Melissa Riordan is the writer of ‘Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon’, a novel which maps a powerful romance between historical arch enemies, the King of Babylon and the Daughter of Jerusalem.
The novel sweeps us back to a time of kings and prophets, supernatural miracles, judgments and redemptions. However the novel remains central in contemporary times, depicting the great sleeping giant, China, waiting to be awakened; the continuing battle between Babylon and Israel, and the overruling presence of God in history past, present and future.
The novel is set to be launched at the ‘Hooley in the Hall’ at the Leghowney Community Centre on Wednesday night at 8:15pm, just before the dancing starts.
Over the last 24 years, while living in California and Nebraska, Melissa developed and wrote primarily screenplays for the “big screen”. Working with her husband (and now publisher) Timothy Maschler, who wrote for television on such shows as ‘Starsky and Hutch’ and ‘Hawaii Five-O’, Melissa continued writing while Timothy sought financing for the films.
Finding that too large an obstacle to overcome, the couple switched horses, moved to Nebraska and raised goats and chickens, while Melissa kept writing. It was then she decided to to adapt one of her screenplays, ‘Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon’, into a novel, but knew somehow she needed to come to Ireland to actually finish it.
After deciding with Timothy not to just visit but to make the move permanent, she also dug into her Irish ancestry and discovered her grandfather was born in Millstreet, Cork, which motivated her to seek Irish citizenship, which has now been granted. Moving on from ‘Nebuchadnezzar King of Babylon’, she is hard at work in their stone cottage near Lough Eske, converting another of her screenplays into a second novel, which Timothy hopes to publish in Ireland by summer, 2017.
(1) What is your favourite place in Donegal and why?
My home – a wee stone cottage above Lough Eske that represents to me the farm life in the history of Ireland.
(2) If you could change one thing about Donegal what would it be?
The weather.
(3) Who is the one person that you look up to and why?
The Lord Jesus Christ, because He loves everyone, and gives everyone His love by grace.
(4) What’s your happiest memory in Donegal?
The day I became a citizen of Ireland.
(5) What has been Donegal’s proudest moment in recent years?
I haven’t been here long enough to know, but I am looking forward to her future proud moments.
(6) If you found a magic wand that allowed you to grant one wish, what it be?
That every man, woman and child in Ireland would come to know the amazing preamble of their 1938 Irish Constitution.
(7) What is your favourite Donegal-made product?
Donegal wool.
(8) Who is Donegal’s greatest ambassador around the world and why?
I don’t know of any particular individuals yet, but in music, the song “The Homes of Donegal” is a great ambassador around the world.
(9) What has been the biggest compliment you’ve ever received?
When a famous music producer and composer described one of my feature film screenplays as “Powerful”.
(10) Who is your favourite Donegal sportsperson of all time?
I’m just learning about sports here in Donegal. Give me some time, and I’ll tell you!
(11) What is your favourite Donegal restaurant?
The Solis Castle Bar.
(12) What is your favourite Donegal saying or expression?
“I pass no remarks.”
(13) What is the biggest challenge facing the people of Donegal today?
I believe the biggest challenge for the people of Donegal and Ireland in general is that the generations still have to go abroad to build their economic future.
(14) What is your favourite food that you associate with Donegal?
The scones.
(15) Is there anything that really annoys you about Donegal or its people?
No. Everyone has been so welcoming, and is always so generous with their time and resources.
(16) Do you have a favourite local band?
The group of musicians (they haven’t chosen a name yet) that plays on Wednesday and/or Friday nights at the Reel Inn
(17) If you had a million euro to improve something in Donegal what would it be?
Create an ongoing industry to restore and renovate the old stone cottages that dot the landscape throughout Donegal.
(18) Where’s the most unusual place you’ve logged on to Donegal Daily?
In the Blue Stack Mountains
(19) What is your favourite thing about writing?
Finishing.
(20) Is there anything about Donegal that you are very proud of?
I am so impressed with the hard working people of Donegal, always cheerful and positive, and always ready to go the extra mile to help their neighbour. And everyone is their neighbour.
