Interview With Author Robert Shandon

1. What inspired you to write this book?  About twenty years ago I completed a creative writing course. Sadly, I did not follow up on it, despite being advised to by my tutor. When Covid-19 hit, with its associated lockdowns here in Ireland, I finally got to grips with my writing and as a result I completed two full novels. The Emigrant's Return was finally published on March 1st 2024. 

2. What exactly is it about and who is it written for? The Emigrant´s Return is about a man returning to Ireland after being deported from the United States of America. The main character lived in Boston from an early age and has no recollection of life in Dublin. He arrives back onto the mean streets of Dublin at the age of fifty to find himself homeless, confused and at the mercy of fate. He is a man abandoned by society, but he is also a strong and determined man: a man eager to re-start his life and to forge onward with it. The Emigrant´s Return is written for those among us who face seemingly impossible odds in their lives. It is written for anyone who values justice and fair play. I feel that anyone, from the age of eighteen upwards, will appreciate and enjoy reading The Emigrant´s Return.  

3. What do you hope readers will get out of reading your book? I hope that anyone reading The Emigrant ́s Return will stop for a moment to consider the plight of those who find themselves in precarious situations; often, through no real fault of their own. I hope that my readers will enjoy accompanying the main character, Pat, through his trials and tribulations as he seeks justice and respite.  

4. How did you decide on your book’s title and cover design? The title, The Emigrant´s Return, was gleaned from a phrase used by the Irish Government when referring to its citizens returning to Ireland after having spent time abroad. The Department of Social Protection in Ireland uses the term "Returning Emigrant," on its Social Welfare forms. The cover of my book was chosen by my publisher´s marketing department. I am happy with it.  

5. What advice or words of wisdom do you have for fellow writers – other than run!? My strongest advice is, "don't give up!"  If I had a Dollar bill for every rejection I received from a literary agent or publisher, I would be a rich man. Most of all, believe in yourself and keep going forward. Even the greatest of writers faced rejection at some stage.  

6. What trends in the book world do you see -- and where do you think the book publishing industry is heading?  Trends tend to change quite often. A couple of years ago I was advised that young adult literature was in vogue. Recently, I was advised that crime fiction was back on top. However, I believe that no matter what, a good story will always prevail. I write what I consider to be realism; often gritty and even callous. I believe in presenting life in an unvarnished way: the way life actually is.  

7. Were there experiences in your personal life or career that came in handy when writing this book? I am almost sixty-one years of age and over the course of my career as an Engineer I have travelled widely. I lived in the UK, Germany (where I learned to speak German) and Canada. In 2003 I began my recovery from alcoholism and I am now almost twenty-one years sober. I know what it is like to live on the margins. I know what it is like to live with a Monkey on my shoulder. I try to relate to my book's main character, as he is also a man who is doing his best to stay on the straight and narrow path; no easy task after years of addiction.  

8. How would you describe your writing style? Which writers or books is your writing similar to? I am primarily a narrator. I like to relate my stories as if I was doing so around a campfire. Our primal ancestors began humanity´s storytelling traditions that way. However, I am presently writing a sequel to The Emigrant´s Return and I am adding much more dialogue this time around. I can't compare myself to any particular writer, but I especially enjoy the works of Conn Iggulden, Graham Hurley and Minnette Walters.   

9. What challenges did you overcome in the writing of this book? As I have said, Covid-19 lockdowns allowed me the time to write. Prior to that, I simply did not have the time; yet, my story was grappling to get out. Also, I often hit dead points, writer's block, so to speak; however, with a couple of days rest, I was able to return to my writing with gusto.  

10. If people can buy or read one book this week or month, why should it be yours? It's a cracking read, simple as that! For anyone who likes a story told in good faith and in good humor, it's a must-read.  

About The Author: Shandon is an Irish writer based in Dublin. Born in Belfast in 1963, he grew up amidst the chaos and carnage of Northern Ireland's troubles. In recent years, after pursuing a forty-year career as a mechanical engineer, he began to devote his time to creative writing. Robert has travelled extensively and has lived in the UK, Germany and Canada for extended periods of time. His travel experiences contribute heavily to his writing.

 

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Brian Feinblum should be followed on www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeinblum. This is copyrighted by BookMarketingBuzzBlog ©2024. Born and raised in Brooklyn, he now resides in Westchester with his wife, two kids, and Ferris, a black lab rescue dog, and El Chapo, a pug rescue dog. His writings are often featured in The Writer and IBPA’s The Independent.  This award-winning blog has generated over 3.9 million pageviews. With 4,900+ posts over the past dozen years, it was named one of the best book marketing blogs by BookBaby  http://blog.bookbaby.com/2013/09/the-best-book-marketing-blogs  and recognized by Feedspot in 2021 and 2018 as one of the top book marketing blogs. It was also named by www.WinningWriters.com as a "best resource.” For the past three decades, including 21 years as the head of marketing for the nation’s largest book publicity firm, and director of publicity positions at two independent presses, Brian has worked with many first-time, self-published, authors of all genres, right along with best-selling authors and celebrities such as: Dr. Ruth, Mark Victor Hansen, Joseph Finder, Katherine Spurway, Neil Rackham, Harvey Mackay, Ken Blanchard, Stephen Covey, Warren Adler, Cindy Adams, Todd Duncan, Susan RoAne, John C. Maxwell, Jeff Foxworthy, Seth Godin, and Henry Winkler. He hosted a panel on book publicity for Book Expo America several years ago, and has spoken at ASJA, BookCAMP, Independent Book Publishers Association Sarah Lawrence College, Nonfiction Writers Association, Cape Cod Writers Association, Willamette (Portland) Writers Association, APEX, Morgan James Publishing, and Connecticut Authors and Publishers Association. His letters-to-the-editor have been published in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, New York Post, NY Daily News, Newsday, The Journal News (Westchester) and The Washington Post. His first published book was The Florida Homeowner, Condo, & Co-Op Association Handbook.  It was featured in The Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald.