Eamon O'Leary talks to me about his latest book

 

So, we’ve published you quite a lot on CafeLit and your stories have been well received. Tell us a little about how you became involved in CafeLit.

I've no particular genre, but in all my short stories, even the "dark" ones, I do try to have an element of humour. As most of my pieces are circa 1k, they found favour with the people at Cafelit. It's lovely to get the confirmation email, but what pleases me most is the annual anthology.

We were able to ‘fast track’ this book and the editorial process was very light as you’d worked extensively already with an editor. Can you tell us a little about that process?

The seed for most of my stories is usually sown when I'm out walking. After germination, the gestation period can be anything from a few days to weeks before I've everything gathered in my head, ready to commit it to paper. That's when the torture starts. I can't type. It takes an age, tapping away with two fingers to get in on the laptop.

 

When finished, I close the file and start on the next story and don't look at it for a minimum of three months. That was the best advice I was given when I started writing. It's amazing the changes to be made when you revisit.

 

The edited story went off to my editor. He praised, suggested, criticised, and cajoled me as we went to an' fro until both were satisfied. It takes time!

It’s probably as well that you came to Bridge House as some other publishers might complain that they don’t know where to market the book.  So, you tell us,: what is it? Memoir? Autobiography?  Nostalgia? a collection of  funny stories? 

I think I'd like to describe my book as a "tonic". When you're down or just looking for something to make you laugh out loud, I think you'll get it from I'm a Big Boy Now.

 

Yes, it's a collection of personal childhood memories, mostly humorous, but I also think it gives the reader an insight into the socio-economic conditions of the early 60s.

 

It's a read for all ages and it should especially appeal to anyone with, or claiming to have, a drop of Irish blood in their veins.

What has it been like writing about other people?  

As it's mostly about family, it was relatively easy.

 

Which fiction-writing techniques have you used to engage your reader?

 

I don't use any writing techniques in my writing. If it feels right, I run with it. I'd like to think my writing has a natural simple feeling to it.

 Do you have any events planned around this book?

 I'm indebted to the people in Cork City Library who are hosting the main launch on 24th October. My local library has asked me to do one there as well. Several press interviews are in the pipeline and my regular slot on RTE Radio guarantees exposure.

 

I'm reading a few of my Radio pieces at the Kinsale Writing Festival and will have flyers and books with me.

What's your next project?

Next project is to plan a holiday. 😀😀

 

Find your copy of Eamon's book here.