Donal Ryan, an internationally acclaimed writer with two Booker nominations, dives deep into the world of creativity and storytelling. He shares his experiences navigating writer's block and the emotional landscapes of writing. The conversation highlights the rich Irish oral storytelling tradition and critiques elitism in literature. Ryan also discusses the impact of social media on literature, particularly the rise of TikTok, and emphasizes the importance of authenticity in creative expression. Expect humor and insightful reflections throughout!

Donal Ryan, author of The Spinning Heart, discusses themes of loss, shame, love, and longing in a small Irish town. The podcast explores the collapse of the Celtic Tiger years, the influence of radio shows on the novel, and the importance of diverse voices in literature. They also analyze complex characters, broken relationships, and the author's writing process.

Donal Ryan, author of The Queen of Dirt Island, discusses how he unintentionally centered the women characters in his novel, drawing inspiration from his rural Irish upbringing. He also talks about his writing process, the unique structure of the book with short chapters, and the influence of the concept of time on the vignettes in the story.