Beginner’s pluck: Northern Irish writer Laura McLoughlin

McLoughlin's debut novel 'The Many Ghosts of Donahue Byrnes' is an original, fun read

Laura McLoughlin: 'I started my debut in 2018. The idea came from a John Mayer line, ‘we can dance with the dead'.’ Picture: Blair McLoughlin

As a child Laura loved animals and books.

“At nursery school I wanted to be a vet, but later I decided to be a writer. But my mum encouraged me to be practical, and I took three sciences at GCSE.”

Deciding to study English at university, Laura didn’t know what career she wanted.

“Then I had work experience in the Institute of Directors. I told them I wanted to be a writer, and they said, ‘are you writing?’.

“I wasn’t, but I started contributing to a pop culture website, and eventually became editor, promoting teen culture.”

I kept that on after I graduated in 2016.

Eventually, needing a better work life balance, Laura applied for marketing jobs, ending up in an agency in Belfast.

“I’m still there seven years later.”

As a teenager, Laura began a Young Adult fantasy novel. Finishing it, she rewrote it several times and tried submitting it.

“I started my debut in 2018. The idea came from a John Mayer line: ‘We can dance with the dead.’ I finished it in lockdown, and tried pitching, but it was the wrong time. I left it for a year, tried again, and picked up my agent.”

Who is Laura McLoughlin?

Date/ place of birth: 1994/ Craigavon, Northern Ireland.

Education: Lurgan College; Queens’s University Belfast, English with Creative Writing.

Home: On a farm in Benburb, Co Armagh.

Family: Husband, Blair, and dogs Cash and Kipper.

The day job: Digital marketing executive with Glaze Digital.

In another life: “I’d run a Halloween experience. I’d have a pumpkin patch and a scary attraction.”

Favourite writers: Elizabeth Gilbert; Ray Bradbury; Rachel Harrison; Grady Hendrix; Lauren Oliver; Jan Carson.

Second book: “I’m working on two different things. One is an alternative historical romance.”

Top tip: “Keep writing through every stage of editing. Write the next thing to improve your craft.”

Website: www.Lauramcloughlin.com

Instagram: @_lauramclo

The debut

The Many Ghosts of Donahue Byrnes

Black & White, €17.86/ Kindle, €10.71

When hotel owner Donahue Byrne dies, the residents report strange ghostly sights. 

His son asks hotel worker, 22-year-old Mia Anne Doran, to keep the spirits in check — as Donahue once had. 

But how can she learn why they’re there, and finally send them on their way?

The verdict: An original, fun read.