Good afternoon, book lovers! Today, we have the pleasure of sitting down with local Utah author, Sean O’Leary. Sean has self-published two books, with the first one being written over 35 years ago. Despite his extensive experience in writing, Sean still finds himself in awe of the scenes he imagines while driving, inserting himself as a proverbial “red shirt” observer in his own stories. At 60 years old, Sean is embarking on a new journey into the unknown world of self-publishing, feeling both excited and scared at the same time. Through his storytelling, creativity, and authorship, Sean hopes to connect with fellow outsiders, late bloomers, and dreamers still chasing meaning. Join us as we delve into Sean’s passion for books, his journey into self-publishing, and the inspiration behind his children’s book, “Princess and Scruffy.” So grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s get to know Sean O’Leary.
Is writing your full-time career? Or would you like it to be?
I have always written short stories since I was a child and the two books I wrote are over 20+ years old. I would love to have the time to write more but having seen a small part of what it takes to publish and promote anything, I don’t want to learn new roles. I will always write anyway.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
Funny enough, everything I’ve written so far only took weeks. No longer than 5-6 months. It’s after that time that the process to create the physical thing to hold in your own hands that becomes a longer, narrowed road to travel.
What advice would you give a new writer, someone just starting out?
Just write and especially if its because you love doing that. Becoming a published author is something completely different and really could work with and manuscript. If there’s one you love then you can go through the process for that one. But it’s not the same as when you wrote it.
How many books have you written?
I’ve written my family’s legacy children’s book Princess and Scruffy. I’ve written a dystopian, psychological fiction thriller called Dan Tesson:A Thriller. Iam working on my second science fiction and fantasy novel, yet to be titled.
How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?
It didn’t really change my process as much as it made me more aware and invested in it. To go through all those steps and levels to get even one new person to see and know about the book is daunting. I want my book to be worth it.
What was your favourite part, and your least favourite part, of the publishing journey?
My least favorite part was trusting people who said they knew everything about publishing and getting the book seen by book lovers so that readers would consider it. While learning all the levels for Self-published authors isn’t my favorite either, I prefer knowing what is expected so as to make informed decisions plus I find out who some of the gatekeepers are and there are so many. My favorite part really was receiving my final edition of my book Dan Tesson with the book jacket and dust cover. It looked and felt like many of my favorite books I used to read at the library. Definitely the best part. Next I hope will be to be discovered by science fiction and fantasy readers just like myself.
Do you hide any secrets in your books that only a few people will find?
Yes. 8n the children’s book I envisioned the young child to be my grandchild. In the fiction novel there are definitely more fun things to stumble upon.
What are the words you live by?
Slow and steady and don’t lose sight of the results you’re looking for so that you can compare it to the results you get. At the end of the day, the fundamentals I live by as an engineer and lover of science fiction and fantasy books, being methodical gets you from place to place. Because I enjoy the fantastical I am fine when one starts without maps or instructions because the journey is filling in the blanks for you in real time. That’s the adventure and the payoff.
What is your favorite quote from your book?
“The view of the valley is breathtaking”
You can find out more about Sean O’Leary here>>
A Book by Sean O’Leary
Want to read some of Sean O’Leary’s work? Keep reading to learn about Princess and Scruffy.
Meet Scruffy, a timid squirrel who struggles with the fear of climbing trees. Scruffy meets Princess, a cardinal, brave and kind-hearted.
Their friendship helps them both.
This simple and relatable challenge hopefully speaks to children of all ages navigating their own fears.
Beautifully illustrated by Hatice Bagramoglu, a well-known children’s book illustrator.
Purchase Princess and Scruffy here>>