'Write quickly, don't be a poser, and have fun when it's time to have fun' - Maeve Binchy's nephew Chris on her advice to aspiring writers

Maeve Binchy was a warm-hearted, helpful font of wisdom for aspiring young writers, recalls her nephew Chris Binchy

Helpful advice: Maeve Binchy in Canada on a promotional tour in 1986

When I started writing this article, it took me a while to find a way in. I circled like a cat on a couch looking for the ideal place to settle, hovering and lowering and then deciding that this might not in fact be the right approach. Days went by.