Cillian Dunne shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Cillian, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: Who are you learning from right now?
Stephen King. I would like to be as prolific. I’m currently learning about his work ethic and the way he organizes himself. My next goal is to match his daily output, so I can release books as frequently as he does.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Cillian Dunne, and I am an investigative writer focused on crime, intelligence, and power cycles. I am the author of the upcoming “The Right Hand Man,” a nonfiction geopolitical thriller about Manuel Noriega’s rise and fall told through the eyes of his enforcer. I have also written Dreams in Incarceration, which documents the prison journey of a former South Central LA gang member, and Death by a Million Papercuts, which investigates decades of abuse at elite New England boarding schools. Across all my work, I immerse myself in hidden worlds to tell stories that reveal how power operates in ways the public rarely sees.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
My time in Panama was eye-opening. The people I spoke to shared stories and perspectives that completely changed my perspective on history and politics. Writing The Right Hand Man transformed me.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were many times the thought crossed my mind, but I would have never. I always get deeply involved in my projects. To leave them incomplete would feel strange. Besides, I write full-time, and I have the time, so there is never a reason for me not to finish something I started.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
There are a lot of smart people out there, especially in the places I’ve been, like LA, Boston, Panama. I think that people sometimes don’t always focus on the right things. I think ego and emotion can take over in many cases, and I believe that when people examine problems, they often do so with a selfish perspective.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m writing. Nothing is more enjoyable for me. I sit down, play some music, have a coffee, a drink if it’s the evening, and I just go. It’s the best.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://share.google/YrXR9XqGFYxXs3i7e
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dunne.cillian/?hl=en
Image Credits
Cameron Venti
