Interview with Laura Essay, author of Side Effects Are Minimal
Today it gives the Indie Crime Scene great pleasure to interview Laura Essay, author of Side Effects Are Minimal.
What is the significance of the opioid crisis in the States, and why did you choose to write a novel about it?
The opioid crisis is a pervasive issue that has cast a long shadow over countless lives in the United States. The crisis transcends demographics, affecting everyone from CEOs to grandmothers. The nightly news, newspaper articles, online news sites, and witnessing the issue firsthand grabbed my attention and continued to poke at me. I had to ask myself, "How big is this? How did it start? Is it just the cartel we see on TV? How many people are affected? Who are they?" I needed answers to these questions. As I discovered the truth, I felt like a child who had found a dark secret and needed to tell. Maybe telling would make it stop.
How far is Side Effects Are Minimal inspired by real events, and what challenges did that pose for you as a writer and a lawyer?
Side Effects Are Minimal is deeply inspired by actual events. The novel is based on true stories and real-world data about the opioid crisis. One news report at a time – one story related to another, which referred to another, which referenced another until I was sucked down the rabbit hole to find an epidemic that is larger than is ever revealed. It's sneaky. It's powerful. And it's destroying families throughout the United States. Writing about these events posed challenges because it required meticulous research and a balance between factual accuracy and compelling storytelling. As a lawyer, ensuring that the legal aspects were portrayed accurately was paramount, but I also had to create a narrative that would engage readers emotionally.
Your protagonist, Claire Hewitt, is described as "an ambitious lawyer" who finds herself emotionally impacted and changed by a lawsuit that she takes on to represent the Satoris, a prominent Philadelphia family who have lost their daughter to opioid addiction. How much is Claire's journey based on your experience?
Claire is a younger me or a wishful image of me. I was assistant attorney general and know how to fight for what is right, expose the wrongs committed, and get to the truth. Claire embodies the qualities of a determined and compassionate lawyer who fights for the underdog while reconciling her past and never losing sight of herself. Her journey, while fictional, draws heavily from my professional experiences and personal aspirations.
Your pursuit of advocacy has focused on representing the vulnerable and on social issues. Was that how you started, and how did it influence your decision to write about the opioid addiction scandal?
Yes, my life goals have always been about advocacy and representing the vulnerable. This focus on social issues naturally influenced my decision to write about opioid addiction in America. The deceptive power of opioids and their devastating impact on individuals and families aligned with my desire to shed light on critical societal issues and advocate for change through my writing.
What are the challenges of writing a novel instead of drafting legal documents - a very formal process?
Writing a novel differs significantly from drafting legal documents. Legal writing is precise, structured, and formal, focusing on clarity and legal accuracy. In contrast, novel writing allows for creativity, emotional depth, and narrative complexity. Balancing the factual elements of the opioid crisis with the fictional narrative in Side Effects Are Minimal was challenging. Still, it also provided an opportunity to explore the human stories behind the legal cases.
How does Claire come to act for the Satori family, and how much can you tell us about them?
Claire is asked to represent the Satoris, one of Philadelphia's most prominent families, in a lawsuit over the death of their daughter. The Satori family, particularly Clifford Satori, adds another layer of complexity to the narrative. Their prominence and wealth contrast sharply with the typical portrayal of families affected by addiction, emphasizing that the opioid crisis does not discriminate. While understandable, Clifford's thirst for revenge underscores the broader societal struggle between seeking justice and succumbing to vengeful desires.
Claire has a personal connection to the opioid crisis; she lost her sister Molly to addiction two decades ago. What can you tell us about this past tragedy, and how does it affect Claire's decision to fight for justice?
Claire's journey is deeply personal—her sister Molly's death, likely linked to opioids, has haunted her for decades. This case forces Claire to confront her unresolved guilt and the harsh truths about an industry that prioritizes profit over people. Her personal stakes and unresolved guilt drive her narrative, making her a complex and relatable character.
How did you research the production of opioids, from the legal side to the illegal?
Researching this novel was a lot like the epidemic itself. It grew fast and furious with no shortage of tragic stories, until I confronted an epidemic far more extensive than ever revealed. It involved reading medical journals, data from the CDC, news articles, and personal accounts to understand the full scope of the opioid crisis. The more I read, the more I realized the extent of the epidemic and the insidious ways it affects individuals and families.
How important is the question of Big Pharma, and what role does it play in threatening Claire's campaign?
Big Pharma plays a crucial role in the narrative, representing the corporate greed and negligence at the heart of the crisis. Claire's battle against such a formidable opponent highlights the immense challenges faced by those who seek to hold these powerful entities accountable. The deceptive assurances and aggressive marketing by pharmaceutical companies are central to the conflict in the story.
How high are the stakes for Claire and those she represents? What does she stand to lose regarding her career - and more?
The stakes are incredibly high for Claire and those she represents. She stands to lose her career, her reputation, and a piece of herself if she fails to replace guilt with answers. The legal battle is not just about winning a case but about seeking justice for the countless lives affected by the opioid crisis. Claire's connection to the crisis adds another layer of urgency and risk to her mission.
What is the unique power of fiction in capturing and dramatizing ethical and moral dilemmas?
Fiction has the unique ability to humanize statistics, turning abstract numbers into relatable and compelling narratives. By incorporating actual events and data into a fictional framework, authors can shed light on important issues in a way that resonates deeply with readers. Fiction allows for exploring ethical and moral dilemmas in an engaging and thought-provoking way.
How do you deal with issues of such seriousness and complexity and leave room for nuance?
Dealing with severe and complex issues requires balancing factual accuracy and narrative depth. It's essential to present the facts while exploring the emotional and psychological impact on the characters. This approach allows for nuance, showing the multifaceted nature of the crisis and the people involved.
What would you like your readers to take away from this book?
I hope readers develop an understanding that opioids impact us all and the side effects are never minimal. I hope each reader will see drug addicts with a little more compassion and a little less judgment. 85% of heroin addicts began their drug journey with a legal prescription from their physician. Tomorrow's addict could be any of us.
What will you write next?
I'm continuing the conversation. I want those who are living this nightmare to realize that they aren't alone and those who feel distanced from the problem to understand that opioids are right around the corner for all of us. I'm also working on my next manuscript, which deals with the undeniable genetic connections between family members, whether we like it or not.
Anything else we should know?
Side Effects Are Minimal is a story based on actual events. Storytelling often reveals the truth and leads to conversations. Conversations can lead to knowledge and the opening of doors. Knowledge and open doors can change lives. It can save lives.
Preorder here
About Laura Essay:
Laura
attended the University of Nebraska and obtained a law degree with honors from
Creighton University School of Law. A profound commitment to serving others
shaped Laura's professional journey. Her firsthand experience as an assistant
attorney general equipped her with a deep understanding of pressing issues,
particularly the opioid crisis gripping America.
Beyond
her legal and writing careers, she has tirelessly devoted herself to
humanitarian efforts by extending aid to vulnerable populations.
In
her moments of respite, Laura finds solace in various pursuits, including
cooking, music, running, and travel.
For
further information visit, www.lauraessay.com
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