Mike Delaney interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

When did your love of books begin?

I first started reading books at primary school in the 60s and 70s, in the days before computers and internet made it effortless to get information. It was a tough upbringing, but I was lucky to meet some inspiring teachers who nurtured the love of books and the relationship with libraries.

When did you start to have the wish to become an author?

Becoming an author has been a recent addition to my ambitions as I have had a busy and successful career in mental health, initially as a Registered Nurse for 20yrs but then retraining as a therapist, initially specialising in addictions but then expanding into other areas and developing new and innovative treatment modalities in the UK. Lockdown was the first time for many years that I had nothing to do and nowhere to go so I made the decision to write my biography and document the exciting but often traumatic events of my life. I was pleasantly surprised to receive several offers of publication and am now in the final edits prior to the book becoming a reality.

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

I found the process of becoming an author very unexpected as I have had many years of therapy for my own issues of addiction and trauma. Writing my story allowed me to look at my life through a different lens and to think of what will be interesting for the reader. I have a very good friend who is a gifted actor, so, after a particularly sensitive chapter I asked if she would read it and critique as an actor. Almost immediately she called me via Zoom and deconstructed the chapter, allowing me to see the areas where hindsight was present or where my shame or guilt caused me to justify or explain certain things. “I want to know exactly what that boy felt and what he did. Not the filtered version” This was a gamechanger for me and drove me to change the way I wrote and to include some controversial content which my family or friends may judge. I found the courage to write the absolute truth, warts and all!

What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

Despite my years of therapy and self-development, I found the process of writing to be cathartic and very rewarding so I would highly recommend it, even as a hobby. As a therapist I have used writing for many years as a way of processing feelings and situations which cause difficulties and I encourage most of my clients to do the same. 

Tell us about your book/books:

My first book is called Behind the Smile and is an account of my life written as “flashbacks” from a drug and alcohol addiction clinic. The format allowed me to choose the experiences which were significant for me rather than a chronological timeline, which can be dull for readers. When I realised that I could enjoy the writing process, I then sat down and wrote my first novel, Mabel Murphy. My 45yrs in mental health settings had given me a wealth of characters and situations to reflect on and the most prominent thoughts were of elderly women whom I had worked with all over the UK, who had spent their whole lives inside mental hospitals because they had given birth to a baby “out of wedlock” There was a formal diagnosis called “Moral Defective” which allowed these “fallen women” to be removed from society for the protection of others. Not surprisingly, many of these women went on to develop mental health conditions as a direct result of the cruelty and trauma of the state and often spent their lives longing for the baby which had been stolen from them. Mabel Murphy is based on one such woman and begins in 1920s London, describing the events which led to her pregnancy and then the chain of events which ensued following her admission into the Victorian Asylum system.

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

I am only beginning my writing journey and am discovering the writing community and the support which this group can offer. I look forward to exploring this further as I continue to move forward as an author.

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

To my readers I would say, this is just the beginning, I am learning and absorbing new ideas daily, even at the age of 62. I remain teachable and hope that you can see and feel the authenticity of my writing as well as the humour which I strive to maintain throughout, as this was one of the many things which helped to save my life.

Where can people connect with you?

People can connect with me via Twitter @MikeDelaney121 or via my website www.mikedelaneytherapy.com. When published, both books will be available via my website, Amazon and all good bookshops in UK and USA.