Joe Donnelly

Author:
Joe Donnelly

Date of birth: 01-Jan-1970
Place of birth: Glasgow, Scotland UK

About the author:
Joe Donnelly is a Scottish author and journalist, best known for writing atmospheric horror fiction often rooted in Celtic folklore, alongside a narrative non‑fiction debut exploring gaming and mental health.

He is the author of novels such as The Shee (1992), Still Life, Shrike, Bane, and Havock Junction, notable for their richly atmospheric settings in rural Scotland or Ireland and vividly terrifying creatures or supernatural forces. Fans praise his ability to evoke folklore and primal fear through detailed prose and intense horror.

He also writes nonfiction. His debut nonfiction book, Checkpoint: How Video Games Power Up Minds, Kick Ass and Save Lives (2020/2021), reflects on his personal experience with depression and how video games positively supported his mental well‑being. The book includes interviews with developers, mental health professionals, and gamers and was shortlisted for the Scottish Non‑Fiction Book of the Year by the Saltire Society.

Before writing, Donnelly worked in trades like plumbing and gas fitting. He later retrained as a journalist and contributed to publications such as The Guardian, New Statesman, VICE, PC Gamer, and others, often focusing on the intersection of gaming culture and mental health.

He lives in Scotland and is recognised both for hard-edged, folklore-infused horror and for thoughtful nonfiction that bridges games and well‑being.