Ask the Author: Paul Madden
Answered Questions (10)
Paul Madden
Probably my time in China after college. It was such a different world for me then — full of chance encounters, strange coincidences, and a sense that anything could happen.
Paul Madden
This summer I read Verity by Colleen Hoover, Island Song by Pepsi Demacque-Crockett, and Four Shots in the Night: A True Story of Spies, Murder, and Justice in Northern Ireland by Henry Hemming.
Right now, I’m reading Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy.
Right now, I’m reading Him by Sarina Bowen and Elle Kennedy.
Paul Madden
I’d go to Hobbiton (from The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings). There’s something comforting about the pace of life there — simple food, long walks, and time to sit with friends by the fire.
I’d probably spend my days in the Green Dragon Inn, listening to stories, and my evenings wandering the hills, enjoying the quiet. It feels like the kind of place where you could breathe deeply and just be.
I’d probably spend my days in the Green Dragon Inn, listening to stories, and my evenings wandering the hills, enjoying the quiet. It feels like the kind of place where you could breathe deeply and just be.
Paul Madden
I woke to the sound of my mother calling my name from the kitchen.
Then I remembered — she died last year, and I live alone.
Then I remembered — she died last year, and I live alone.
Paul Madden
I deal with writer’s block by writing through it. Even if it feels flat, I keep going.
Then I reread, edit, and keep editing until the words start to flow again.
(and long walks...to think)
Then I reread, edit, and keep editing until the words start to flow again.
(and long walks...to think)
Paul Madden
The best part is starting with a simple idea and then creating characters. I get excited about who they are and what might happen to them — it’s a lovely process.
The other thing, which I still find hard to take in, are the kind emails, texts and reviews. I don’t find compliments easy, but when something I’ve written resonates with someone and they reach out, that feels very special.
The other thing, which I still find hard to take in, are the kind emails, texts and reviews. I don’t find compliments easy, but when something I’ve written resonates with someone and they reach out, that feels very special.
Paul Madden
Just start. Don’t wait for the perfect idea or the right time.
Then reread, edit, and keep editing. That’s where the real writing happens.
Then reread, edit, and keep editing. That’s where the real writing happens.
Paul Madden
I’ve also started a new project — only two chapters in so far. It’s set in a fictitious Irish town, though I haven’t settled on a title yet.
Paul Madden
I’m inspired by the idea that stories can help people. Writing lets me explore themes like love, loss and identity in a way that might resonate with someone else.
I also love the process itself. I’ll start with a simple idea, and as I write, characters and plots begin to take shape almost on their own. That sense of discovery keeps me going.
I also love the process itself. I’ll start with a simple idea, and as I write, characters and plots begin to take shape almost on their own. That sense of discovery keeps me going.
Paul Madden
I had several motivations for writing The G Club.
I wanted a new creative challenge — I had never written a novel before.
website
+1
I also felt compelled to contribute to conversations around mental health, especially for men.
website
As a psychotherapist working in sexual health, I’ve sat with people struggling with loss, addiction, depression, anxiety.
website
Those experiences shaped the emotional core of the story — though I made sure the plot itself did not come from any one person’s life.
website
I picked chemsex as one element not because I wanted to sensationalise it, but because, for some people, it becomes a way to escape pain.
website
But the driving force of the novel is grief, loss, identity and recovery — themes that I believe resonate with all kinds of readers.
I wanted a new creative challenge — I had never written a novel before.
website
+1
I also felt compelled to contribute to conversations around mental health, especially for men.
website
As a psychotherapist working in sexual health, I’ve sat with people struggling with loss, addiction, depression, anxiety.
website
Those experiences shaped the emotional core of the story — though I made sure the plot itself did not come from any one person’s life.
website
I picked chemsex as one element not because I wanted to sensationalise it, but because, for some people, it becomes a way to escape pain.
website
But the driving force of the novel is grief, loss, identity and recovery — themes that I believe resonate with all kinds of readers.
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