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Interview – Edward M. Donnelly, author of Out of the Light of Darkness

Edward Donnelly

Self-Publisher’s Showcase: Today we are joined by Edward Donnelly, author of Out of the Light of Darkness. Welcome to the Showcase, Edward. For any of our readers that haven’t come across your work previously, can you take a moment to tell us all a little about yourself?

Ed: Hello. I am a high school English teacher in Stamford, CT.  I earned a masters degree from Fordham University. I have had the opportunity to teach in New York City, North Carolina, and Connecticut.  I have been writing since college. I love to play with words to paint images that explore human nature.

 

SPS:  What are your perfect writing conditions, and how often do you write?

ED: There is no perfect condition for me. I am inspired at random moments, usually when I least expect it.

SPS: Can you put your finger on the moment where you decided that you wanted to publish your work?

ED:  I was inspired after taking my first creative writing class at Fordham. My teacher ripped my work apart, but told me I had talent and to keep writing.

SPS: Why do you think it is that you have chosen to write in the shorter form, and do you see yourself ever writing a novel?

ED:  I like exploring different genres. Out of the Light of Darkness is a collection of short stories along with a novella. The novella is the longest piece I have written to date.  I am really excited how it turned out.  I am not sure if I will ever write a novel, but I will try when the ideas begin to flow.

Out-of-the-Light-New

SPS:  We’d like to focus on your short story collection first if we may. Can you tell us about Out of the Light of Darkness?

ED:  Out of the Light of Darkness is told from various view points. The characters range from 17 to 70 years of age.  Some of the characters are sane and some are quite insane, but each character is on his or her own journey to uncover their purpose in life.

SPS: What we the reasons behind the themes of ephemeral moments, unforgettable relationships, and death?

ED: I believe life is made up of ephemeral moments and the unforgettable moments in life come from those sometimes meaningless fleeting moments.

SPS: Can youtell us about Matty, the protagonists of the longest story in the collection?

ED:  Matty is a 17 year old who is intrigued by his father’s darkness. He is like most teens who are stuck between childhood and the mysteries of adulthood. His deepest insecurity is deeply rooted in his fear of love.

SPS: Where you ever tempted to release his novella length story separate to the collection?

ED:   The last story in Out of the Light of Darkness is actually a novella.

 SPS:  Are there any characters in the collection that you could ever see yourself revisiting?

ED:  I can see myself revisiting Matty’s character at an older age if he survives.

SPS:  Were any of the characters or situations based on your own experiences?

ED: All of the stories are based on observations and moments in my life that have moved and inspired me for the good or bad.

SPS:  Before we move on to talk about your poetry, can you tell us about how the cover to Out of the Light of Darkness came about?

ED:  I worked with an illustrator in Germany. I told her what I wanted and she came back with samples. We collaborated until we nailed it. She does fantastic work. I love the cover.

Eddys-Life-Poetry

SPS: Your debut release was a poetry collection, entitled Eddy’s Life Poetry. Is it a broad variety of poems or are there any prevalent themes

ED: Eddy’s Life Poetry is very personal to me. Each poem represents a certain time and person in my life. I think it reads like a narrative.  I really put myself out there.

SPS: Was it a different experience compiling a poetry collection compared to a short story one?

 ED: The creative writing process is similar. The editing part is the hardest and most frustrating aspect of writing.

SPS: Do you have a favourite poem that you can share with us?

 ED: The Irish Poet is from my newest book of poetry.

The Irish Poet

Sits by a candle,

When the spirits awake,

With a pint and pen.

Hands heavy,

Heart heavy,

Deep scars swirl,

Around his distant, green eyes.

Memories sparkle,

like stars in his mind.

He raises his pint and

And whispers, “Cheers,

To you and me,

To life and love.

And to all of those

Who were unkind to me –

“Póg mo thóin.”

 

SPS: What sort of comments have you received from readers?

ED:  People say my work is dark and raw. They have said my writing is lean and fluid.  At times they say my characters are insane.

SPS: What can we expect next from the pen/keyboard of Edward Donnelly?

ED: My third book, a collection of poetry will be published next week. I am very excited share this book with the world.

SPS: Before we bring this interview to a close, it’s your chance to name-drop. Anyone who you feel is deserving of more recognition at present or someone whose writing you have recently enjoyed? Now is your chance to spread the word…

ED:  Contact Ana Grigoriu if you need a cover. She is talented.  Her email is: ana@books-design.com

ED: Thank you for your time. Cheers.

SPS: For more information on Edward and his collections, please do visit his Showcase Author page here.

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