Agnieszka Filipek

What was your favorite book as a child?

I loved fairy tales by Hans Christian Andersen, and Thumbelina was my favourite.

What was the original reason or motivation why you started writing creatively?

From a very young age I was surrounded by words. Both of my parents were readers. My dad also wrote lyrics and stories, and my mother loved poetry. They read to me and my older sister when we were small, and then my sister would read to me. When I was little I would come up with rhyming poems for people for different occasions. I took part in many recitation competitions as a child and later, as a teenager as well, and I regularly performed in school festive and formal ceremonies. Many teachers were very encouraging and supportive of my early writing. I always knew I wanted to write and share my words with others.

What was the most adventurous or thrilling thing you ever did/experienced?

In my early twenties I moved from Poland to Ireland. It was exciting and scary at the same time. I had very little English, so I immersed myself in learning a new language and discovering Irish culture. As a result I fell in love with Ireland, which today I call my home.

Do you listen to music while reading or writing?

I prefer to read and write in silence, because it allows me to focus better. However, when I’m editing or working on a translation, sometimes I like to put on gentle piano music or something instrumental, but nothing with lyrics, as I find it distracting. And I love reading outside surrounded by the sounds of nature.