“You probably aren’t going to find the really interesting stories on the internet. They aren’t on Google,”— Patrick Radden Keefe, in a recent interview with Gillian Flynn in Chicago

Keefe was here discussing his latest book “London Falling.” It was enlightening to hear about his storytelling process–where he gets his ideas, the open discussions he has with people before he starts his research, and the unexpected findings that emerge as he digs deeper.

While his books are about difficult subjects—the opioid crisis that exploded because of the Sackler family (Empire of Pain), the murder of a mother during The Troubles in Ireland (Say Nothing) and a young man’s unexplained murder in London, in his newest book, they are all engrossing . The history and side tales he tells that always link back to the main story, adding layers of interest.

An admittedly compulsive worker, I think Keefe is lucky to have found a career he likes “too much” (his words). And we are the lucky recipients, to be able to read his works.

Many of us have some creative outlet. He and Flynn agreed that we need to be selfish with our time to explore, practice, and create.  It is hard work to complete a project. It can be even more intimidating and humbling to share it with others. This is especially true where today’s feedback can be immediate, anonymous, and sometimes unkind.

But don’t hold back.

No matter what your creative passion, keep doing it and sharing with others. Find something you enjoy, dedicate time to improving, find others to support you if you can, and keep moving forward.

As Keefe said “when I sit down to write, I want to write the books that I want to read.”

The journey continues. Cindy