By Paul Bradley
Malcolm McDowell Woods on his latest novel, ‘What the Tide Leaves Behind’ which is partly based on the lives of James O’Donnell and his dog Iggy, and why kindness is so important in these turbulent times.
Hi Malcolm, thanks for doing this interview. Could you tell us a little bit about yourself please?
I was born in Scotland to parents originally from the northwest of Ireland and lived in Derry as a child. We moved a lot during my childhood, and I have lived in the US my whole adult life, but I’ve always considered Derry as my home. I’m overjoyed that my wee novel is shining a light on this corner of the world. I’m sure my parents would be proud.
What is your connection to Donegal? Do you get to visit often?
I return regularly to see family in Derry. While both my parents have passed, my sister still lives here with her husband, as do numerous friends and extended family. I have fond memories of Donegal from my childhood and enjoy rambling around the county on my visits home. It’s among the most beautiful places on Earth.
How or when did you first decide you wanted to be an author?
I can’t remember a time I wasn’t interested in writing. Professionally, I’ve worked as a journalist, magazine editor, marketing writer and university lecturer. I’ve written numerous short stories, even winning an arts fellowship for fiction writing. What the Tide Leaves Behind is my first novel.
Your novel, What The Tide Leaves Behind, is set in Donegal, and partly based on the lives of James O’Donnell and his dog Iggy. What was it about the place or the characters that made you think there was a novel in it?
There were several themes I wanted to explore in my fiction writing – the healing powers of community, friendship and landscape, as well as the unique bonds we humans can form with a dog. I also wanted to shine a spotlight on Donegal, which often seemed overlooked by visitors to Ireland. When I discovered James and Iggy years ago, their story and bond helped inspire the main characters in my novel. James has since become a dear friend. His energy and work promoting Donegal is inspiring. Though the book is set in the fictional village of Dunnybegs, I try to paint vivid descriptions of the Donegal coast and countryside. I’ve been excited to hear from so many readers who are planning visits to Donegal after reading the book. I’m happy to serve as an unofficial tourism ambassador to the area, much like James, Frida, and the late, beloved Iggy.
Were you tempted to take the characters but base the story in Wisconsin? Do you think readers respond differently (in other words, is Donegal as exotic-looking to people in America as America is to Donegal people)?
No. Reviewers have said the landscape in my book is one of the main characters. That’s definitely on purpose. Donegal has a harsh beauty to it, as well as an incredible history, which never seems far away. Outsider Thomas McKay, the book’s protagonist, has a number of challenges to overcome, not the least of which is finding his way around this endlessly scenic landscape.
The book cover of ‘What The Tide Leaves Behind’.
Did I hear you’re currently working on a sequel?
I am. First up is a collection of short stories, Falling Apart and Other Stories, to be published this year. I’m well into writing the sequel to What the Tide Leaves Behind now, tentatively titled the Nightingale of Dunnybegs.
You also work as a journalist. As a journalist, how do things in America feel to you right now? Do you see any changes watersheds coming?
Things feel very dark in the States right now. That was certainly one of my main motivations in writing a story about the power of kindness and friendship. As an eternal optimist, I think the inherent goodness of people will prevail, but we will have to work very hard to make that happen. A reminder that freedom and happiness isn’t guaranteed – we need to fight for it.
Is writing fiction a kind of break for you, a move away from focusing on the depressing day-to-day of the modern world?
Definitely. Creating a fictional world in which people raise one another up and embrace outsiders like Thomas was truly good for my soul. It’s been rewarding to hear from so many readers that the book served as a heart-warming antidote for them as well.
Is your daily routine when writing a novel much different from a day as a journalist?
It’s slower. It’s nice to be able to allow myself processing time. One benefit was it seemed to allow for the emergence of other characters in the story, who suddenly rose to the surface after buzzing about in my subconscious for some time. It always surprised me when a new character would wander into a scene as I was writing it!
When might we see your new book – or do you have any other plans for the future?
The Nightingale of Dunnybegs should be out by year’s end. Most of my other plans revolve around promoting What the Tide Leaves Behind. I do a lot of presentations to libraries, book clubs and Irish American organizations, accompanied by a slide show of more than 130 photographs I’ve taken in Donegal. I’m hoping to return home again this year and am discussing a possible readers’ tour of Donegal. Folks can find updates on my website: https:malcolmmcdw58.wixsite.comwriting
Is there anything else you’d like to add or remind people of?
What the Tide Leaves Behind is available for order in either paperback and ebook editions wherever books are sold. I hope I’ve done Donegal justice, it really is my favourite place in the world!
