Irish-Canadian author Emma Donoghue calls Golden Globes nod 'delightful novelty'

There areseveral Canadian connections to Sunday's Golden Globes ceremony, many ofwhich revolve aroundRoom, abest-selling novel adapted for the big screen.

The book is thebrainchild ofLondon, Ont.-based Irish-CanadianEmma Donoghue, who adapted it into afilm screenplay scoring her a Golden Globes nod for best screenplay.

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Donoghue is up against much more experienced Hollywood names. The other nominees are:

• Aaron Sorkin for Steve Jobs
• Tom McCarthy and Josh Singer forSpotlight
• Adam McKay and Charles Randolph for The Big Short
• Quentin Tarantinofor The Hateful Eight

Despite those Hollywood heavy hitters, Donoghuetold CBC News on Sundaythat she was not overwhelmed.

"This is a delightful novelty for me. My usualdaily life is pounding away on my 'treadmill' desk, writing my books, all alone, wearing sweatpants so this is just a delightful contrast with that," she said during an interview with CBC News Network.

"But I would never mistake it for my real life."

Best actress, best film nods

The film is also upfor twootherhigh-profile nominations:starBrie Larson earned a nod forbest actress in a dramafilm, whilethe movieitself is up for the coveted best dramatic film trophy.

The book was released in 2010, but Donoghue says she always envisioned it as a film, writing a first attempt at the screenplay before the book was even published.

"I know this is going to sound a bit cocky, but the minute I'd written itI thought I could see this story working on screen too because I could imagine audiences being gripped by the story of a child in danger."

The film was shot in Toronto andstars Canadian actors, includingB.C. child actor Jacob Tremblay. Whileauthors sometimes struggle coming to termswith the film adaptation of their books, Donoghue says the entire process was a pleasure.

"I haven't had any of those moments of feeling alienated, you know, or as if the story has been spoiled, not a bit. I think [directorLennyAbrahamson]has made such a beautiful film and one that Canada and Ireland can both be really proud of."

"I think it's absolutely wonderful that this film is getting so much attention because it gives us a lot of chances to say this is about parent-child love."

With the success of her debut screenplay, Donoghue says she plans to continue writing for both film and television.

"It's great fun to have a new string to your bow in your fortieswhen you've been writing away since your twenties."