This month we got to chat to debut Irish children’s author, Kevin Moran.
TPP: What inspired you to create The Doomsday Club?
KM: I love mysteries, adventure and horror, so I wanted to create something like Stranger Things – with an Irish twist and relatable characters you’d see in any Irish primary school.
TPP: The book explores male friendships – was it a conscious choice to explore this dynamic?
KM: Definitely. I’m a primary school teacher and was teaching 6th class in an all-boys school when I wrote this book, so that was a huge inspiration. I think it’s important to have books that explore how boys treat each other as they get older – both the good and the bad.
TPP: Which character did you find the most difficult to write?
KM: Rucht – especially since the other characters can’t understand him!
TPP: How long have you been writing?
KM: For as long as I can remember! I wrote books and stories as a kid, and even read out a scary story I’d written on the radio when I was in 6th class.
TPP: Why did you want to become a writer?
KM: I love telling stories, and as a writer you’re (pretty much) in full control. The only limit is your imagination.
TPP: Can you remember the first book you ever read and loved?
KM: I was obsessed with the Goosebumps series by R.L. Stine. I think I had about forty of them at one stage.
TPP: Who are your favourite authors?
KM: For kids, it would be Eve McDonnell, Pádraig Kenny and Shane Hegarty. For adults, Dónal Ryan, Kevin Barry and Sally Rooney. We’re lucky to have so many incredible writers in Ireland.
TPP: What would you be if you weren’t an author?
KM: I’m still teaching full-time so that takes up most of my time. But I’d love to have more time to write and meet all the brilliant readers out there.
TPP: What is your favourite book of all time?
KM: His Dark Materials series by Philip Pullman. It’s the perfect adventure with an incredible amount of imagination. I only wish I could write something as good.
TPP: Aside from reading and writing, do you have any hobbies?
KM: I love to travel and spend time with my dog, a two-year-old Golden Retriever called Bridge.
TPP: What is your favourite part about being an author?
KM: I love dreaming up new stories and planning it all out. And of course, you can’t beat the excitement when a story starts to fall into place.
TPP: What is your number one tip for aspiring writers?
KM: Don’t worry about your writing being good – just enjoy yourself! The skills will come.
