Discover The Inspiration Behind O’Leary’s Quirky And Relatable Protagonists
Susan O’Leary discusses her writing journey, inspiration for her comedic mysteries, the role of faith, and how she crafts engaging characters and settings in her beloved series.
Susan O’Leary has carved a unique niche in the literary world with her delightful blend of mystery, comedy, and faith. Her books, known for their engaging plots and relatable characters, offer readers a refreshing escape into a world where humor and suspense coexist seamlessly. O’Leary’s writing is characterized by its warmth and wit, drawing readers into the charming small-town settings she so vividly creates. Her ability to weave elements of faith into her narratives adds depth and authenticity, making her stories not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. With a knack for crafting memorable characters and laugh-out-loud moments, Susan O’Leary has become a beloved author for those seeking clean, comedic mysteries that leave a lasting impression.
In this issue of Reader’s House Magazine, we are thrilled to present an exclusive interview with Susan O’Leary, where she shares insights into her writing journey, the inspiration behind her quirky protagonists, and the role of faith in her storytelling. From her early love for creative writing to her fascination with B-movies and small-town charm, O’Leary offers a glimpse into the experiences and influences that have shaped her as a writer. Join us as we delve into the world of Susan O’Leary and discover the magic behind her beloved Zoe & Trudie Comedic Mysteries series.
Your journey as a writer began in third grade with a love for creative writing. How have those early experiences shaped your writing style and your approach to storytelling today?
As a kid, I had a vivid imagination and a deep passion for reading. The combination of these two experiences has fueled my aspiration to be a writer. I’d get lost in books, picturing the imaginary worlds and characters in my mind as if watching a movie. I still have quite the imagination, which I infuse into my writing.
“The humor comes natural to me. I don’t force it, it just comes out as I write.” –Susan O’Leary
Mystery novels have always fascinated you, and now you write comedic mysteries with engaging characters and lively plot twists. How do you balance humor and suspense to create a unique reading experience for your audience?
The humor comes natural to me. I don’t force it, it just comes out as I write. The ncredible humor of my mom and others I’ve known has had a significant impact on my sense of humor. I step into my character’s shoes and know what they will do in a situation. My goal was to make my books light and entertaining, blending action and dialogue. Like me, my character Zoe is a bit of a klutz. So, she might chase after someone, and get her foot stuck in the mud and lose a shoe, or walk out of a restroom with toilet paper attached to her. I like to include real embarrassing moments from my life. I’ve learned to find humor in those things, and I hope others can too.
In Curiosity Killed The Cobbler, Zoe and Trudie are fueled by doughnuts and determination as they solve crimes. What inspired you to create such quirky and relatable protagonists, and how do they reflect your own personality or experiences?
The comedies of my childhood inspired me. My childhood was filled with comedies such as I Love Lucy, Laverne and Shirley, and Happy Days. The list never ends. I wanted to create a clean comedy series reminiscent of what made me laugh. Just like me, my characters share a love for food. Who doesn’t? We all have a weakness for junk food we shouldn’t have, but my books are calorie-free. I want people to relate and laugh along with my characters. Both of my characters share similarities with me. Trudie says things I want to say, but don’t. Zoe is more like me as I see her as the more serious one of the two. And like Zoe, I love coffee and maple bars. Like them, I love to eat and laugh.
The setting of Four-Leaf Clover plays a significant role in your Zoe & Trudie Comedic Mysteries series. How do you go about creating such a vivid and engaging small-town atmosphere, and what role does it play in the development of your plots?
I incorporate elements from places I’ve lived and traveled to. I enjoy the charm of small downtowns with local businesses instead of large cities. It’s a tight-knit community where everyone is familiar with one another, and crime is practically non-existent. So, when a crime happens, it forces Zoe and Trudie to examine the people they know. It’s hard for them to fathom someone they know or love could be a killer. Through the creation of many recurring characters and beloved places, the door is opened for more storylines and possibilities. Small towns are always bustling with activities and festivals where anything can happen.
In Dead On Cue, you explore the chaotic world of a low-budget horror film production. What motivated you to delve into this setting, and how did you ensure the authenticity and humor of the behind-the-scenes drama?
Dead on Cue was born out of my love for B-movies. I honestly can’t get enough of them. As a child, I was a big fan of watching vintage horror and science fiction films from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. They have a comforting quality to them. They’re just fun. Especially the ones with giant creatures. Years ago, there was a show called Creature Features. They would show old horror movies. It had a mix of good and not-so-good, but everyone loved it. I would stay awake until the early hours to watch them.
Faith is a recurring theme in your books. How do you incorporate elements of faith into your mysteries without overshadowing the comedic and suspenseful aspects of your stories?
My faith in God is very important to me. I strive to depict my characters as having a desire to do what is right. Just like us, they have flaws and sometimes falter. Prayer is what my characters rely on during times of stress or when they want to help others. It’s a humble and simple way to demonstrate both faith and compassion for others.
