Some people might think that taking a dog for a walk is a mundane task. But Denis O’Neill, an accomplished storyteller as an author, screenwriter and producer, transforms it into an energetic and exciting journey that showcases the joys of having a four-legged companion. O’Neill, whose writing has ranged from thrillers to memoirs, enters a new space, along with illustrator Cyrus Quadland, with his new book, Bradford’s Walk — targeted at a young audience but appealing to all ages, especially those older readers who can reminisce about the simple pleasures while growing up in a small town.
In the following interview, BookTrib was given an exclusive peek into O’Neill’s writing process and inspiration.
Q: While you’re no stranger to writing full-length novels, this seems to be your first children’s book. What drew you to the world of children’s literature?
A: Ironically, I wrote these children’s book verses long before I ever wrote a movie or a novel … around 1980, when I lived in Boston and would travel back to my childhood home in Connecticut to visit my parents … and walk the family pooch, Bradford. My inspiration for writing came from two sources: Ogden Nash, the great American humorist, poet and light verse man who happened to also attend my high school (St. George’s School) and even wrote the lyrics to the school song. The other major influence was the God of children’s writing himself, Ted Geisel (Dr. Seuss), also a fellow school alumnus (at Dartmouth College) … who was a close friend of my father. They were both editor of the humor magazine at Dartmouth (The Jack-O-Lantern). I read all of Ted’s books to my three sons — Maddy, Riley & Mike — when they were growing up.
Q: Why did you choose to write the book in rhyme? Is poetry something you typically write, or was this a new experience?
A: I thought some singsong rhyme — or doggerel — was the jauntiest way to convey our jaunty walks and adventures. At the time I had written and sold a few poems … been a folksinger/songwriter in Boston … and enjoyed telling stories, when possible, in verse. Looking back, I think it was a lovely match for the outings and the people/pets/crabs/birds/cars we encountered.
Q: How was writing Bradford’s Walk different than writing your longer-form works? What was your writing process like?
A: The process of writing and rewriting rhyming verses was the same as writing in any other format, journalism, short stories, movies or novels, but I was able to first break down the walk into the scenes depicted, figure out what I wanted to convey in each scene … then apply the craft of rhyming to the storytelling. It was fun to wiggle the words into playful clumps … then have my partner Cyrus illustrate those scenes so humorously … as well as being able to capture dog expressions so realistically. It was a thrilling partnership to see the book grow with each new illustration added to each old verse.
Q: Is there a fun fact or favorite memory you’d like to share of Bradford?
A: There isn’t one precise memory of Bradford … just his sweet exuberance that always made me smile as we set off on our adventures … and my knowledge that every walk might turn up a new and memorable encounter. He was such a likable walking partner.
Q: What do you hope readers take away from Bradford’s Walk?
A: I hope readers might take away the idea that our lives are made up of memories and adventures – some with pets, some with friends and family, some solo… at all ages… and that the fullness of our journey as we get older and look back — if we have taken the time to fully enjoy all the moments — is what will reverberate strongest in our memory. Bradford is forever a presence in my life. He makes me smile to this day. Pretty good.
Q: What’s next on your to-do list? Another children’s book, or something new?
A: Right now, I am preparing to publish and promote MUSINGS 2022 — a collection of 72 Facebook Musings about life, politics, food, friends … the world — that will come out next week. I also have two television series about exceptional friends (Marie Palladini, a former Fish & Wildlife undercover special agent … and James Nachtwey, my lifelong college friend and fishing partner who happens to be a legendary photojournalist) that I will be pitching in the upcoming weeks and months … and an independent film based on a screenplay of mine (Spy Hotel) that is stirring up interest in foreign markets. I also want to turn Bradford’s Walk into a short animated film … and if that gets traction, possibly a children’s series … which of course would necessitate my writing a contemporary sequel.
