Interview with Michelle O’Neil, Author of Dog Park: Tales of Heartbreak, Laughter, Community and Hope

29 Jan 2025

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Dog Park: Tales of Heartbreak, Laughter, Community and Hope?

During the pandemic most local businesses were closed, but the dog park where we lived remained open. My husband and I would take our dog there to walk laps and I started noticing how vital dog parks were, not just for dogs, but for human connection. The characters started coming to me as I observed the interactions between people from all walks of life.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Dog Park: Tales of Heartbreak, Laughter, Community and Hope, what would they be?

Becky: “All Apologies” by Nirvana

Ann: “Heroes” by David Bowie

Tommy: Theme song from the movie Rocky

Ed: “The Sound of Silence” by Simon and Garfunkel

Nancy: “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant” by Billy Joel

Iris: “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole

Trish: “Lucky” by Britney Spears

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Literary Fiction and Memoirs.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Paris Daughter by Kristen Harmel, James by Percival Everett, The Women by Kristen Hannah, The Bone Women by Clea Koff.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scene where Tommy has a mishap involving his girlfriend’s mother.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Coffee, a handful of salty cashews, a clementine, and a piece of chocolate.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

This breath in. This breath out.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

You never know what someone else might be going through, so be kind.

 

Michelle O’Neil is the author of the new book Dog Park: Tales of Heartbreak, Laughter, Community and Hope

Connect with Michelle O’Neil

Author Site

Twitter

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meghan@writtenwordmedia.com'
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