Writers at the Gate is pleased to welcome Micheál Cladáin and his latest book, 'After Gáirech', to the blog, as part of the Coffee Pot Book Club Tour founded by Mary-Ann Yarde.
Read on to find out more…
About the book…
The battle of Gáirech is over; the armies of Connachta, Lagin, and Mumu are destroyed! Survivors are ravaging The Five Kingdoms of Ireland! While working to resolve the Kingdoms’ issues and bring peace, Cathbadh is murdered, dying in his son Genonn’s arms. Genonn vows to avenge the death of his father. For his revenge to work, he needs Conall Cernach and the Red Branch warriors of Ulster. But Conall is gone, searching for the head of Cú Chulainn. Genonn sets out to find him, aided by the beautiful Fedelm, the capricious Lee Fliath and the stalwart Bradán.
- Book Title: After Gáirech
- Author: Micheál Cladáin
- Publication Date: 30th September 2021
- Publisher: PerchedCrowPress
- Page Length: 370 Pages
- Genre: Historical Fiction
Micheál Cladáin studied the classics and developed a love of ancient civilizations during those studies. Learning about ancient Roman and Greek cultures was augmented by a combined sixteen years living in those societies, albeit the modern versions, in Cyprus and Italy. As such, Micheál decided to write historical fiction, trying to follow in the footsteps of such greats as Bernard Cornwell and Conn Iggulden. Because of his Irish roots, he chose pre-Christian Ireland as his setting, rather than ancient Italy or Greece.
Micheál is a full-time writer, who lives in the wilds of Wexford with
his wife and their border terriers, Ruby and Maisy.
Social Media Links:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Phil_Hughes_Nov
Facebook: www.facebook.com/PerchedCrowPress
Brief Interview...
When
did you start writing your new book?
I started writing in August 2020, while Milesian Daughter of War was undergoing the final edits. I guess I’d been mentally planning quite a bit before then.
What
was the inspiration behind the book?
When I was researching Daughter of War, I came across a reference to Genonn and Imrinn in a Celtic Encyclopaedia. They were listed as sons of Cathbadh and, as druids, cast confusion spells over the enemy in the build-up to the battle of Gáirech. I could find no other references and decided to borrow Genonn for Milesian Daughter of War, which culminates in the battle. After Gáirech is a continuation of that story, although not part of the Milesian series per se.
Can you
describe your route to publication from concept to completed novel?
I am an extensive plotter. As soon as my idea has firmed sufficiently, I sketch an outline, including characters, POVs and so on. The sketch uses a basic 8-point story arc in which I will list the main events. When that arc is firm enough, I complete the building with a scene-by-scene plan. The plan is made in a Word document as numbered titles with a brief descriptor. When I am happy with the arc and the scene plan, I begin writing. I always write the last scene first, which guides me in the tone. During the writing process, the arc and the scenes do change, they are not chiselled in stone. However, I find I can write much faster when the structure is pretty much done. After completing the first draft, I put the story aside and go back to review it after a few weeks (minimum 2). During this process, I am looking at flow and I begin with having the story read to me. I find PDF reading tools good for this job, as they are less mechanical than Word’s read aloud. It can lead to the removal or addition of scenes. Then I rewrite. The second draft is extensively edited by an external editor, including grammar, typos, and so on. Then comes the final rewrite, which results in a completed manuscript.
What
ideas do you have for any future books?
After I complete the third book in the Milesians series, I want to write a story based on the Roman invasion of Anglesey, which was designed specifically to eliminate the Druids. It was during the invasion that Boudicca’s uprising took place.
Which
publishing services (if any) would you recommend?
It depends on
whether the book will be self-published or go down the trad route. For traditional publishing, the publisher does everything. Of course, the author might want to
have the MS polished before submission, but it is not a must. If
self-publishing the full gamut of services is recommended. Cover design,
editing, blurb writing, and so on.
