35 Comments
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Jeannie Ewing's avatar

Oh, Jane, how exciting that you featured Clare today! I have been following her story and her work for almost two years now. It's always a delight when I notice this type of overlap with writers I admire and find to be inspiring in my own creative journey.

Hi, Clare! Glad to see you featured today.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I love when that happens! And, I agree, Clare is so lovely!

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Clare Egan's avatar

You guys are making me blush! 🫣

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Clare Egan's avatar

Thank you Jeannie 💕

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Leslie Forman's avatar

What a lovely, honest, life-affirming interview! Thank you Jane and Clare!

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Leslie!

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Clare Egan's avatar

Thank you Leslie. I'm so glad you enjoyed it 💕

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Eli G's avatar

I love all of it, this warm-hearted interview, but gosh, this part went straight & deep into my heart (a mother is everything, but a sister sure is a lot): “My sister recently reminded me that our mother had poured so much love into me during my early years and it would be enough to keep me going even when things are hard.”

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Elizabeth. Yes, warm-hearted is the perfect description! And I also love that sentiment about Clare's mother's love!

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Clare Egan's avatar

Thanks so much Eli. That line still makes me tear up a little and I'm so glad it connected with you 💕

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Dee's avatar

A happy and loving way to start my day. Thank you

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I agree, Dee! So happy you enjoyed it!!

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Clare Egan's avatar

Thank you so much Dee 💕

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Holly's avatar

Stellar discussion. Truly lovely and comforting for reminding us all that we are not alone, we all have bumps and struggles and people we love who aren't here for us now in the same ways as before.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

So glad you enjoyed it, Holly! ❤️

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Allison Kirkland's avatar

So exciting to see your words here, Clare! Congratulations. And such wonderful answers.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

So glad you enjoyed it, Allison!

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Amy Brown's avatar

I love Clare Egan's work and her generosity and compassion to her community and so Clare, it was a delight to read your responses here. My heart goes out to you for losing your mom so tragically when you were still so very young and what your sister said to you--I hope you can feel the truth of that. I know I've poured so much love into my own daughters that I know it must be true. THIS! "Losing her so traumatically made me acutely aware of how fragile life is, and I do my best to enjoy this messy, exhausting, beautiful life I feel so grateful to have." So wise. I take that to heart. Your cats are so sweet and I am sorry for the loss of Budino. I have lived alone since my divorce and since my caregiving for my late mother ended last April and I am thinking of getting a cat/cats as part of my new place/new life in Barcelona, and that Cocteau quote--it really speaks to me. A delight to get to know you better here. Thanks, Jane, for initiating this interview!

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

So glad you enjoyed it, Amy! And, yes, Clare is so generous and compassionate! And, YES, to adopting some kitty cats!! And a new life in Barcelona!! Wonderful!

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Constellations In Her Bones's avatar

A jubilant and warm conversation ! Thank you, Clare and Jane.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Ooooooh, thank you, Constellations!

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Constellations In Her Bones's avatar

Of course, Jane!

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Catriona Knapman's avatar

Beautiful interview Jane and Clare. I loved the simplicity of this piece, while also allowing little insights into Clare and her life.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I'm so glad you enjoyed it, Catrina! Thank you for the kind words!

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Mary Beth Spray's avatar

Thank you Clare and Jane. I checked out the audio library book of Emma Forrest. Can't wait to listen to what you say you listen to several times.

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I'm so happy you enjoyed it, Mary Beth! And,ooooh, wonderful you checked out the book. I may have to do the same!!

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Dr Vicki Connop's avatar

Beautiful interview. It's lovely to get to know a little more about you Clare 😊 Such a tender age to lose your mum, thank you for sharing your story ❤️

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

So happy you enjoyed it, Vicki! ❤️

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Nalini Dovedy's avatar

Hello there jane. I’m much older than you but yes I adored enidblytons. I finally gave my collection away last year. Have a great time

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I’m so glad you enjoyed the interview, Nalini! The answers are actually from Clare not me. But I agree, Enid Blyton books are wonderful!

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Clare Egan's avatar

Enid Blyton was the author who made me love adventure stories, and that's an incredible gift to give a child. I'm so glad you connected with them too Nalini 💕

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Clare Egan's avatar

Thanks so much for having me Jane 💕

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

I'm so grateful for your beautiful answers, Clare! ❤️

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Aisling Walsh's avatar

So great to read you too together!!

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Jane Ratcliffe's avatar

Thank you, Aisling! Glad you enjoyed it!

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