Exclusive Interview with
Eoin McDonald
When did you start writing?
I wrote my first book when I was 11 years old. It was a Story about a Circus. The teacher wasn't impressed. He was concerned about my gramma. I was concerned about the story. It kept me occupied for most of the year during English lessons.
What makes writing your passion?
I love to write. I have always told stories since I was about 8 or 9. I used to keep my older brother awake at night getting him to take part in my serial tale.
How long have you been writing?
I have been writing in various ways for most of my life, Seriously started writing novels about 15 years ago.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
I was expectant. My first book was submitted to an independent accessor. He thought it had commercial possibilities. The book is called 'The Chosen Drone' and it is the first in a series of three books. The Chosen Drone is a free book.
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I have traveled extensively and met and stayed with many people. My characters come from a mash of personalities that I have come in contact with and got to know over a period of time.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
It is annoying if I get interrupted mid-thought. I have got around this by writing down my ideas and revisiting them.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I just write whatever comes into my head. I can always go back later and edit or eliminate it. I refused to acknowledge writer's block. There are thoughts going on all the time. I just write them down. If they are not relevant to the current work in progress, I will use them in some other story or just to stimulate my thought process. i.e. like, brainstorming
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
My advice would be to just write what you want to write. You can get hung-up on systems, quotas, formulas, and dogmatic plans. This can all lead to what is called writer's block. My writing has a loose plan and most writing is done as a panster.
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
My serious writing has coincided with the advent of new technology that helps me take care of multiple interests. One of which is marketing books these days.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I read them, mainly for feedback and ideas. Even if the review is off the wall it can give you a perspective on a certain character. People are interesting and I like to analyze
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
That is good, but I often look for what wasn't written. Everyone has a different point of view.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
I often write my experiences into a character's life and journey. You can learn much about me from reading my books
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
Probably many characters contain a bit of my personality. The character in 'Aroha's Cowboy', Peter has some of my character traits and personality.
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Not quite as important as the story, nevertheless it is important to attract the interest of a potential reader.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I have a monthly newsletter that I send to book readers who have signed-up on my site. I have also I Facebook page where I promote other authors' books as well as my own, and a group page where I encourage budding writers and fellow writers.
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I appreciate their interest in my work and the comments they make. I am sometimes amused at being recognized in public as I try to keep a low profile.
Who is your favorite author? Why?
I like the freestyle of Mark Twain. His unpretentious, folksy characters and adventurous mind.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I just love to tell stories
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
I usually go over my books 7 times and rewrite anything that I think doesn't fit. I need to qualify that, I will let a book sit for a while then go back to it and read it as if it was a new book to me and I was reading it for the first time, and critique it as I go.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
No desire to do that.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
I take little notice of them. I am used to being critiqued and take away what is useful. After all, I am an Actor. If the person is obnoxious that is their problem and they have to live with it. I am on social media every day answering people's inquires and it never ceases to interest me how different people think.
What would you say to your readers?
I enjoy telling unique stories based on my experiences and imagination. I invite you into my world of characters and I trust you enjoy their journey
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live in Auckland New Zealand where the climate is moderate. I am married and I have 6 children who are a blessing to me.
What is your day job if you have one?
I am a character actor, this is a lot of fun for me. Writing, on the other hand, lets me play many different characters
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I love to cook, ride horses, travel, and photograph landscapes.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Reasonably so. After the death of my sister, who was born on the same day as me, my birthday was never celebrated until I was married. My mother became ill when I was 10 years old and it became my responsibility to take care of my younger sisters and cook the meals for my father, who was a farmer, and my siblings.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
After my second marriage, I felt at peace and then began to write seriously. My second wife was a settled person, independent, and great comfort and support to me.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
The third book in 'The Chosen Drone' series is unpublished. It is an adventure/Fantasy/ Historical book. It is called 'End of a New Beginning'. I also have a WIP which is the second book in the 'Nothing New Under the Sun', series. The first book 'The Final Position' will be released as an audiobook on the 28th of October 2021
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
Children need to be grounded in the basics of reading, writing, and maths. Too much time is spent on the government-acquired curriculum of social engineering. Children need to be able to find their own interests and strengths and be encouraged in them. I strongly aided my children to be individuals, independent, and to think for themselves.
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
To be content with what I have.
To have a peaceful life.
To live in a warm climate.
Wow! I think I have been granted them
What is your favorite music?
Rhythm and Blues, Country, and Rock and Roll
Share a secret with us 🙂
I once was a Cowboy and rode in Rodeos