Author Laurie Buchanan Shares Motivation and Inspiration about her Award-Winning Thriller Novels
The author of the Sean McPherson crime thriller series weaves suspense and authenticity into every page
Hello. I’m Laurie Buchanan. As the author of the Sean McPherson crime thriller series, I weave suspense and authenticity into every page. While intricate plots and compelling characters fuel my work, I’m equally drawn to the philosophy of storytelling—the way narratives shape identity, resilience, and connection.
Sean "Mick" McPherson and I are both reliable, take-the-bull-by-the-horns kinds of people—largehearted, kind, and compassionate, but never gullible. And yes, we can both shoot the whiskers off a gnat at fifty yards.
The title of each Sean McPherson novel is a four-letter “I” word, which is only used once (except for in Illusionist) in each book—Indelible, Iconoclast, Impervious, Iniquity, Illusionist. The entire storyline is based on that word. A great horned owl also makes a brief appearance in each book. Through their eyes, readers see something that others don’t.
Beyond the page, I engage with readers through virtual events, craft promotional materials that build anticipation, and explore themes of identity and renewal in my work. My writing isn’t just about crime and mystery—it’s about peeling back layers, finding meaning, and creating stories that linger long after the last chapter.
Though I’ve written two award-winning nonfiction books, fiction is where my heart lies. Nonfiction is clinically creative, rooted in fact, while fiction is a boundless exploration—an invitation to unleash my wild imagination.
I love creating characters, especially antagonists. Their depth requires extensive research, often inspired by real-life "bad guys and gals" whose stories shape my villains.
I gift myself at least one writing retreat each year. The location? A mystery. But I share glimpses from "Undisclosed Location.”
I’m married to Len, a private pilot, and we live in the hayloft portion of a carriage house—our son and granddaughter reside below us. It’s a win-win situation.
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
I love to travel!
I reread To Kill a Mockingbird every New Year's Day.
I take three two-mile walks daily.
I’m an avid photographer, capturing images on my walks to use in social media posts.
I reached my full height—5'8"—the summer before seventh grade.
I’m a dyed-in-the-wool minimalist.
My favorite scents? Freshly sharpened pencils, pine trees, and hot-from-the-oven baked bread.
My favorite dessert? Crème brûlée.
My favorite actors? Meryl Streep and Tom Hanks.
My favorite flowers? Tulips—all colors.
One of my favorite companions? Henry, our 86-pound, not-so-standard, Standard Poodle.
DAILY SCHEDULE
I thrive in an uncluttered space. One essential item? My daily schedule. Not an appointment planner—that's separate. This document, pictured below, ensures I dot my i’s and cross my t’s before diving into my writing day.
Left Column:
Post morning content and prep graphics for the next day.
Engage with key Facebook pages—liking, commenting, and sharing.
Organize photos and emails.
Clear digital clutter to keep my laptop running smoothly.
Right Column:
Check Google alerts and respond to mentions.
Manage my website and blog, reviewing analytics—especially if I have an ad or promo running.
Write and post book reviews.
During ARC season, track pre-publication reviews and create graphics.
Writing Time: I write from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., pausing only for my noon social media post and a two-mile walk. My other two walks bookend the writing day—one before morning posts, and one after closing my laptop.
After my writing day, I usually pop my earbuds in and listen to an audiobook while working on a puzzle. Either that, or I play a cut-throat game of backgammon with my husband.
FOLLOW MY SHENANIGANS
Website: https://www.lauriebuchanan.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauriebuchanan.author/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TuesWithLaurie
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/15034347.Laurie_Buchanan
Substack: https://lauriebuchanan.substack.com
Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/lauriebuchanan.bsky.social
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/laurie-buchanan
Wow, are you organized! I don't know how you have enough time in each day to get through that schedule. love your favorite things. I too love crème brûlée.
I love your list! It's so smart to do this. It's easy to let things slip through the cracks otherwise because there is a lot to manage. (I was just looking at my download folder and thinking that I really should do something about that -- perhaps put the downloads that need saving in their proper document folder?) And just so you know--I look forward to the photos you share from your walks. It's a bright spot in my day!