Edward M. Donnelly is an author and high school English teacher with two books published Eddy’s Life Poetry (published 6/6/2011) and Out of the Light of Darkness (published 03/28/2013). Both books have received excellent reviews and 5 stars from readers. Edward’s newest book Out of the Light of Darkness “is a compelling collection of short stories that deal with ephemeral moments, unforgettable relationships, and death”. You will also find a longer story (novella) about a teen looking for goodness in this father.
Edward kindly agreed to be interviewed and tells us a little more about himself and his work.
Relaxing with a Good Book (KJ): What inspired you to start writing?
Edward Donnelly: When I was a kid, I would create stories in my mind, but I didn't write them down until I was older. Once I wrote my first story, I couldn't stop. I fell in love with words.
Relaxing with a Good Book (KJ): What would you say is your specific writing style?
Edward Donnelly: I would describe my style as clean and rough around the edges, with just enough detail to leave a lingering image.
Relaxing with a Good Book (KJ): What books have most influenced your life most?
Edward Donnelly: I read the Catcher in the Rye as a kid and have read it 10 more times since. Holden has a distinct voice. My students either love or hate him. Another favorite of mine is Veronica Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho. It is about a girl who survives a suicide attempt and discovers that she has 5 days to live. Enlightening story.
Relaxing with a Good Book (KJ): Do you have any advice for other writers?
Edward Donnelly: My advice for writers is to grab a cup of coffee and start writing. Write about things that are relevant and meaningful to you. Put your heart out there. If it gets stomped on, pick it up and put it back in your chest. Keep writing.
Relaxing with a Good Book (KJ): Can you tell us a little about Out of the Light of Darkness?
Edward Donnelly: Out of the Light of Darkness is about finding a red rose in the darkness of the sea. It is about a kid who is trying to step out of his shadow to communicate with the people he loves, but he often lives in his own world. It is a story about life, friends, and the enormous power of love.
Relaxing with a Good Book (KJ): In the book Out of the Light of Darkness, are any of the short stories based on someone you know or experiences?
Edward Donnelly: Out of the Light of Darkness is loosely based on people who I have known or had brief encounters with. Smoke was inspired when my dad took me out for my first beer. I can remember every detail of that day.
Relaxing with a Good Book (KJ): I particularly liked “Smoke” I believe it brought out a sense of realty in life when you get older, what is really important not what someone thinks is important when they are young.
Relaxing with a Good Book (KJ): I know you wrote a small short story Drifting Leaves is your plan to possibly incorporate this into an erotica novel or novella?
Edward Donnelly: Drifting Leaves was my experiment with erotica. I really enjoyed writing it. I wanted to write about sex between two lovers in a sensual way. I tried to use all of the senses to draw readers into the moment. I want to continue experimenting; it is refreshing and different from what I normally write.
I would like to thank Edward for taking the time to be interviewed and answer all of my questions. :-)
Make sure to check out Edward Donnelly’s books and ‘LIKE’ his facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/eddyslifepoetry?fref=ts
