Sue Alcon O’Connor drew on real family, fictional murders
SunLit: Tell us this book's backstory. What inspired you to write it? Where did the story/theme originate?
Sue Alcon O'Connor: "A Justified Murder of Crows" is my second novel set in the small fictional town of Patton, Colorado. My first novel, "The Bone Shelter" introduced a cast of characters that took on a life of their own. What can I say? When you combine comedy and murder it's always a good time.
Many of the characters are based on people in my family. The jokes are real — the murders are not. We came close one Christmas when my uncle set the house on fire, but we let him live. My books stand alone, but I think it's much more fun if you read "The Bone Shelter" first. Not a necessity though. Having lived my entire life in Colorado it seems sensible to write about it.
SunLit: Place this excerpt in context. How does it fit into the book as a whole? Why did you select it?
O'Connor: "A Justified Murder of Crows" genre hops. It travels in time. This book takes you from a decades old mystery, to comedy to haunted house thriller. I didn't leave much out. I selected the excerpt because I wanted to give voice to a few of the main characters as they hop from everyday experiences to the fantastical.
SunLit: Tell us about creating this book. What influences and/or experiences informed the project before you sat down to write?
O'Connor: I began my writing career later in my life. I grew up in a Hispanic household in Westwood and then moved to the Barnum area. A lot of that upbringing stuck with me and seeps into my novels. Also, in 2021 my family lost my eldest son to colon cancer. He had served in the Navy for 10 years and had been exposed to radioactive material. Writing was an escape.
I lived and breathed Patton, Colorado, for months. Writing helped me heal. People liked the novel I'd written, and I needed to see where it would take me. It's still unbelievable to me that it has taken me this far. The best thing anyone ever said to me was that "The Bone Shelter" made them love reading again. I'm certain that "A Justified Murder of Crows" won't let fans of TBS down. It only gets wilder from here.
If I may add, my son died because of radiation exposure on a nuclear submarine. I've made it my life goal to get the word out. Veterans need to be tested often and early. Marshall was 41 years old when he died an unnecessary death. He left a wife that loved him and two small children. Yes, it can happen to you. If you're a vet, please start testing in your mid-30s. I answer all emails. Write to me. I'll point you in the right direction regarding the VA.
SunLit: What did the process of writing this book add to your knowledge and understanding of your craft and/or the subject matter?
O'Connor: Oh gosh, where do I start? I learned to take criticism with a grain of salt. Not everyone likes everything. When I was in high school, my creative writing teacher told me that I have a "unique and amazing talent. Too bad you can't ever do anything with it." I also learned that words matter. Children hear you when you speak. I heard her when she told me this.
It took me many years to jump back into writing. If you have a story, tell it! I always listen to my editor first, my gut second. I've learned so much from the editing process of my novels. There's always room for improvement...and there's always another story lurking. I've learned to take criticism for what it is—someone's opinion.
SunLit: What were the biggest challenges you faced in writing this book?
O'Connor: My writing process goes something like this: An idea! Another idea! So many, many ideas! Now to tie them all together. Imagine having an 80,000-piece jigsaw puzzle and only six of them have an image. Now imagine throwing them in the air, spreading them out and tying them together in a way that not only makes sense, but all the edges line up. So, I'd say glue. Glue is my biggest challenge. I fly by the seat of my pants, and it works for me.
SunLit: What's the most important thing — a theme, lesson, emotion or realization — that readers should take from this book?
O'Connor: This made me think! I'd say the importance of family and friendship. The good guys don't always win, but they sure do have a better chance.
SunLit: Tell us about your next project.
O'Connor: My next project is yet untitled. It is also set in Patton. There may or may not be a missing child, aliens, cops, a lovesick mortician, a mysterious old jail, love, sexy elderly people and donuts. Donuts seem to be a reoccurring theme.
A few more quick questionsSunLit: Which do you enjoy more as you work on a book – writing or editing?
O'Connor: Writing, hands down. My editor earns his money, believe me.
SunLit: What's the first piece of writing – at any age – that you remember being proud of?
O'Connor: I must have been about 8 or 9. I remember seeing a short and very silly poem I wrote — scrawled on the bathroom wall. Does that make me an 8- or 9-year-old published writer?
SunLit: What three writers, from any era, would you invite over for a great discussion about literature and writing?
O'Connor: Christopher Moore, Stephen King and Carl Hiaasen. I might ask if Janet Evanovich would like to crash the party. Beer's on me.
SunLit: Do you have a favorite quote about writing?
O'Connor: "When in doubt, have a man come through the door with a gun in his hand." — Raymond Chandler
SunLit: What does the current collection of books on your home shelves tell visitors about you?
O'Connor: It says that I have quite a variety of interests. Or it tells them to back out slowly while they still have a chance.
SunLit: Soundtrack or silence? What's the audio background that helps you write?
O'Connor: Silence. Total silence. I have the attention span of a gnat.
SunLit: What music do you listen to for sheer enjoyment?
O'Connor: Tuba classics? I'd say '80s alternative.
SunLit: What event, and at what age, convinced you that you wanted to be a writer?
O'Connor: I was sure about writing as a child. I'd write stories for my friends. I didn't come to the realization that I could "be" a writer till much later in life. It took the tragedy of losing my son to push me out of my comfort zone. Now, you can't put the toothpaste back into the tube.
SunLit: Greatest writing fear?
O'Connor: I forget things. I must write everything down. I fear having a brainstorm moment and it disappears into the ether.
SunLit: Greatest writing satisfaction?
O'Connor: Hearing, "this is the most fun I've ever had reading." Yep, straight into the beach-read bag. "The Bone Shelter" was written for the pure joy of escapism. "A Justified Murder of Crows" takes you right back to that place. Laughter is the best medicine.
