Ask the Author: Eileen O'Finlan
Answered Questions (10)
Eileen O'Finlan
eofinlan@gmail.com
Eileen O'Finlan
I love doing research so it's hard to pick a favorite, but I think I'd have to say it's learning something new. Because I write historical fiction, my research is usually history-based. I love it when I learn new things, especially those little gems that I know will help the story. And I'm always delighted when I come across something unexpected.
Right now, I'm researching for my next novel. The main character will be a young woman working on a graduate degree in folklore, which means I need to know at least a little of what she would know. So I'm studying anthropology and folklore - two fields that are brand new to me. It's very exciting!
Thanks for the great question, Jane!
Right now, I'm researching for my next novel. The main character will be a young woman working on a graduate degree in folklore, which means I need to know at least a little of what she would know. So I'm studying anthropology and folklore - two fields that are brand new to me. It's very exciting!
Thanks for the great question, Jane!
Eileen O'Finlan
Summer's just about over, but here's what I have lined up for the fall:
The Institute by Stephen King (should be a great October read!)
The Priority of Christ by Robert Barron
Horseshoes and Hand Grenades by S.M. Stevens
Those are the ones I'm sure of. Beyond that it will be whatever book I'm in the mood for at any given time. I have a feeling Dracul by J.D. Barker and Dacre Stoker will probably make another good October read.
The Institute by Stephen King (should be a great October read!)
The Priority of Christ by Robert Barron
Horseshoes and Hand Grenades by S.M. Stevens
Those are the ones I'm sure of. Beyond that it will be whatever book I'm in the mood for at any given time. I have a feeling Dracul by J.D. Barker and Dacre Stoker will probably make another good October read.
Eileen O'Finlan
I would go to the world of Little Women. That book captured my heart when I was young and never let go. What pure joy it would be to hang out with the March family.
Eileen O'Finlan
Read. Read a lot. Read mostly in the genre in which you write, but read outside of it, too. Read everything you can get your hands on.
Also, join a writing group, but make sure the vibe is positive, supportive and encouraging. Be open to constructive criticism, but don't let anyone tear you down.
Remember that many of the most successful writers were rejected multiple times before being accepted. That's part of the learning process. Embrace it. Learn from it.
Remember, too, that some novels that became bestsellers and/or are considered classics got terrible reviews when they first came out. Don't let the negative opinions of a few discourage you. They might be dead wrong.
Most importantly, write every day, even if it's only for a few minutes. If you really can't think of anything to write, write your grocery list. I'm not kidding. I once had a workshop facilitator who told us this. The point is to get your pen on the paper or fingers on the keyboard and get something written. Sometimes it will be horrible, sometimes, mediocre, sometimes really good, occasionally great. All of them are learning experiences. All of them bring you closer to becoming the best writer you can be.
Also, join a writing group, but make sure the vibe is positive, supportive and encouraging. Be open to constructive criticism, but don't let anyone tear you down.
Remember that many of the most successful writers were rejected multiple times before being accepted. That's part of the learning process. Embrace it. Learn from it.
Remember, too, that some novels that became bestsellers and/or are considered classics got terrible reviews when they first came out. Don't let the negative opinions of a few discourage you. They might be dead wrong.
Most importantly, write every day, even if it's only for a few minutes. If you really can't think of anything to write, write your grocery list. I'm not kidding. I once had a workshop facilitator who told us this. The point is to get your pen on the paper or fingers on the keyboard and get something written. Sometimes it will be horrible, sometimes, mediocre, sometimes really good, occasionally great. All of them are learning experiences. All of them bring you closer to becoming the best writer you can be.
Eileen O'Finlan
The inspiration for Kelegeen came a long time ago when I was working on my undergraduate degree in history. I was studying Irish history and my professor suggested that as a creative exercise I keep a diary as if I were a parish priest at the time of the Great Hunger (aka the Irish Potato Famine). I really enjoyed that excercise and realized it could easily be the bones of a novel. As I reworked it into a novel, it naturally grew and changed, but the foundation for it came from that exercise. That's why wrote in the book's dedication, "Special dedication in memory of my undergraduate professor of Irish history, the late Alwyn Fraser, without whom the idea for this novel would never have been conceived." I so wish he could have lived to see what he inspired.
Eileen O'Finlan
Inspiration comes from many places. Since I write historical fiction and I love the unusual and little known historical tidbits those tend to be the things that inspire me. That's why I call my writing "history with a twist." My stories often hinge on out of the ordinary historical events or unusual things that happened within a well-known event.
I also often have very vivid and intricate dreams so on occasion, my dreams will inspire a story.
I also often have very vivid and intricate dreams so on occasion, my dreams will inspire a story.
Eileen O'Finlan
Right now I'm in the research phase for the sequel to Kelegeen. Though I've always intended to write a sequel, I was planning on writing something else first but I've had so many requests for a sequel that I've decided to do that next.
Eileen O'Finlan
For me the best thing about being a writer is the thrill of having characters come alive on the page. I'm always amazed by the way my characters seem to have minds of their own. I will finish writing a scene and think, "Where did that come from? I had no idea that character was going to do that." Or the way a new character just shows up totally unplanned. It's almost as though I'm seeing the story played out in my head and I'm just taking dictation - writing down everything I see and hear. It's really cool!
Eileen O'Finlan
Years ago I was a member of the Worcester Writers Workshop. The facilitator always told us that if we couldn't think of anything to write, just put the pen on the paper and write whatever come into your mind even if it's your grocery list. Eventually, something will spring to mind. It sounds crazy, but it really does work. The best way to deal with writer's block is to just keep writing.
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