Hi Everyone!!
Today Anthony Donnelly is joining us! Can you tell
us about yourself and how many books you have written, Anthony? :-)
Anthony: That’s a fatal
question to ask a writer, as I could write an entire book on the first part
alone! I’m British by birth, so the humor comes with the territory, I’m afraid,
but have lived almost my entire adult life abroad. I have been writing since I
was in my early teens, and have been a published author for the past 15 years.
I currently have seven published titles, but have written many, many more than
that.
Me: Ha! I
love British humor. One of the funniest
actors ever, imo, was Sir Alec Guinness. Yeah, I know, who'da thunk it. Good o'l Obi-Wan Kenobi himself. ;-) Will you tell us about your latest book and what
inspired it?
Anthony: 49q? The Enigma Continues is the title of my
latest publication, which I’m excited to say is doing much better than I
imagined it would. It was inspired out of sheer desperation. I’d spent almost
10 years pitching agents and publishers to no avail with my other works. In a
last-ditch attempt (taking inspiration from Joyce) I set out to write the most
elaborate, fantastical, crazy, and intricate work of fiction possible: 3
full-length novels, one movie, and a CD rock album, all adding to each other to
make something bigger than the sum of it’s parts. It was a huge undertaking,
and took over seven years to complete. I’ve released book two to commemorate 10
years since I finished the project.
Me:
Congratulations on your success!!! :-) What are you working on
now?
Anthony: I have two writing
projects in progress right now: one is a semi-autobiographical,
humorous novel about my experiences in Costa Rica last year called Balls-deep
In Paradise, and the other is a self-help companion guide to go with my
inspirational parable The Shepherd I published late last year.
Me: Sounds
like you're busy! Are there any authors,
or books, who have influenced you?
Anthony: That’s a really hard question to answer. I’m not much of
a follower, so I never had a favorite author growing up nor got into reading
entire series of books and stories. I read what I liked, and stopped reading
books that didn’t interest me. Since I have traveled a lot, I’d say I’m more
influenced by the places I go to and the people I meet and interact with. I’m
sure I’ve been influenced by what I’ve read, but I couldn’t really pin it down
to a specific author.
Me: How
wonderful! Most of us do our traveling between the covers of books, you've done
the really thing! :-) What are you reading now?
Anthony: I’m reading a non-fiction book right now “Living
Abroad In Costa Rica” by Erin van Rheenen since I’m doing research into my
autobiographical novel set there. As I’ve become older, I tend to read much
more non-fiction than fiction.
Me: Getting
another perspective, huh? We should all be so smart! :-) For those who might
consider reading your book, what would you tell them to expect?
Anthony: 49q? is definitely NOT your average book. As I tell the potential
reader, ‘You’ll either love it or hate it!’ It is very unconventional both
from a stylistic and literary point of view. If you like books that make you
think about what you’re reading, then this is for you, but if you just
want pulp fiction, this definitely isn't for you. If you want a safe bet,
or something more uplifting and inspirational, read The Shepherd.
Me: Cool!
What would you say is your favorite part of being an author?
Anthony: I think most authors probably agree it’s the ability to
design our own imaginary worlds to play in that’s the best part. Writing gives
me the chance to live through my characters in my books, be a child again, and
play!
Me: That is fun!! :-) Do you have a day job as
well?
Anthony: Not really. I’ve worked for myself for the
past 20 years, and I love what I do, so I don’t consider it a ‘job’, it
also overlaps into my life and work as an author. I’ve been very fortunate that
I’ve managed to turn ‘being me’ into a way to make money to live on. I
think I’ve found the secret to a happy life!
Me: Lucky you!! What would you say are the hardest and easiest parts about being
a writer?
Anthony: Hands down the hardest
part is discipline. I’m very easily distracted, but also the easiest part about
being a writer is when I am totally absorbed in my work. When I’m ‘in
the zone’ I can lose hours. It’s sometimes like being in a very vivid
dream, it’s quite sad to come out of it sometimes.
Me: Speaking
as an official member of the ADD Anonymous organization, I understand. ;-) What
genre do you place your book in?
Anthony: The Shepherd is
easy to place: inspirational self-help. 49q? is somewhat harder, as
it crosses many genres, but if I had to pick something it would be something
like metaphysical-sci fi-mystery-fantasy-erotica.
Me: Sounds like an interesting read! :-) Anything else you'd like to tell your
readers?
Anthony: Writing can be a
lonely endeavor, and I’d like to thank all the readers and fellow writers that
drop me little notes of encouragement, or review my books. Reviews to an author
are like applause to an actor.
Me: Amen!
:-) And so our lovely guests can find your
amazing books, are there any links you'd like me to post?
Anthony: Here are the links to
my two books:
The Shepherd http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00PNE9GKI
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