1. What inspired you to write this
book? About twenty years ago I completed a creative
writing course. Sadly, I did not follow up on it, despite being advised to by
my tutor. When Covid-19 hit, with its associated lockdowns here in Ireland, I
finally got to grips with my writing and as a result I completed two full
novels. The Emigrant’s Return was finally published on March 1st 2024.
2. What exactly is it about and who
is it written for? The Emigrant´s Return is about a man returning
to Ireland after being deported from the United States of America. The main
character lived in Boston from an early age and has no recollection of
life in Dublin. He arrives back onto the mean streets of Dublin at the age of
fifty to find himself homeless, confused and at the mercy of fate. He is a man
abandoned by society, but he is also a strong and determined man: a man
eager to re-start his life and to forge onward with it. The Emigrant´s Return
is written for those among us who face seemingly impossible odds in their
lives. It is written for anyone who values justice and fair play. I feel that
anyone, from the age of eighteen upwards, will appreciate and enjoy reading The
Emigrant´s Return.
3. What do you hope readers will get out of
reading your book? I hope that anyone reading The Emigrant ́s
Return will stop for a moment to consider the plight of those who find
themselves in precarious situations; often, through no real fault of their own.
I hope that my readers will enjoy accompanying the main character, Pat, through
his trials and tribulations as he seeks justice and respite.
4. How did you decide on your book’s title and
cover design? The title, The Emigrant´s Return, was gleaned
from a phrase used by the Irish Government when referring to its citizens
returning to Ireland after having spent time abroad. The Department of Social
Protection in Ireland uses the term “Returning Emigrant,” on its
Social Welfare forms. The cover of my book was chosen by my publisher´s
marketing department. I am happy with it.
5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have
for fellow writers – other than run!? My strongest advice is, “don’t give
up!” If I had a Dollar bill for every rejection I received from a
literary agent or publisher, I would be a rich man. Most of all, believe in
yourself and keep going forward. Even the greatest of writers faced rejection
at some stage.
6. What trends in the book world do you see —
and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading? Trends tend to change quite often. A couple of
years ago I was advised that young adult literature was in vogue. Recently, I
was advised that crime fiction was back on top. However, I believe that no
matter what, a good story will always prevail. I write what I consider to be
realism; often gritty and even callous. I believe in presenting life in an
unvarnished way: the way life actually is.
7. Were there experiences in your
personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? I am almost sixty-one years of age and over
the course of my career as an Engineer I have travelled widely. I lived in the
UK, Germany (where I learned to speak German) and Canada. In 2003 I began my
recovery from alcoholism and I am now almost twenty-one years sober. I know
what it is like to live on the margins. I know what it is like to live with a
Monkey on my shoulder. I try to relate to my book’s main character, as he is
also a man who is doing his best to stay on the straight and narrow path; no
easy task after years of addiction.
8. How would you describe your writing style?
Which writers or books is your writing similar to? I am primarily a narrator. I like to relate my
stories as if I was doing so around a campfire. Our primal ancestors began
humanity´s storytelling traditions that way. However, I am presently writing a
sequel to The Emigrant´s Return and I am adding much more
dialogue this time around. I can’t compare myself to any particular
writer, but I especially enjoy the works of Conn Iggulden, Graham Hurley and
Minnette Walters.
9. What challenges did you overcome in the
writing of this book? As I have said, Covid-19 lockdowns allowed me
the time to write. Prior to that, I simply did not have the time; yet, my story
was grappling to get out. Also, I often hit dead points, writer’s block, so to
speak; however, with a couple of days rest, I was able to return to my writing
with gusto.
10. If people can buy or read one book this
week or month, why should it be yours? It’s a cracking read, simple as that! For
anyone who likes a story told in good faith and in good humor, it’s a
must-read.
About The Author: Shandon is an Irish writer based in Dublin.
Born in Belfast in 1963, he grew up amidst the chaos and carnage of Northern
Ireland’s troubles. In recent years, after pursuing a forty-year career as
a mechanical engineer, he began to devote his time to creative writing.
Robert has travelled extensively and has lived in the UK, Germany and Canada
for extended periods of time. His travel experiences contribute heavily to
his writing.
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www.WinningWriters.com as a “best resource.” For the past three decades,
including 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book
publicity firm, and director of publicity positions at two independent presses,
Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres,
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RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He
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has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah
Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association,
Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and
Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have
been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY
Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington
Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, &
Co-Op Association Handbook. It was featured
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