Vincent McDonnell is an award-winning author of books for adults and young readers. Born in County Mayo, he worked in England for a number of years. He now lives in County Cork with his wife and son.

He has previously written two adult novels and four novels for children. The Broken Commandment, his first novel for adults, was published after a recommendation by Graham Greene and won the GPA First Fiction Award in 1989.

Vincent gives readings and workshops all over Ireland, and has attended events such as the Listowel Writers Week and Wexford Arts Festival. Currently Writer in Residence for County Cork, he has also served two terms as writer in residence for County Limerick. He has built up strong relationships with libraries and numerous schools in Limerick & Cork, which he regularly visits.

Vincent won the 2003 Francis McManus Short Story competition for his story entitled "Lemon Creams".