‘There’s a toxic attitude out there that hardship makes for better art’

Susan E Connolly is one of the writers on series two of TV thriller series Hidden Assets, which is airing on RTÉ1 at 9.30pm on Sundays until October 8th. Also available on RTÉ Player.

Are you a saver or a spender?

Is it a cop-out to say both? I always try to put away a good chunk of my income so that if something comes up that I’d like, I’m able to afford the occasional splurge. That said, I always keep an emergency fund that I do not touch. Since I work freelance, it’s important to have a safety net to tide you over between jobs. While screenwriters in Ireland aren’t on strike, the WGA action in the US, and the issues they’re fighting for, are a reminder that there’s no certainty in this business.

Do you shop around for better value?

I try to balance value, convenience, quality and overall price. When I can, I’d rather wait and save up for something that’s going to be high quality and long-lasting than rush in and get a version that won’t meet my needs.

What has been your most extravagant purchase and how much did it cost?

There is a UK high street brand called Bravissimo that mainly does underwear, but also used to have a clothing line. I bought a few shirts and dresses from them and then received an email saying they were discontinuing the clothing line, so I went straight to the website and bought one of everything. I’ve no regrets – that spree basically makes up most of my wardrobe.

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What purchase have you made that you consider the best value for money?

My sister and I each bought an inflatable kayak a few years ago. Especially during Covid lockdowns, it was amazing to have a cheap activity that was outdoors and socially distanced.

How did you prefer to shop during the Covid-19 restrictions – online or local?

The convenience of online shopping is both a boon and a terrible temptation. If I need something like a USB cable or a pack of envelopes, I’ll often shop online, but for food I really enjoy browsing, finding deals and deciding what I want to eat based on what the sales are and what looks good in person.

Do you haggle over prices?

It’s entirely situational. I used to breed chickens, and won rosettes for them, so I’m comfortable with my ability to assess what’s a reasonable price for a chicken or a duck or, indeed, any type of poultry. It’s not unusual to try and haggle when you’re buying a few hens, so I’d definitely put in a counter-offer if I thought someone was pitching a high price. I’m happy to lend my expertise if people are buying chickens!

How has the Covid-19 crisis changed your spending habits?

I hadn’t been on a holiday for several years in the run-up to Covid, since I’d been busy doing a PhD in Cambridge. After moving back home in 2019, a friend and I decided to make up for lost time and splurge on a sun holiday. I love Ireland, but sometimes the rain and cold gets a bit oppressive, so I’m more likely now to seize the moment if someone suggests escaping to the sun. I’m very lucky, of course, to be able to take my work with me, so I’m able to take advantage of off-season and last-minute deals.

Do you invest in shares?

I have a pension that is in a fund I chose, but I don’t buy and sell individual shares – I’m sure I’d become obsessive over it and try to chase the highs.

Cash or card?

Almost always card, although I try to keep a few euro on me so I can tip delivery drivers.

What was the last thing you bought and was it good value for money?

I just bought some nectarines from Robbie’s Greengrocers in Sandyford this morning, and they were so delicious I went right back and bought some more. A little bit pricier than in some shops, but definitely worth it to me.

Have you ever successfully saved up for a relatively big purchase?

I’m saving for a mortgage deposit so hopefully I will have done in the medium-term future. The housing crisis and real estate prices in Dublin at the moment make it seem like a bit of a pipe dream, but I’m trying to keep a positive attitude.

Money is, essentially, a store of choice. If you’ve got money in the bank, you’ve got more freedom - freedom to say no to bad opportunities, freedom to walk away from harmful relationships

Have you ever lost money?

When I was a teenager, I lost a €50 note and was absolutely devastated. I found it later in the pocket of a pair of jeans – in about four pieces after it had gone through the wash. Thankfully, the bank exchanged it for me, but I learned my lesson!

Are you a gambler and, if so, have you ever had a big win?

I have a PhD in statistics so I know a little bit too much about odds and risk to do much gambling. Somewhat counter-intuitively, I do really enjoy roulette.

Is money important to you?

Of course it is. Money is, essentially, a store of choice. If you’ve got money in the bank, you’ve got more freedom – freedom to say no to bad opportunities, freedom to walk away from harmful relationships, freedom to take the time you need to think and focus and make the best decisions.

From my perspective as a writer, there’s an absolutely toxic attitude out there that hardship in some way makes for better art. I think most starving artists would have made better art if they weren’t starving.

How much money do you have on you now?

I have $3, about £2 in assorted change, and five cent. I’d better pick up some cash before I next order delivery food – and also clean out my wallet.

In conversation with Tony Clayton-Lea