Damhnait Monaghan
Author Interview - Damhnait Monaghan
Author of New Girl in Little Cove
“A fish out of water romantic comedy. After the local French teacher runs off with the priest, scandalizing the village of Little Cove, the school hires Rachel O'Brien, a brand-new teacher from the mainland. Rachel chafes against the small island community, where "people know what you had for breakfast before you've brushed your teeth." The anonymous notes that keep appearing on her car, telling her to go home, don't make her feel welcome either. Still, she is quickly drawn into the island’s traditional music and culture, and the lives of her students and fellow teacher Doug Bishop. Eventually, Rachel's beliefs clash with church and community, and she makes a decision that throws her career into jeopardy. Only the intervention of the 'Holy Dusters,' local women who hook rugs and clean the church, can salvage Rachel's job as well as her chance at a future with Doug.”
Author Interview - Damhnait Monaghan
Author I draw inspiration from: So many, but for New Girl in Little Cove, Maeve Binchy in particular.
Favorite place to read a book: In our snug, on a reclining chair and footstool my husband bought. I'm sure he meant them for me and not him. Probably.
Book character I’d like to be stuck in an elevator with: Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series. She'd have us out in a flash.
Author Interview - Damhnait Monaghan
The moment I knew I wanted to become an author: It wasn't until a career break after the birth of my second child that I began to dabble. I sometimes feel my career path (teacher, then lawyer) was a detour from what I secretly always wanted to do: write. The bad news is, it took me a long time to get here. The good news is, it’s never too late!
Hardback, paperback, ebook or audiobook: Paperback by preference, but I accept all currencies.
The last book I read: Confessions of A Forty Something F##k Up by Alexandra Potter. I needed a laugh during lockdown and it delivered. An absolute tonic.
Author Interview - Damhnait Monaghan
Pen & paper or computer: Mostly laptop, but if I'm stuck, I switch to pen and paper.
Book character I think I’d be best friends with: Reta Winters from Unless by Carol Shields. I'd never tire of talking to her.
Author Interview - Damhnait Monaghan
If I weren’t an author, I’d be a: At this stage of my life, probably a frustrated wannabe author.
Favorite decade in fashion history: Fashion is not my forte, but I'm thinking that dresses from Jane Austen's Regency era might flatter my pandemic pounds.
Place I’d most like to travel: At this point, anywhere! I'm sitting tight until the world feels safer, but I'm longing to visit my native Canada.
My signature drink: Lattes. Sauvignon blanc on the weekend.
Favorite artist: Vincent Van Gogh. I spent some time in Provence in the 1990s and was hooked.
Number one on my bucket list: There's a writing retreat in Greece that I have my eye on.
Anything else you'd like to add: In case people are wondering (and why wouldn't they) my first name is Irish Gaelic and I pronounce it Downith. ( I know...) Thank you so much for having me, Ashley. These were great questions.
Find more from the author:
Twitter @Downith
Instagram @downith1
FB - @AuthorDMonaghan
Author Bio: Damhnait Monaghan was born and grew up in Canada but now lives in the south of England. She's still working on the accent. She's an award winning short fiction writer. Her novella-in-flash The Neverlands was voted Best Novella in the 2020 Saboteur Awards. New Girl in Little Cove is her debut novel, inspired by the years she spent teaching in a small community in Newfoundland.
