BREAK TIME!
Step AWAY from the work screens. Get your favorite beverage, sit back, and enjoy getting to know a new-to-you author!
For today's work break, I have Rohan O'Duill. Rohan O’Duill is an Irish author descended from the storytellers of both the ancient Celts and the Vikings. He has no proof of this assertion, but it sounds cool.
Rohan writes mostly science fiction, and many of his stories take place in the Cold Rush verse where corporations fight over resources deep into the Cold beyond Neptune station. He is part of Lower Decks Press https://www.lowerdeckspress.com/ and involved in the Neat Beats community https://nightbeatseu.ca/.
He lives with his wife, two sons, two dogs and two koi just south of Dublin city in the beautiful garden county. He works as a head chef and enjoys the sport of archery. On his days off, he likes to roam the Irish hinterland, searching out adventures with his sons.
You can find Rohan mostly on Threads these days https://www.threads.net/@author_chef_rohanoduill and you can check out Cold Rising here https://mybook.to/coldrising and all my other links are here https://linktr.ee/rohanoduill
Star Trek or Star Wars?
Star Trek is the logical answer. I grew up watching Star Trek TNG. I still remember it was on the TV on Thursday evenings at seven, the entire week counted down to that moment.
Firefly – gone too soon or overrated?
I am a big fan, but I think maybe it is perfect the way it is. One glorious season. Many of my favorite shows have been tarnished by going on for too many seasons.
Coffee, tea, or cacao?
Yes please
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I wanted to be a writer after reading my first book, probably at around the age of seven. I think the book was the Five Find Outers by Enid Blyton. But in school I was told that I was no good at writing so I soon gave up on that idea. I was forty when I found out I was dyslexic and decided to give it another go.
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I have a keen interest in history, current affairs and politics and I would say I draw inspiration from these sources along with other books. Most of my characters are loosely based off an aspect of myself or people I know in real life.
What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
I have an 18mo who doesn’t like sleep, so my schedule looks like any time I can grab 20 minutes to write I do.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Being Dyslexic I think I approach things a little differently. My writing style is short and snappy as a result, which I think works well with high action sci-fi.
When did you write your first book and how old were you?
I wrote my first book in 2020 at the age of 40, which became the first book I published in September 2023.
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I work as a head chef and like to do archery in my spare time. Many years ago I was ranked in the top 30 in the world in Barebow Archery. Nowadays I mostly coach my eldest son.
What does your family think of your writing?
My wife is my alpha reader and biggest supporter. I would never be able to do any of this without her.
What are common traps for aspiring writers?
Spending too much time doing things that aren’t writing. Get that story down on paper. You can’t rewrite or edit something that doesn’t exist.
Does a big ego help or hurt writers?
A big ego definitely hurts. Being a writer takes a community. It involves input from many people and you have to be humble in analysing and using that input.
What is your writing Kryptonite?
Definitely a lack of sleep.
Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
No, I couldn’t keep track of having more than one name. I am far too simple for that.
What other authors are you friends with, and how do they help you become a better writer?
I have a lots of close author friends, Zilla Novikov, Rachel A Rosen and Dale Stromberg are my go to writing buddies. I would never be where I am without them.
Do you want each book to stand on its own, or are you building a body of work with connections between each book?
I am trying my hardest to do both. It’s not easy, but my plan is to have standalone novellas in a connected universe.
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
Two things spring to mind, a good cover artist and an editor.
What’s the best way to market your books?
I wish I knew lol. I am a strange creature in author circles in that I actually enjoy social media. I have made lots of friends through places like Twitter and more recently, Threads. Being active and accessible to readers is a huge benefit. Reviews are essential for any book and readers who are engaged with the author are much more likely to leave reviews.
What do you have coming next?
In September 2024 I will release the second of the Cold Rush novellas ‘Cold Blooded’ with Lower Decks Press. Cold blooded follows gnarly veteran mech marine Mint who is put back into service to control a young commander with connections. But after coming up against her oldest friend her world is turned upside down.
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