In a candid conversation, author Elle Cosimano shares her insights on crafting relatable female characters and the bold leap she took into the world of writing. Twelve years ago, Elle was thriving in real estate and marketing, yet felt a deep sense of unhappiness. Determined to change her path, she took a sabbatical, penned a young adult novel in just eight weeks, and embarked on her journey as a writer.
Now, she’s made a significant shift with her latest release: a comedy/mystery for adults that has captured the attention of many—people are even dressing their pets like the main character! Finlay Donovan Is Killing It tells the story of a woman caught in a whirlwind of unexpected events while discussing her murder mystery plot at Panera. Mistaken for a hitman, Finlay finds herself tangled in a murder investigation, where she is both a suspect and an unwitting accomplice—all while desperately needing a babysitter.
This novel resonates with women who feel overwhelmed or fantasize about taking drastic measures for a moment of peace. It’s a humorous yet poignant exploration of friendship and the lengths a mother will go to for her family. We chatted with Elle about the origins of Finlay, her writing process, and the inspirations behind her characters.
Q: This is your first adult novel. What’s different about the writing process?
A: Many wonder if writing for adults is vastly different from young adult fiction, but I find my process remains consistent. I still ask the same core questions about my characters—who they are at the beginning, what they yearn for, and what obstacles they face. The primary difference lies in the characters’ life experiences, which shape their journeys.
Q: The book has a lighthearted tone but addresses serious issues like childcare. Was that intentional?
A: I didn’t set out to embed specific messages. My aim was to authentically portray Finlay’s voice as a mother, reflecting the chaotic and beautiful moments of motherhood. My own experiences as a parent inform this, and I wanted to capture that raw reality, especially in light of the challenges many mothers face today.
Many readers have commented, “I am Finlay Donovan, minus the murder.” How do you achieve such authenticity with your character?
A: A lot of Finlay’s voice mirrors my internal monologue. The humor and frustrations she expresses come from a place of familiarity. However, unlike Finlay, I have a supportive partner, which adds a different dynamic to my life and writing.
Q: The bond between Finlay and her friend Vero is central to the story. How do you approach writing friendship?
A: It’s all about understanding the characters deeply and how they interact. Vero’s relationship with Finlay was the backbone of the story. I wanted to show that women can support each other unconditionally, drawing inspiration from my own friendships that have helped me navigate motherhood and life’s ups and downs.
Q: Your dedication mentions friends you’d bury a body for. Are they your inspiration?
A: Yes! Megan and Ashley are my critique partners and have been my support system for a decade. We’ve experienced motherhood and writing together, and the idea for Finlay Donovan sparked during a lunch at Panera, where we joked about how outsiders might misinterpret our conversation.
Q: What was your writing process like?
A: Surprisingly, my writing routine resembles Finlay’s. I often write at night after my kids go to bed. My day is filled with homeschooling and typical mom duties, but once everything settles, I dive into writing until early morning.
Q: What has the response to Finlay Donovan been like?
A: The reader response has been incredibly inspiring. It’s exhilarating to see the connections readers make with Finlay and Vero. I never expected fans to dress their pets as characters from my book! The enthusiasm and energy from the community have been overwhelming.
Q: Can you share your journey to becoming a writer?
A: I spent nearly 14 years in real estate and marketing without formal writing training. After feeling unfulfilled despite success, my mother encouraged me to take a sabbatical to write. I initially hesitated, but ultimately realized I had to pursue this passion. That summer, I dove into writing with my mother’s support.
For more insights into home insemination, check out this blog post, and for personalized gifts related to the topic, visit this excellent resource. Additionally, learn more about the intricacies of pregnancy and home insemination in this informative article.
Summary
Elle Cosimano’s Finlay Donovan Is Killing It is a comedic mystery that captures the chaotic essence of motherhood and female friendships. With relatable characters and themes, Elle’s journey from real estate to authoring this unique story showcases her dedication to authenticity and connection with readers.
SEO Metadata: