Etiquette”.
What small things in everyday life catch your attention?
A very good question. It depends on the moment and can be anything from observing a
certain rose in a particular garden opening on my daily walks in my neighbourhood, to
seeing a well-dressed man in a supermarket dealing with rather lively children, or a
gorgeous woman all dressed up waiting for a taxi; you can’t help but wonder where she is
going and who she will be meeting.
Unlike many people, I don’t take my mobile with me when I’m out and about, so I’m
automatically more aware of my surroundings. It’s fascinating what you can see and
overhear walking down the street or on public transport. Sometimes all I need to start
writing a new book, or get inspiration for my next chapter, are bits and pieces of a
conversation or a certain phrase being used.
Moments I always enjoy seeing play out in front of me are the first time strangers look at
each other. My favourite ones, though, are when someone is positively besotted by
observing someone read a physical book in a public place and the reader being blissfully
unaware. This is the instant, when I always wonder: ‘what if the person looked up right now
and into the eyes of someone who may end up being the love of their life?
It’s those little moments that make me smile.
What behaviour fascinates you most?
There are many, but as I can only choose one, I would have to say that it is the subtle
behaviour of attentive men.
What quietly drives you mad?
People walking down the street wearing headphones or playing on their mobiles, unaware
of any potential danger they may encounter.
Have you ever witnessed a moment that revealed more than words ever could?
Plenty, but there is one in particular that keeps coming to mind every now and again.
Almost a decade ago, my husband and I visited a dear friend of mine in her home town –
funny enough, I wrote my latest book for her and cannot wait to post it in time for her
birthday!
Anyway, on one of our last days together, we were walking to the place we were supposed
to meet her and her husband before heading out for dinner. We still had some time and
decided to go for a stroll in a nearby park. Mind you, I love nature and the park looked very
beautiful from afar. How could I possibly resist?
At some point a group of Hare Krishna followers caught my attention with their singing and
dancing, which pulled my gaze in their direction – that was also the moment when I
noticed someone a few metres away from them.
It was a young man listening to music through headphones and enjoying the sunshine on
one of the many wooden rocking sun loungers you could find all over the park. I remember
looking at him for a moment, thinking to myself, how nice it would be to enjoy the evening
sun on one of them, when his eyes suddenly fell on a young woman, might have been a
university student, walking by on the path in front of him. Following her with his eyes, he
got up when she was about to pass him, removed his headphones and walked a couple of
steps after her before he called out ‘Excuse me’ and she turned around to him. The moment
their eyes met was magical. You could feel that it was the beginning of something. He then
shyly smiled at her and offered her to take a seat on his wooden sun lounger. She accepted instantly.
How do you stay kind while observing people sharply?
A very good question. I was just telling a friend of mine the other day, how I see myself
more of an observer in this world rather than a participant, which surprised her. It’s
probably something I have in common with many creatives around the world.
In regard to staying kind, I strongly believe that no matter the situation we must never
forget our manners.
Has anyone ever surprised you by acting out of character?
Only on page! It always makes me chuckle when suddenly one of my characters does
something surprising and unexpected.
What is inspiring you right now?
The cold air outside and the warm feeling you get on the inside, while listening to Christmas
Jazz. It makes me want to write an other book set in winter. It’s always interesting how
these things come to me. Until now I was certain that my next one would be set in autumnal
Dublin …
You can find Amelia’s books here:
BuyTheBook.ie
Coupon Code for Amelia’s books on BuyTheBook.ie: Etiquette15%
Amelia's website
Amelia's Instagram page
Update
Since chatting with Amelia The House of Etiquette is delighted to learn that her book 'Two Weeks in Toronto' is a finalist in the prestigious Canadian Book Club Awards. We wish her all the best!
