Derek O’Gorman a teacher by profession is an award winning playwright and published author based in Cork City, Ireland. Among his awards are The VSA Playwright Award, The Cork Arts Theatre Playwright Award, UCC DRAMAT Playwright Award, and the UCC Alumni Short Story Award. His work has won the All-Ireland One-Act play award on two occasions, been produced on RTE National Radio, and been adapted for short films (most notably for the Cork Midsummer Festival in 2021). Derek is also a football coach at UCC AFC. He lives in Cork City with his wife Deirdre.
Books by Derek O’Gorman
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
Barred is my first published collection of short stories. I really enjoyed the process from inception to publication.
When did you begin writing, and what inspired you or led you to write (person, another author, an event)?
I was always fascinated by creative writing even at an early school going age. I have written extensively for stage and felt that a collection of short stories was a natural progression. The short story genre has always appealed to me.
What book(s) or projects are you currently working on?
I am currently working on a followup collection to Barred.
What was your inspiration for your most recent book or work-in-progress?
I have a collection of characters that I wanted to explore in short story format. Ideas that I have formulated over the years, and having a publication behind me has inspired me and given me the confidence to pursue this project.
What books are you currently reading (for research and/or entertainment)?
Have read The Bee Sting (Paul Murray) Youth (Kevin Curran) and Born to be a Footballer (Liam Brady)
What is your writing process like?
I am a disciplined writer but do like to do all my initial work in notebooks/handwritten before moving to the laptop. I enjoy the natural feel of working with pen and handwriting. For me it enhances the creative process.
What is the most difficult part of your writing process?
I enjoy the challenge of the writing process. As a teacher, dedicating time to the process can be difficult.
What comes first for you, the plot or the characters? Why? How do you develop your plot and characters?
Basic ideas and characters inspire me. I can get ideas from everyday life experiences and I like fleshing out these basic ideas into stories.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
Be bulletproof, and no piece of creative writing of is every a wasted process regardless of publication/production or not. Take criticism and feedback on board and dismantle it forsensically to improve your creative process.
What tool(s) do you use to write, and how? (Computer, tablet, apps, paper, etc.)
Pen.
How do you celebrate when you finish your book?
On to the next idea!
What is one thing you hope readers take away from your book(s)? Who is your ideal reader?
I’d like my readers to experience a range of emotions; laughter, tears, to be challenged and find my stories releveant. I would say my ideal reader is 16 years plus.
