Maria Joan Hyland is an ex-lawyer and the author of three novels: How the Light Gets In, Carry Me Down and This Is How. Hyland is a lecturer in creative writing at the Manchester Centre for New Writing. Carry Me Down was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and won the Hawthornden Prize and the Encore Prize.
Maria Joan Hyland is an ex-lawyer and the author of three novels: How the Light Gets In, Carry Me Down and This Is How. Hyland is a lecturer in creative writing at the Manchester Centre for New Writing. Carry Me Down was shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize and won the Hawthornden Prize and the Encore Prize.
Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
VideoMay 12 2026
Laurent Binet – Perspective(s) Q&A
Check out our Q&A with Laurent Binet, author of shortlisted title Perspective(s), as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey
VideoMay 8 2026
Ali Smith – Gliff Q&A
Shortlisted author Ali Smith discusses the creative inspirations behind Gliff and reflects on the significance of libraries throughout her reading and writing life in our latest Q&A.
