`I think it really irks people that I've published an autobiography at the young age of 29," says Hot Press and Sunday Independent journalist Olaf Tyaransen at the launch of his book The Story of O, The Autobiography of an Irish Outlaw on Tuesday night at HQ, Hall of Fame on Middle Abbey Street.
"I never intended to write this. Originally, I was working on a collection of my journalism stories to date, but I ended up writing over 750 pages and so the publishers at Hot Press Books decided to make two books out of it," he explains. The book of his journalism will appear in April, and so this volume, The Story of O, is a frank account of his life to date, putting the spotlight on his personal relationships. And it turned out to be the story of his big break-up. Sitting to one side of the room are his three younger sisters, Naomi, Kate and Jennifer, looking somewhat self-conscious in the knowledge that their names pop up in many chapters of the book. His father Olaf (senior) is also here. Olaf's mother was unable to attend and sent flowers, but the ex-girlfriend with whom Irish readers will become very familiar is noticeably absent.
"I didn't dare invite her here, although I think she comes out of the book looking very well," he says. On hand to lend support are Hot Press editor, Niall Stokes and Professor of Law at Trinity College Ivana Bacik. RTE fashion show presenter Liz Bonnin is here with boyfriend John Ryan. Steve Wall of The Walls is here along with Steve Berube of Enter magazine. 98 FM's Tom Fabozzi, an old friend of Olaf's from days of debauchery together is here, as well as promoter and DJ Donal Scannell and fashion consultant Georgina Heffernan.