'Men don’t buy crime novels written by a female' - bestselling crime novelist Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin on becoming Sam Blake

Vanessa Fox O'Loughlin is a force in Irish publishing. She tells Emily Hourican it was all done to better her writing and, as her fifth thriller hits shops, reveals why she writes as 'Sam Blake'

Publishing as Sam Blake keeps Vanessa Fox O’Loughlin’s thriller-writing separate from her other roles. Picture by Steve Humphreys

Emily Hourican

If Vanessa Fox O'Loughlin had planned her route to becoming a published author specifically as a case study - something that could be taught in a masterclass, an example of the kind of resilience, determination and strategic thinking required to succeed in this industry - she couldn't have done a better job.