An Interview with Sean O’Leary

Emerging from the vibrant streets of Brooklyn, NY, where he first entered the world, O’Leary’s journey has been nothing but remarkable, serving as a true inspiration. Raised within a family deeply connected to their German and Irish heritage, O’Leary’s formative years in Brooklyn were characterized by a profound inquisitiveness about the world and a keen intellect, leading him to graduate from the esteemed Brooklyn Technical High School at the tender age of 17. Fuelled by the aspiration of becoming an electrical engineer, he embarked on a westward expedition to Salt Lake City, Utah, shortly after the momentous floods of 1982. At the University of Utah, O’Leary’s dedication and enthusiasm for engineering shone brightly. Through his relentless pursuit of knowledge and excellence, he successfully earned both a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering. These academic accomplishments marked the inception of a successful career, where O’Leary founded his own Engineering Solutions firm. Through collaborations with esteemed companies and prominent scientists, he has played a pivotal role in advancing the field of electrical engineering and participating in groundbreaking projects.

In addition to his profound understanding of circuits and schematics, O’Leary discovers profound happiness and purpose in his personal life. He is blessed with a blissful marriage to an exceptional woman from Bolivia, with whom he cherishes the joys of parenthood and embraces the enriching experiences of love and diverse cultures. O’Leary’s enchanting journey as a photographer commenced at the tender age of four when his father bestowed upon him a camera, an act that sparked an enduring ardor for capturing fleeting moments and weaving captivating narratives. This irrevocable passion is evident in his extensive expeditions across 12 countries and over 40 U.S. states, including the picturesque Puerto Rico.

Presently, O’Leary dedicates his imaginative spirit to the art of writing, embarking on a creative journey that has culminated in the completion of his inaugural full-length novel, Dan Tesson. This enthralling thriller guarantees to captivate readers, evoking a sense of suspense that will keep them perched on the edge of their seats. Additionally, his literary repertoire encompasses a heartwarming children’s book titled The Princess and Scruffy, as well as a photographic compilation entitled The Road of Blood: Buchenwald, which poignantly recounts his profoundly emotional inaugural visit to Germany. These literary works eloquently demonstrate O’Leary’s versatility and profound insight as an author, captivating audiences with narratives that are both enthralling and thought-provoking.

O’Leary’s books serve as a testament to his bold and curious nature, as well as his unwavering dedication to embracing uncharted territories, both literal and metaphorical. Beyond being mere narratives, his literary creations offer profound voyages that beckon readers to embark on an introspective exploration of the intricacies of the human soul and the splendor that envelops our existence. Anticipating his forthcoming endeavors, we can expect a profound immersion into the realms of discovery, fortitude, and the unwavering pursuit of one’s aspirations.

O’Leary’s writings offer a valuable collection for those in search of inspiring, exciting, and immersive books that can transport readers to familiar and unfamiliar worlds. His works are a hidden gem waiting to be explored, inviting readers to embark on a thrilling journey through vibrant pages filled with innovation and the potential for new experiences. Whether you enjoy suspenseful thrillers, enchanting children’s tales, or captivating travel accounts, O’Leary’s varied selection of books caters to a diverse audience, establishing him as a leading figure in contemporary storytelling.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

I have loved books and stories since I was a young child. It seems very natural that I wanted to write stories as well.

What inspired you to start writing this book?

I started to write this book in the early 2000s. It was only a few years after 9/11 and it seemed that the world was not as stable as it was when I grew up. I imagined a person who had unlimited power and wondered what would happen if they tried to fix the world. I was told two things, unlimited power will always corrupt someone and you can’t have a protagonist with great power unless you have an antagonist to balance them out. I was not interested in writing a formula novel, I wanted to explore the nature of humanity. Are people inherently good or evil? I have long thought that if we worked together we could do anything, but we always seem to be fighting one another.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

For me, it was easy. It is the name of my protagonist and the origin of my book. Dan Tesson comes from Dante’s Son. I feel that Dan Tesson is a modern retelling of Dante’s Inferno. Dan, unlike Dante, is an atheist and so cannot wait for people to be judged until after death. Dan is a good man and wants to do the right thing. He just needs to decide what that is. After all, what would you do if all of a sudden you had unlimited powers?

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

In chapter 6 Dan and his best friend Jon play guitars while camping. I think their songs would make a great soundtrack: “Hotel California” – The Eagles, “The Sound of Silence” – Simon & Garfunkel, “Crossroads” – Robert Johnson, “Pride and Joy” – SRV, “The Thrill is Gone” – B. B. King, “Dust in the Wind” – Kansas, “Back in Black” – AC-DC, “Classical Gas” – Mason Williams, “Etude in A Minor” – Dionisio Aguado, “E Minor Bouree” – J.S. Bach, “Mazuka Choro” – Heitor Villa-Lobos, “Autumn Leaves” – Roger Williams, “Georgia on My Mind” – Ray Charles, “Summertime” – Ella Fitzgerald, and “Round Midnight” – Thelonious Monk. Good music!

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

I decided to go into electrical engineering when I was in high school in Brooklyn (Brooklyn Tech!). I have enjoyed that career. A few years ago I decided I would start my own engineering design firm. That has been a great adventure. I love helping to bring people’s ideas to reality.

What books did you read (for research or comfort) throughout your writing process?

For research, I reread Dante’s Inferno. My son gave me a copy of The Hero with a Thousand Faces, by Joseph Campbell, which really helped me navigate through my first novel. For comfort, I have been enjoying The Dresden Files, by Jim Butcher, for many years.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

There are many difficult topics in the book, things we as a society face or hide from every day. I hope my readers think about those topics, talk to their friends and family about them, and consider what they can do to make the world a better place. As I go around to book signings and talk with different groups of people, it is the discussions that we have based on situations in the book that I find the most exciting.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.