Meet Tim Donahue - dipity Community Spotlight Q&A Interview no. 16

learn more about writer Tim Donahue's work through dipity's global interview monthly spotlight feature

Jul 27, 2024

Introduction

Born in Kenmore, Washington in 2001, Tim Donahue began his writing career at Western Washington University in 2023 when he released his debut novel, The James Gang with Central Park South Publishing on June 2nd of that year. He enjoys fly fishing, backpacking, and repairing used books in his free time. Currently, he’s working towards his MFA in Fiction Writing at Emerson College. Donahue’s works have been published in 45th Parallel Literary Magazine, Gekker Publishing, Wingless Dreamer Literary Magazine, Wavelength, Jeopardy Magazine, and many more. He is also a recipient of the Emerson Community Writing Scholarship.

One Lonely Thing

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This is why they die in their cradle
deep roots dug in
to the bed they have made            

Tied, Tied in with the thread
sheets of soil, tilled twenty years.

This is why they tell you to go
on and justify
the nails they dig-drawing blood           

Up from your arm
the arm of the leaver gone unbeautiful
in the eyes of the city that told them to go
the arm of the leaver yanked back

Homeward.

There will be a river
they’ll toast you in town
there will be that picture-esque day
and there will be a woman
waving, not walking your way

Q: What is the backstory of this poem?

This is a poem about leaving home. It’s about transitions and the forces that always somehow feel like they’re trying to pull you back into your status quo. This is a very personal poem to me, as it aligns really poignantly with the major changes that are going on in my own life. I’m moving from the Pacific Northwest, the place I have always called my home, in the pursuit of higher education in Boston. I’ve seen first hand that there is a groundswell of support, and I’ve seen too that that support is exactly what makes it such a challenge to leave. There is always a woman, always a loved one, somebody who loves you and wants exactly what is best for you; and it’s always them that clings hardest while they tell you to go.

Q: What were your most recent publications?

I have an upcoming publication with Vine Leaves Press, and most recently I’ve been published by Gekker Publishing, 45th Parallel Magazine, and Jeopardy Magazine.

Q: Where can others find more of your work?

“Wild is the Wind” in Gekker Publishing’s Vol. 10, Fall '23 Fiction Section
“A Forced Confession” in Jeopardy Magazine issue no. 59
My novel The James Gang (2023) is available in online bookstores

ABOUT: The James Gang explores family dynamics, trauma, and the power of healing in a character-driven, time-jumping story that is rich with theatrics, humor, and nods at contemporary culture.

Q: What else do you do outside of the writing or poetry community? OR What else are you working on or excited about in the future? Any fun hobbies?

I love basketball and hiking, fly fishing, going to the movies, and hanging out with my friends and family. I really am out and about all the time: either out on a walk, or working away in a coffee shop, I can never keep still for too long.

Q: When did you begin writing? OR What or who sparked and inspired your writing journey?

I started writing when I was very young, but I started taking it seriously when I started attending college at Western Washington University in 2020. I work tirelessly in the realms of both fiction and poetry, and I am inspired by the likes of Sam Shepard, Fiona Martinez, Arthur Miller, Toni Morrison, Jane Wong, as well as by all the great Substacks I read! Namely Sophie McMahon’s “Sophie’s Substack” and Ellery Pridgen’s “A Broad.” I published my first novel, “The James Gang,” last summer, and I’m hoping it’s the first of many!

Q: What advice would you give aspiring poets, authors, or fellow writers in the community?

Keep going! Focus on the process, and find joy in the act of writing over any of the spoils. Good things will come, but you have to find love in the day to day. Be a sponge and lean into your community, it doesn’t have to be a lonely thing to be a writer.

Q: What book(s) would you recommend to others?

I’m reading Winner Take Nothing by Ernest Hemingway, and I like it but I would recommend 2666 by Roberto Bolaño every time if somebody asked!

Q: What was the last movie or TV show you watched or recommend others see in the community?

Moonstruck (1987)—it’s an old one but it will forever be one of my favorites. Cher and Nic Cage, it doesn’t get better than that!

Q: Which poets, artists, or writers inspire you?

I’ll expand on the list I’ve already given because there’s always more great art to shout out. I love Bob Dylan and folk music in general, and I’m always inspired by a great folk song. I’m inspired by the work of Greta Gerwig and Richard Linklater, of Kerouac, Didion, Cormac McCarthy, Anne Waldman, Ethan Hawke, and all the great writers and artists I’ve been lucky enough to cross paths with over the years.

Q: If you were stuck on the moon with anyone or could pick your space flight partner, who would it be?

My space flight partner would be my good buddy Cooper Miller, he’s good at bringing the inner adventurer out of me. If you’re asking for a name the readers might recognize, though, then I’d choose Stanley Kubrick.

Maggie Rogers - The Kill

Q: What's one of your favorite poems in existence?

It’s not exactly breaking new ground to say that I love Allen Ginsberg’s poem “Howl,” but I’ve been coming back to it for months now. Allen Ginsberg, I do not admire him as a person, but “Howl” is undeniable.

To Check Out More of Tim Donahue’s Work

Circle back to some of his work mentioned and linked throughout this Q&A.

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[Interview Processed By VFORROW]

Thank you so much, Tim Donahue, for sharing and submitting to Dipity Lit Mag! ~ Jazz Marie Kaur (Vevna Forrow).

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