Cozy Murders and Soccer Sidelines: Deirdre Sullivan on Writing Her Debut Novel

    In this week’s episode, Jennifer welcomes Deirdre Sullivan, an emerging author and mother of four daughters based in the Boston area. Deirdre began her writing journey with a passion for storytelling that was sparked in high school and continued through the publication of three children’s books. As her children grew, so did her writing style, leading her to explore adult fiction and ultimately craft a debut murder mystery novel inspired by real-life events closely connected to her community. Deirdre is also a participant in Jack Grapes’ Los Angeles-based writing classes, which have helped her transform thousands of words of personal journaling into a fully developed manuscript form.   Jennifer and Deirdre discuss the challenges and rewards of reinventing oneself after years spent raising a family, particularly for women returning to the workforce or creative pursuits. This episode delves into controversial topics, such as the Karen Read trial in Massachusetts—a case that significantly influenced Deirdre’s novel and has captivated local media and social media spheres. The conversation openly navigates the intimidation of sharing deeply personal creative work, the nuances of portraying real-life inspiration in fictional form, and the subtle power dynamics within upper-tier social circles. Listeners will appreciate insights into why embracing vulnerability, authentic storytelling, and active listening are essential in both the arts and everyday life.   “It’s so easy for people to critique and sort of knock us down. So you do have to have some thick skin to be—to shut out that noise.” –~Deirdre Sullivan   Today on Political Contessa: Reinvention is possible at any stage, especially for mothers considering new beginnings after raising children. Personal experiences and local headlines can serve as powerful inspiration for fiction writing. Authenticity in storytelling comes from writing for oneself rather than catering to outside expectations. Portraying community figures in fiction requires careful blending of character elements to avoid overly obvious real-life parallels. Crafting a novel is an intensely personal endeavor; sharing it publicly requires confidence and resilience in the face of criticism. Early morning solitude is a productive time for creative work, allowing for uninterrupted focus and concentration. “Cozy murder” is a unique subgenre that blends relatable settings and humor with the mystery of crime. Listening and observation in everyday life provide rich material for creative writing.   Connect with Deirdre Sullivan: Instagram: @deirdresullivanauthorFacebook: Deirdre Sullivan Author Resources and references mentioned: Jack Grapes’ writing classes (Los Angeles-based, available online) Deirdre Sullivan’s Children’s Books     Awaken Your Inner Political Contessa   Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of Political Contessa. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review wherever you get your podcasts.   Spotify I Stitcher I Apple Podcasts I iHeart Radio I TuneIn I Google Podcasts   Be sure to share your favorite episodes on social media. And if you’ve ever considered running for office – or know a woman who should – head over to politicalcontessa.com to grab my quick guide, Secrets from the Campaign Trail. It will show you five signs to tell you you’re ready to enter the political arena.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.