Interview Q&A II with Eamon O’Leary
We offer another exclusive Q&A Interview with Eamon O’Leary, a writer whose multiple literary works have been featured on our Spillwords pages as well as being Author of the Month of March 2025, and previously of March 2020.
- You have participated in our ‘Spotlight on Writers’ series, and now officially have been voted as Author of the Month for the second time in five years. Is there anything else about Eamon, the man, that you would like to add from our last interview?
Well, that’s an easy one to answer. Holding a copy of I’m a Big Boy Now at the ripe old age of 72 was a dream come through and another item crossed off my Bucket List. I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s been life changing. And since we last spoke, I’ve taken to the stage. Quite challenging but great fun.
- Could you describe the mundane details of writing: How many hours a day do you devote to writing? Do you write a draft on paper or at a keyboard (typewriter or computer)?
You use the word mundane. For me, it’s much more, for I find writing a frustrating chore. Sowing the seed isn’t a problem and the gestation period can be as short as a few hours, other stories churn around in my head for weeks, even months, until I’m satisfied I’ve got it right. Therefore, I don’t sit at my computer every day. My drafts are in my head!
- What has had an influence on you or your writing since the last time we connected?
Being voted Author of the Month gave me a huge confidence boost. By nature, I’m a “jar half empty” person, but the award gave me the self-belief to push on and strive for further success.
- If you could have been the original author of any book, what would it have been and why?
If someone suggested I read a ghost story – I’d have laughed at them. However, when presented with The Dead House by the award winning Cork author, Billy O’Callaghan, I couldn’t put it down. A contemporary ghost story about friendship, healing, isolation and the chillingly, eerie, dark places of the past. I’d love to have talent like this writer.
- What, according to you, is the hardest thing about writing?
I can’t type! The torture begins when, satisfied with the story in my head, I have to start and tap, tap, tap with one finger to get it down on paper. I must confess this is a time for expletives although I’m constantly reminded by my wife “it’s not the computer’s fault.”
Finishing a book may be satisfying, but finding a credible publisher requires great patience and a huge amount of luck. I got lucky!
- What would you say is the easiest aspect of writing?
Is there one?
- Over the years, what would you say has improved significantly in your writing?
I was never a good reader, but nowadays I’m reading a lot more. An eclectic mix with no particular genre. I find I’m learning something new from almost every read. Attending writing workshops and being a member of a writing group where we constructively critique each other’s work has been invaluable. There is always room for improvement.
- Any advice you would like to give to your younger self?
I’m 72 now. A big regret is not starting this wonderful journey earlier in my life.
- Any advice you would like to give to aspiring writers?
Don’t be afraid of rejection. It’s a natural part of the writing process. Submit your work far and wide but always read the guidelines before sending off your work. Don’t think you’ll do it all on your own, so join writing groups, attend writing seminars. Most libraries have facilities for online courses if you fancy taking that route.
- Out of your literary works we’ve published, which is your favourite? And why?
Probably Tranquillity. The seed for this story was sown after I read The Dead House (see above). It took me months get it right but I think it’s my best work to date – and it’s one story I enjoy rereading.
- Is there anything you are currently working on that may intrigue the interest of your readers?
After the launch of my book, I found it difficult to get going again but thankfully this week I’ve recorded two vignettes for RTE Radio (Ireland’s National Broadcaster). A Word in Edgeways is an early morning slot where a panel of writers read their works on air. I’m getting a great buzz from it. This is an avenue aspiring writers should investigate. Every bit of publicity/exposure must be grabbed with both hands.
- Anything you would like to communicate with the Spillwords Press Community?
If they’d like a laugh and an insight into an Irish childhood in the 60s, I’d love if they would purchase a copy of I’m a Big Boy Now. It’s the readers passport to an Irish childhood in a less frantic, more adventurous age, reliving a time of skinned knees and home-made go-karts, clean dirt, Saturday night baths and the kind of sweets that’d nearly cost you your teeth, back when it always seemed to snow at Christmas, the summers were long and golden and friendships were forever.
- Interview Q&A II With Eamon O’Leary - April 17, 2025
- Chance a Change - March 4, 2025
- Conkers - November 30, 2024
