Author Interview – Tony Hyland – Donald Trump’s US/Mexican Border Integration Picnic

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, Tony Hyland MBE talks about being inspired by the absurdity and cruelty of the world to write his new book, Donald Trump’s US/Mexican Border Integration Picnic.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Tony Hyland about his life and career, being inspired to write his new book, Donald Trump’s US/Mexican Border Integration Picnic, and his creative writing process.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

My name is Tony Hyland MBE, and I am a time-served, published, writer, playwright, theatre producer and public servant!

When did you first WANT to write a book?

I first wanted to be a writer in my late teenage years, albeit predominantly a playwright, but from my thirties I’ve grown to love the short story format so have become a compulsive writer ever since!

When did you take a step to start writing?

I first attempted a play which turned out to be a pastiche of Pinter and Orton, in my late teens, which in fact became ‘A Night at Sea’ and my first published work over 10 years ago. I am still incredibly proud of it and later adapted it myself, transforming it into ‘Forever England’, which has also been published. 

How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?

My first volume of short stories took over a year to complete and was published shortly after 2015.

How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?

This volume of short stories was completed within a year (the normal timeframe for me completing such a volume) and was published three months after completion.

Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Donald Trump’s US/Mexican Border Integration Picnic?

I am always struck by the absurdity, and dare I say cruelty, of the world, so I was stimulated by several ideas which seemed to summarize the mood of our times-especially a world inhabited by Donald Trump– so I found this volume relatively easy to write as well as being such an enjoyable process. I hope I manage to evoke a response from all readers, whether it be laughter or shock, the two often go hand in hand in my stories.  

What were your biggest challenges with writing Donald Trump’s US/Mexican Border Integration Picnic?

I am perfectionist in my stories, so I often find the editing process difficult, as I did here, as I often believe the first and original version of anything is invariably the best.  I got there in the end!

What was your research process for Donald Trump’s US/Mexican Border Integration Picnic?

Fairly straightforward-my world of short stories is absurd so I can tend to go off into flights of creative fancy. The only challenge was ensuring my portrayal of Donald Trump, however absurd, included information which led me to research in some detail his perception of the world-which, yes, you’ve guessed it, was absurd in itself.  

How did you plan the structure of Donald Trump’s US/Mexican Border Integration Picnic?

I tend to carefully structure all my short stories, write them quickly, let them mature a while, then revisit them, which often, in the editing process, then reveals an overall book structure in terms of order, theme etc.

Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Donald Trump’s US/Mexican Border Integration Picnic need?

I edited this volume myself and gave myself a couple of months to ensure I was happy!

What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a book?

Several bits of advice: find your own voice-be true to yourself; be brave and please yourself; do not be afraid of critical opinion-you are, and will always be, the best critic of your work; and be kind to yourself and make it a pleasurable, creatively satisfying, experience.

Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?

Yes, I am writing a book about a young Care Experienced, Army Recruit, who suffers domestic abuse, as well as harassment at the hands of the public authorities who are ostensibly there to help her…That’s all I can say!

And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?

Incredibly proud of this book and the response it’s had so far!!! I feel so pleased I achieved what I set out to do in producing a volume of short stories which evoke strong opinions but can also raise a smile here and there.

Pop all your books, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Kindle: https://amzn.to/3YiEomG

Paperback: https://amzn.to/42QIeoi

Hardcover: https://amzn.to/42NRsSp

Amazon.co.uk: Tony Hyland: books, biography, latest update

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