Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
In a past I was a musician and song writer, playing in several bands, performing live and recording music. I have a degree in Learning Disability nursing and a post graduate diploma in autism. I live in Dunfermline, Fife, with my wife, teenage daughter, older son and golden retriever. The Homecoming is my first novel, inspired by a love of all things Greek, her islands, people, landscapes, sea, light and ambience all of which are important themes and symbols in his writing.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is called The Homecoming. I wrote a travel journal/book of my visit to the island of Zakynthos many years ago. It was my first serious attempt at writing a book but it was never published. I didn’t know it at the time but it was to influence the writing of The Homecoming which has Zakynthos as its main backdrop. I used that piece of writing as my research when the story line of the novel moves to Zakynthos. The main backdrop in the novel was always going to be Greece that was never in doubt. I’m also inspired by what it means to be human, our thoughts, feelings, emotions and beliefs and how such things influence our relationships with others and our personal stories.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I normally put music on while I write it has become an integral part of my writing routine, I have it on in the background. For me, it sets the right mood. I enjoy a wide and diverse range in musical taste but throughout the writing process of The Homecoming I listened to classical music from the Baroque period, especially composers like Corelli and Boccherini.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I often read Sebastian Faulks, William Boyd, Anita Shreive and Carlos Ruiz Zafon. At the moment I’ve just finished Midnight in St Petersburg by Vanora Bennett. The common denominator is that they all write about what it really means to be human through our relationships with the world and each other. Most importantly they write good stories with beautiful prose.
What are you working on now?
I’m writing my second novel as we speak.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I use social media, authors I know and of course Awesomegang.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
If you are publishing as an indy author get to know how this works. Do your research. Approach like minded authors for advice, most are happy to do this. Finally write, write and write.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Happiness is not getting what you want but wanting what you have got.
What are you reading now?
I love books that have a sense of place and time, which draw you into the social and cultural complexities with ease. I like the characters to speak to me from the page, where I can identify with them, their hopes, fears, conflicts, loves and emotion, for me that is when a character becomes real and it’s at that point that I want to know what is going to happen to them, where is their life taking them in the story. I’, reading Sweet Caress by William Boyd
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m writing my second book which is going well and I will continue to promote the The Homecoming.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I’d have to pass on that one as I like a lot of books.
Author Websites and Profiles
Dougie McHale Amazon Profile
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