Irish women writers

'Women's fiction is a multimillion pound industry in the UK, and everyone in publishing is looking for that next woman with the Midas touch who can make you think "That's exactly how I feel!" or "Don't let him talk to you like that!" It's not all about handbags, cocktails and Sex in the City frivolity. It's about warmth and empathy and getting that fuzzy feeling. Knowing that when you open the book you bought during your lunch break, it's guaranteed to take you to a place you really want to be, meeting characters you really want to know.'

Kate Thompson, author of The Kinsella Sisters in the Independent on Sunday.