How did you become a writer? Still working on that, but mostly by just loving to write as an activity and exercise. When I first entered the workforce, I’d get up early and write for at least an hour before going to a job. I’ve kept that habit up for almost two decades now. So, if you are what you do, then little by little, I guess.   

Name your writing influences (writers, books, teachers, etc.). There are too many great writers and teachers to name, of course, but my parents are the biggest influences. My mom is a painter who encouraged creativity. And my dad was a lawyer who stressed linguistic precision. My wife is also a big influence. She’s a psychologist who’s driven by empathy and an understanding of human nature. Finally, my neighbor when I was growing up was the school librarian, and she encouraged my reading early with stuff like Brian Jacques’ Redwall series, which is about rodents doing some kind of medieval cosplay. Those books were inspirations and initiations into the power and beauty of literature. So, if you read my dark and stark novel, The Dredge, and find it disturbing—please don’t blame me. Blame the villainous saber-rattling weasels in those YA stories and also Washington, D.C.    

When and where do you write? First thing, ideally before dawn. I get my coffee and go into my office and try not to wake my kids.

What are you working on now? My second novel, which will be more light than dark.  I’m superstitious and don’t want to say too much about it yet.

Have you ever suffered from writer’s block? Not exactly, but I’ve been writing slower lately, because I’m anxious about politics, climate change, technology, and the future overall. A book requires such a long investment of time. And the world doesn’t need more clutter. So, I have to keep reminding myself that we will never know what tomorrow holds and just keep going and let the mystery unfold, and then I’m off and running again.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received? Interrogate every sentence. Have I said exactly what I meant to say, and have I said it in the best words in the best order? I got that from the wonderful writer and teacher, Sigrid Nunez.

What’s your advice to new writers? Do what you love first. Whether it’s writing or hanging out with your kids or exercising, I think it’s important for you as a person and writer to set the tone for your day with as much joy as possible. It will be whittled down. It will be chewed up and spit out. You will likely lose control. But hey, at least things started off pretty good.

Brendan Flaherty is the author of the novel The Dredge, which came out from Grove Atlantic in March 2024. Per the New York Times Book Review: “Flaherty writes with stealthy acuity, his prose seemingly simple yet full of coiled power.” He lives near Hartford with his family. You can read more about him at bflah.com.