Interview with
Eoin McDonald
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I was 12 years old when I tried to write my first novel. It was about a Circus
How long does it take you to write a book?
Sometimes years but I can write a book in 18 months from beginning to editing and marketing
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
I enjoyed the play with different characters and slipping into their personas
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Jack Yin
You can think of it as an appreciation of my enjoyment of reading Aroha's Cowboy. The book is well written and cleverly designed for the plot, I am very pleased with the description of the details of the US background. They are very familiar to me because I studied and lived in Michigan for a few years.
Does writing energize or exhaust you?
I find writing to be relaxing and at times challenging, especially if I write myself into a corner and have to research or figure a way to make the story feasible.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Don't really have one. As long as I have the time to sit down and write, I write
Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?
My aim is to be original. I know there are systems and best plots, however, I get enjoyment out of creating unique situations and circumstances
What authors did you dislike at first but grew into?
At what point do you think someone should call themselves a writer?
When they sit down and seriously write something from their heart that they can share with others
What do the words “writer’s block” mean to you?
To me, writer's block is not relevant. If I need to take a rest I do and come back when I am ready.
Are there therapeutic benefits to modeling a character after someone you know?
Often this gives me an opportunity to view a personality from a different perspective
What comes first for you — the plot or the characters — and why?
All my books are initially inspired by a situation, so the plot is usually in play from the beginning.
How would you describe your book’s ideal reader?
A person who loves adventure, figuring out relationships, and resolving issues. A reader who likes to think for themselves and enjoys a great story.
How much research did you need to do for your book?
Aroha's Cowboy required much research into the ethnic backgrounds of the characters, even though I did have some first-hand knowledge. I like to check all relevant details of countries, places, and peoples, scientific facts, and lifestyles for all books I write
Tell us more about your book/s?
I am an adventurer. I have always been an adventurer for as long as I can remember. Always going around the corner to see what is there. Life has taught me to be cautious about leaping over the fence to see if the grass is better. So I have learned many precautionary tricks, like checking out the surroundings before going head first into any situation.
Anything can be an adventure. Looking into a nearby forest or taking a trip into a Country you have never experienced before. I have been fortunate to have gone to many places and lived there for a short time and been able to search out the makings of their society while taking in the sights, sounds, food, and culture. It has been fun and given rise to my love of writing.
Since I was a child I have loved to write stories. My imagination is like that. The teacher may not of appreciated this, he only commented on my grammar but I took great pleasure in telling my tales. Sort of an innermost satisfaction.