Susan O'Leary Interview Published on: 10, Mar 2023
What were some of your aims and aspirations growing up?
To become a published author.
What did your parents think when you decided you wanted to be a writer?My mom was happy and very supportive.
What started your love for true crime?Hmm.. I've always loved a good mystery. It's all about solving a puzzle! It first started when I watched Scooby Doo as a kid. Then, it was Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie.
At what age did you begin writing? Do you remember the first story you put to paper?Nine years old. I was introduced to creative writing by my 3rd-grade teacher. She said that I had promise as a writer. One of my first stories was a story where Bugs Bunny dropped into a hole and met a leprechaun who was searching for a pot of gold.
Do you think the story in "Curiosity Killed The Cobbler", is a common one? What were some emotions running through your head when you wrote this book?I suppose almost everything is common nowadays. I wanted to create a funny story that made people laugh and would shine a little sunshine on their day. I grew up loving comedies like I Love Lucy, Happy Days, and Laverne & Shirley. Mystery and Comedy are my favorite genres. I love combining them. I had a lot of fun writing this book.
Have you ever met anyone like Zoe in real life? Who inspired the character?You could say Zoe is a bit like me. She has a sense of humor, is somewhat shy and sometimes unsure, but her heart's in the right place. She's a bit of a klutz, as I'm I! And like me, she loves maple bars! I also worked on a newspaper in high school and college.
How did you come up with the plot of your book, Curiosity Killed The Cobbler?I mostly made this one up as it came to me. You could say I'm a bit of a panster. I love old-school goofy comedy, and comedy duos. And I love mystery. I wanted to create an entertaining story with funny characters.
Do you have any funny stories from when you were a newbie author and still learning your way around?I'm still learning my way around! I'm sure I'll have a tale for later.
What is the craziest thing you've ever done to get your book written and published?I haven't done anything crazy yet! Other than sending out a LOT of query letters. After years of rejection, I finally decided to publish my book myself.
Is it harder to write from the point of view of the opposite sex? Is there anyone from the opposite sex whose opinions you ask while writing such a character?I would imagine so. My books are all in the first-person female narrative. I admire authors who can write in the opposite point of view. I actually prefer writing in the first person.
What inspires you?My love of writing. I thank God every day for blessing me with an imagination. I loved telling stories when I was a kid. I'd record myself with a tape recorder and pretend I had my own radio show.
Do you prefer going to the library/bookstore to purchase your books or do you just prefer to download books onto your kindle/computer/phone?I love bookstores! That's my happy place. Show me a good bookstore. I could spend all day there.
Have you ever collaborated with other authors? Who is one author you would love to collaborate and write a book with?Not yet. I would love to collaborate with other cozy mystery authors who are indie-published. It's hard to name just one author. It would probably be an author who also has a quirky sense of humor like me. There are so many talented authors. There are so many books I want to read!
Are you working on anything currently? If so, what is it about?I sure am. I hope to release the second book in the Zoe & Trudie comedic mysteries in April. It has a lot of goofy old-school humor with a lot of fun new characters and a murder to solve!
Lastly, how would you rate your experience with AllAuthor? Will you be recommending this platform to your author friends?I think it's a great starting place for a new author. I would definitely recommend it.
