Interview with author, Micheál O’Flaherty a.k.a. Mike Deane.

I would like to welcome Micheál O’Flaherty a.k.a. Mike Deane, author of published westerns -
Drive to Redemption and Wagon Hunt.

DK. Where were you born, and where do you call home?

MD. I am originally from Lixnaw in North Kerry but now live in Mallow, Co. Cork.

DK. What is the name of your most recent book or WIP and if you had to sum it up in 30 words or less, what would you say?

MD. My most recent book is a western called Wagon Hunt. It is an action packed historical thriller set along the emigrant trail in the USA. The characters are down and dirty, and the good guys aren’t even that good.


DK. If you gave one of your main characters the opportunity to speak for themselves, what would they say about you?

MD. Jim Boland would probably say that I am hung up on making my
characters suffer before giving them a shot at redemption. I imagine they all die young because of all the whisky and emotional trauma.

DK. Do you have plans for a new book, and is this book part of a series?

MD. I am trying to write a contemporary espionage/thriller at the moment – set between Central America, Paris and Venice. Still at the planning stage though.

DK. Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?

MD. I like writing in short, sharp bursts. Usually in the morning at the kitchen table but I normally just fit it in when I have time.

DK. Laptop, desktop or pen for writing?

MD. Pen for planning and outlining – laptop for typing.

DK. Who designed the cover of your book?

MD. Robert Hale publishers designed for Drive to Redemption
Solstice Publishing designed for Wagon Hunt.

DK. Do you have a book trailer?

MD. I don’t have a book trailer.

DK. What are your thoughts on book trailers?

MD. Anything that attracts readers to your work must be a good thing provided that it is cost effective.

DK. Do you have any advice for other writers?

MD. Persevere. Every word written is one word closer to the end. I find I write better when I have a goal in mind. I often have a scene fully planned out in my head or in my notebook before I start writing.
Marketing is very important once you have completed you book – put yourself out there either online or by meeting readers or booksellers in person.

DK. Is your book in Print, eBook or both?

MD. Both.

DK. Have you self-published and if so how would you describe the experience?

MD. No.

DK. What books have influenced your writing?

MD. With my westerns I loved Cormac McCarthy’s All the Pretty Horses. I couldn’t compare myself to him, though (obviously).

DK. Do you have an e-reader, and do you prefer it to traditional published novels?

MD. I have an e-reader but I prefer traditionally published novels, although I read The Girl Who Played with Fire in my kindle and thoroughly enjoyed it. If the book is good enough I don’t think the format matters.


DK. Where do you prefer to buy your books?

MD. Second hand bookshops for older fiction – I would buy non-fiction new if I felt I had to have it. Being a librarian, I borrow most of my books!!

DK. What book would you like to read again?

MD. I’ve read Tender is the Night by F. Scott Fitzgerald a few times - great style, setting and writing.

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Klay by Michael Chabon is another favourite.

DK. What book are you currently reading and in what format?

MD. I am currently reading Death in Siberia by Alex Dryden in paperback.

DK. What new authors have grabbed your attention, and why?

MD. William Ryan’s book The Holy Thief was a great read, I thought. Well imagined setting as well as an interesting plot and characterisation.

DK. An early childhood memory -

MD. Kerry winning the 1986 All Ireland.

Ray Houghton’s goal against England in Euro ’88.

DK. What’s your poison?

MD. Guinness

DK. Coffee or tea?

MD. Both.

DK. Do you have a favourite food?

MD. Bacon and Cabbage – there’s a reason it’s a classic!

DK. If you had to choose - Starter or Pudding?

MD. Pudding – preferably Christmas pudding all year round.

DK. What do you eat for breakfast?

MD. Tea and Toast

DK. Name three things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?

MD. Book, notebook, biro (children)

DK. Sleep in, or get up early?

MD. Two small kids, so get up early.

DK. Your favourite gadget -

MD. Remote control.

DK. List three books you just recently read and would recommend?

MD. Gorky Park by Martin Cruz Smith, Lenin by Robert Service, Moscow Rules by Daniel Silva.

DK. List three of your favourite all time movies?

MD. Godfather, Royal Tenenbaums, Das Boot.

DK. Name a new movie you recently enjoyed or disliked?

MD. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy was excellent, in my opinion.

DK. Where can your readers find you?

My blog: http://mikedeane.blogspot.com/

Twitter: @mikedeaneauthor

Amazon: Drive to Redemption: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Drive-Redemption-Black-Horse-Western/dp/0709091591/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1329228194&sr=8-1-spell

Wagon Hunt: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wagon-Hunt-ebook/dp/B005LW22RG/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1329228246&sr=1-1


I would like to thank Micheál O’Flaherty a.k.a. Mike Deane for allowing us the chance to have a chat, and for giving us a glimpse into his writing world.