Meet Maureen Joyce Connolly

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maureen Joyce Connolly.  

Hi Maureen, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
While I’ve spent most of my adult life on the east coast, growing up in Michigan gave me a special appreciation for the natural world, in particular, lakes. With my Bachelor’s degree in physiology from Michigan State University, I started my career at Pfizer Pharmaceuticals in Connecticut, after which I opened a consulting firm that helped specialty drug companies to develop medications for ultra-rare diseases. 

I loved my life in science! But in the darkest part of the night, I would think about pursuing a deeply held dream, that of being a writer. At first, to unwind from analytical work, I’d come home and engage in creative activities like cooking and gardening. But after having some poetry published, I decided to attempt to write a full-time novel (at the age of fifty!) 

I took many years and so much patience, but eventually, I was able to land a literary agent and a publisher who released my debut novel, LITTLE LOVELY THINGS in 2019. 

I’ve never forgotten my roots and, in fact, feature Lake Michigan in my book. My background in science and love of the natural world continues to inform and inspire my writing. 

If anything, I hope to serve as an inspiration for others. Pursue your dreams no matter where you are in life, as the path will become clear to you as long as you try. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have faced so many struggles along my journey through life. My husband has a career the required many relocations. No sooner would my family establish friends and a sense of community than we were off again. It was not easy being far from my extended family in Michigan. Also, chronic health issues have plagued my family for years. But my biggest challenge was to remain determined to keep working on my passion project – that of writing a novel. It took over ten years and required acquiring knowledge and skills I was never certain I possessed. Thankfully, I held steady and, bit by bit, continued forward. I am now a full-time writer and loving it! 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
It’s a strange mixture to be both scientifically oriented as well as creative and make successful careers in both! I laugh when people ask me how the two halves of my brain operate which is often against one another. But seriously, I loved working in the rare-disease space of medicine development since the results are tangibly beneficial. Being part of a team that helps deliver medication to people who are suffering is incredibly satisfying as well as humbling. Writing, on the other hand, brings a different type of satisfaction. I’ve found that the act of creating a fictional world with well-developed characters has expanded my viewpoint and extends empathy to others. 

What do you think about happiness?
I love so many things in life. I love wildflowers, I love pollinating insects, I love names of exotic birds, and I love sunsets. I am a foodie and appreciate interesting recipes and enjoy painting (especially flowers and sycamore trees), competing in races with my dragon boat team (Go Team Fierce!), and reading (of course). But what truly makes me happiest is spending time with good friends or my three children, my husband, and my pets; a ridiculous Jack Russell terrier named Huckleberry and an overweight Norwich terrier named Ruby (short for Rhubarb). 

Contact Info:

• Website: maureenjconnolly.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maureenjconnollyauthor
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maureenjconnollyauthor

Image Credits
Sharon Doughty