Donal McLaughlin: 'I've got that Derry voice in my head'

Donal McLaughlin: 'I've got that Derry voice in my head'

Author: Fictionable August 17, 2023 Duration: 22:54

In this summer's new, expanded podcast we've already heard from Joyce Carol Oates, Fiona Mozley and José Falero – translated and interpreted by Maria Jacqueline Evans. This time we're heading north to catch up with Donal McLaughlin and his story runaway.


McLaughlin has been writing short stories about his main character, Liam O'Donnell, for thirty years. Both author and protagonist grew up in the heart of a large, Catholic family and moved from Northern Ireland to Scotland in the 1970s. And McLaughlin admits that runaway was sparked by a childhood memory of running away from home. But he denies his story is autobiographical, citing the title of Janice Galloway's 2008 memoir, This Is Not About Me.


He explains how adopting Liam's narrow perspective allows him to widen the story's reach, and how the voice he hears in his head needs more than standard spellings to sing on the page. Going back to Derry as a teenager, McLaughlin says he would marvel at the humour, colour and warmth of the conversations around him. And it's that energy he captures in his prose.


Next time we welcome Sabba Khan to talk about her story, At the Door.


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Fictionable is a space for those drawn to the compact power of short stories and the vivid narratives of graphic fiction. Each episode delves into the craft and culture surrounding these forms, featuring conversations with the writers and artists themselves. We explore the techniques behind compelling brevity, the unique challenges of visual storytelling, and the diverse literary scenes influencing work today. The discussion often extends to broader book chat, examining how these shorter pieces fit into the wider landscape of reading and creativity. It’s a podcast built for curious readers who find entire worlds in a few pages or panels, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the stories published in the Fictionable collection. You’ll hear about inspiration, process, and the personal connections that fuel these works, all sourced from a global community of creators. The aim is to deepen appreciation for the art form while celebrating the voices shaping it. This isn’t just analysis; it’s an invitation into the ongoing conversation between author, artist, and audience. Join us for a thoughtful and engaging exploration of narrative in its most concentrated and visually dynamic forms.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 59

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