Roddy Doyle, the Booker prize-winning novelist and screenwriter, has shared his thoughts on Charles Dickens, James Joyce, and the creative process in a recent interview. When asked which of his projects fans most want to discuss, he noted that The Woman Who Walked Into Doors, a novel about domestic violence, resonates deeply with readers, particularly women. "Even now, women tell me quietly that that book meant so much to them," Doyle said. "I think it's possibly the best book I've written."
Living with Paula Spencer
Doyle has spent decades with Paula Spencer, the protagonist of that novel and its sequels. He revealed that the idea for The Women Behind the Door came to him after receiving his first Covid vaccination. "I felt slightly elated coming home, and I thought: I wonder what Paula would have made of that? By the time I got home, I had the guts of the story." He also recalled seeing a Facebook photo of a former student, which inspired Paula's wardrobe: a plaid shirt, jeans, and white trainers. "She loves the freedom of it," Doyle said.
The Itch to Write
As both Doyle and Paula approach 70, he mused on whether he will write another book about her. "She doesn't exist," he laughed. "But I suppose there is the possibility I will give her another book. The only thing is, you need a form of energy – an itch – to write. I have it at the moment, but I assume at some point that itch won't be there."
Favorite Books and Advice
Doyle cited Charles Dickens' Great Expectations as the book he has read most often. "It's not one of the big fat Dickens books; it's slimmer, but it's just amazing. Great characters, brilliant plot." He also shared the best advice he ever received: to replace feelings of luck with gratitude. "A man told me, 'You self-published your first book – you did that, it didn't drop from the sky. Perhaps you should start thinking about feeling grateful instead.' It changed the way I thought about myself."
His advice to other writers is to prioritize quantity over quality initially. "Fill pages, fill pages, fill pages. Then gradually begin to worry about quality. Don't assume the first sentence you write will be the first in the finished story. Allow yourself to explore."
Swear Words and Overrated Writers
When asked about his favorite swear word, Doyle replied, "Fuck, fucking, and fucker." He also praised the Dublin phrase "geebag," which can refer to either gender. On the topic of overrated writers, he clarified his previous comments about James Joyce. "I said Ulysses could have done with a good edit, but I don't think he's overrated. If I had to bring a book on a long flight and the only one I could grab was Ulysses, I'd happily read it." He added, "It's tedious when, as a Dublin writer, you're inevitably asked about Joyce."
Two Pints with Dickens
Doyle would choose Charles Dickens as his drinking companion. "Dickens would be good company, just for a short while. He's probably a bit overbearing. I'm interested in his creative energy and how he made art out of his bad stuff. I'd enjoy two pints, but not three."
For his funeral, Doyle wants the theme music from Match of the Day. "The beat, tone, rhythm, and silliness of it as the curtains close and the coffin goes off – it'd be nuts."
Roddy Doyle will speak at the Sydney Writers' Festival on Saturday 23 May at 6pm. His latest book is The Women Behind the Door (Penguin).
