Morgan McDonnell's Blog
December 12, 2024
The Story Behind "Under the Autumn Leaves"
When I first began writing Under the Autumn Leaves, I never could have imagined the path it would take me on. Today, as my debut novel hits the shelves, I want to share a little of the journey behind its creation.
The idea for this book had been lingering in my mind for quite some time. Creativity has always been a part of who I am, but as someone who is neurodivergent, I often used that as a reason to avoid committing to big projects. Writing this novel became a personal challenge—a way to prove to myself that I could set a goal and see it through to the end.
Inspiration for the story came from many of the cases featured on Crimepedia. These victims’ stories mattered deeply, and while elements of their experiences have been fictionalized, I approached this project with the hope of honoring their memories in a meaningful way.
Detective John DiMatteo’s character was shaped by some of the most remarkable investigators we’ve had the privilege to speak with through Crimepedia. With John, I wanted to explore how the burden of unsolved cases weighs on those tasked with solving them, and how personal loss can shape the way they see the world. His struggles with grief aren’t just a narrative device; they’re an exploration of how sorrow can both shatter and motivate us.
Dr. Claire Harper’s role in the story is equally vital. As a forensic psychologist, she sees beyond the surface of the evidence, delving into the psychological traces left behind. Her own tragic past lends her a unique perspective on both victims and perpetrators. Through Claire, I hoped to illuminate how deep professional insight often comes at a personal cost.
Columbus, Ohio, where I’ve lived for over 40 years, became a character in its own right within the story. This city, with its vibrant energy and quiet natural beauty, felt like the perfect setting for a tale about the contrast between appearances and reality. Anyone who has experienced an Ohio autumn will recognize the atmosphere I tried to evoke—that bittersweet blend of beauty and melancholy as the leaves fall.
Writing this book was an incredible journey. There were times when the darkness of the subject matter felt overwhelming, but like John and Claire, I discovered that confronting our shadows can lead to unexpected light. Through their partnership, I wanted to show that healing is possible, even in the wake of profound loss.
To everyone who reads Under the Autumn Leaves, thank you for embarking on this journey with me. My hope is that you’ll be drawn into the mystery, touched by the characters’ struggles, and ultimately inspired by their resilience.
Happy reading,
Morgan
The idea for this book had been lingering in my mind for quite some time. Creativity has always been a part of who I am, but as someone who is neurodivergent, I often used that as a reason to avoid committing to big projects. Writing this novel became a personal challenge—a way to prove to myself that I could set a goal and see it through to the end.
Inspiration for the story came from many of the cases featured on Crimepedia. These victims’ stories mattered deeply, and while elements of their experiences have been fictionalized, I approached this project with the hope of honoring their memories in a meaningful way.
Detective John DiMatteo’s character was shaped by some of the most remarkable investigators we’ve had the privilege to speak with through Crimepedia. With John, I wanted to explore how the burden of unsolved cases weighs on those tasked with solving them, and how personal loss can shape the way they see the world. His struggles with grief aren’t just a narrative device; they’re an exploration of how sorrow can both shatter and motivate us.
Dr. Claire Harper’s role in the story is equally vital. As a forensic psychologist, she sees beyond the surface of the evidence, delving into the psychological traces left behind. Her own tragic past lends her a unique perspective on both victims and perpetrators. Through Claire, I hoped to illuminate how deep professional insight often comes at a personal cost.
Columbus, Ohio, where I’ve lived for over 40 years, became a character in its own right within the story. This city, with its vibrant energy and quiet natural beauty, felt like the perfect setting for a tale about the contrast between appearances and reality. Anyone who has experienced an Ohio autumn will recognize the atmosphere I tried to evoke—that bittersweet blend of beauty and melancholy as the leaves fall.
Writing this book was an incredible journey. There were times when the darkness of the subject matter felt overwhelming, but like John and Claire, I discovered that confronting our shadows can lead to unexpected light. Through their partnership, I wanted to show that healing is possible, even in the wake of profound loss.
To everyone who reads Under the Autumn Leaves, thank you for embarking on this journey with me. My hope is that you’ll be drawn into the mystery, touched by the characters’ struggles, and ultimately inspired by their resilience.
Happy reading,
Morgan
