![]() Fisherman’s Blues" is the hilarious new novel from Mick Donnellan.Dark and audacious, written in a distinct West of Ireland vernacular, it covers a myriad of genres from Crime Noir to comedy and an odd bit of religion. Fresh in its language, vivid in its descriptions, the book sings with the signature style of all Donnellan’s previous work, and a bit more. Delving into the lives of drinkers, lovers, thieves and scam artists, the story weaves a web of intrigue and curiosity that ends with an unforgettable bang. Not without its poignant moments, the plot hinges on the chaotic consequences of three unlikely comrade’s attempts to save their lost relationships, while unintentionally ruining the plans of a rising criminal’s efforts to take over the city. The question is: Can they succeed? And If they don’t, what then? And where have the women really gone? Please tell us a little bit about your most recent work. My most recent work was a movie call Tiger Raid. It was adapted from a Play I wrote called "Radio Luxembourg.” Had it’s world premiere at Tribeca Film Festival. Before that, it was my second novel - Fisherman’s Blues. What draws you to writing novels? I love the time and space to explore my stories fully. And always enjoy the unlimited scope to do whatever I creatively want. Are you currently working on any side projects such as short stories, essays, etc.? Working on a new film adaptation of one of my Plays with an exciting film company in Galway, Ireland. Which topics interest you the most and why? Crime, thriller, suspense. Addiction and underworld. Love the raw honesty, the dialogue and the darkness. Do you have any unique rituals? I never write on a Laptop with Internet access. Always save and transfer the material afterwards. I feel the work goes through an extra Alchemy during the switch before it’s sent somewhere to be considered, published. ![]() "El Niño" is the exciting debut novel from Mayo man, Mick Donnellan. Slick, stylish and always entertaining, the story is a rollercoaster of drama and tension that hasn’t been seen in Irish fiction for a very long time. Charlie is our protagonist, the pick pocket that steals El Nino’s wallet and then falls in love with her. She’s the wild femme fatale, beautiful; enigmatic and seductive. Her father named her El Niño because the night she was born there was a storm, and he said it signified the way she was to live her life. And right he was. She rocks Charlie’s world with her smoky wiles and drinking ways and her tough chick ideals. This is Noir at its best. Dark and edgy with crisp fresh dialogue and a plot that engages the reader from the first line and keeps him up all night - right through to it’s powerful finish. One novelist more people should know: Who is it? Dostoyevsky. Do you find it difficult to get your work out there? Yes, if you wait for it to happen. I believe you should always be prepared to self promote. Tell us about your day job or your daily activities. Sales Manager. Oversee a team of reps and ensure they meet their targets. When it comes to your work, where do you find your inspiration? In everyday life. Usually a throwaway comment, or sentence. Or random story. What would you like to tell your readers? Keep writing. It’ll save your life some day. ![]() Mick Donnellan completed the MA in Writing at National University of Ireland Galway, Ireland, in 2004. Since then he has worked as a novelist, journalist, travel writer, teacher and Playwright. He completed his first novel, El Niño, in 2005 and immediately secured a literary agent. He left Ireland soon after and went on to live in Spain, Australia and Canada. While traveling he worked as a travel writer and Journalist and co-founded the Arts Paper – Urban Pie – in Vancouver. Upon returning to Ireland he went on to work with Druid (2009) and RTE (2010). Most recently, he established his own theatre company, Truman Town Theatre.All Truman Town Plays are written,directed, and produced by Mick. The company exploded on to the theatrical circuit in 2011 with their hit Play – Sunday Morning Coming Down. Following a national tour, they went on to produce (and tour) two more hugely successful Plays Shortcut to Hallelujah and Gun Metal Grey. These dramas eventually became known as the “Ballinrobe Trilogy.” More recently, the company toured a fourth Play Velvet Revolution and in 2014, Radio Luxembourg, his fifth Play, was bought by a London Film Company (Dixon/Baxi/Evans) and has been adapted for the screen. The title for the movie version is "Tiger Raid". Starring Brian Gleeson, Damian Molony and Sofia Boutella, it was accepted into the Tribeca film festival (2016) and was also seen at Cannes and Edinburgh and the Irish Premiere was screened at the Galway Film Fleadh (2016). El Niño was finally published in 2012 and Mick is currently in negotiations to sell the screen rights. Between that, he teaches writing while promoting his second novel “Fisherman’s Blues.” and keeping Truman Town on the go. Most of 2017 has been working on the exciting screen adaptation of "Shortcut to Hallelujah” with Florence Films. Hot off the press, the screenplay is titled “Sam” and is based around the gypsy curse supposedly set on the Mayo Football team as they returned home as All Ireland Champions in 1951. “Sam” is set in the present day and the team haven’t won the Sam Maguire cup since. Drenched in Irish lyricism and modern day dark humour, the script has been been met with keen interest by film producers and actors throughout the industry. BOOKS - Buy Mick Donnellan's novels - El Niño and Fisherman's Blues. https://mickdonnellan.wordpress.com/mick-donnellans-novels-now-available-on-amazon-kindle/
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