Some writers arrive at storytelling late in life, while others seem to carry it with them from the very beginning. Ed Londergan belongs firmly in the latter camp. Writing stories since childhood, shaped by a deep love of reading and the influence of a master storyteller grandfather, Londergan approaches fiction with an intuitive sense of voice, character, and human truth. His work spans multiple genres—from historical fiction to comic capers—but what ties it all together is a steady focus on people: their flaws, their humor, their regrets, and the quiet moments that make them recognizable to us all. He writes with a casual, accessible style that invites readers to forget they’re reading and simply live inside the story
In this interview, Londergan reflects on the winding road that led him to a full creative life, the writers who shaped his craft, and the philosophy that guides his storytelling. He speaks candidly about creativity, discipline, doubt, and confidence—about trusting the muse when it shows up and stepping away when it doesn’t.
Just as revealing are the details of how he observes the world, stores moments away, and draws on them later, whether at the keyboard, in the kitchen, or out on the water in his canoe. What emerges is a portrait of a writer who values curiosity, patience, and human connection above all else—and who believes that good stories begin by paying close attention.
Interview With Ed
How long have you been writing, and what first inspired you to start?
I’ve been writing since I was a kid, probably nine or ten years old, just little stories that popped into my head. My inspiration came from two places—my love of reading and my grandfather. I read every day. I could read better than any other kid even at an early age, so my kindergarten teacher had me read stories to the class. My grandfather was a master storyteller, weaving everyday things from stories of his life to things that happened to my great-grandparents and great-great-grandparents.
What genre do you write—and what genres do you personally love to read?
I write fiction but don’t restrict myself to one genre. My interests are too varied. My first three books—The Devil’s Elbow, The Long Journey Home, and Unlike Any Other—are historical fiction.
The next one, The Farmhouse, is commercial fiction based on the family in the first two. My next book, Father Bob’s Biker Bar, is a small-town comic caper. The one I’m currently working on is Down Every Road, a continuation of The Farmhouse.
I have another with the working title The Front Page, a comic caper. It started off as a short story about a 28-year-old guy trying to pick up women at a funeral and took on a life of its own. I’ve put it on the shelf for now but will get back to it soon
Who are some of your favorite authors or books that have shaped you as a writer?
I read two books a week on average. I have lots of favorite authors. John Steinbeck, Stephen King, Carl Hiaasen, Robert B. Parker, Fredrik Backman, Janet Evanovich, Margaret Atwood, John Sandford, Zane Grey, Kenneth Roberts, and James Patterson, just to name several.
They’ve all played a part in shaping my writing. Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, my go-to book, taught me about the depth of human emotion. I learned how to develop characters from Stephen King.
The characters in his books are like a Norman Rockwell painting in words. Robert Parker’s books taught me about pacing, how to keep the readers turning the pages. Carl Hiassen showed me how to use absurdist comedy in telling a story. I’ve learned something from every one.
For readers meeting you for the first time, how would you describe your writing style and the themes you gravitate toward?
My writing style is casual. I keep it simple, focusing on the commonalities to all of us. Every person on earth is happy and sad, cries and laughs, worries about things of no consequence, loves and hates. I use all the emotions to pull people into the story so they forget that they’re reading. Some of my recent characters, like Sam from The Farmhouse and Woody Cheatham from Father Bob’s Biker Bar, are wiseasses with a sarcastic sense of humor.
What’s the story behind your current book or series—what drew you into that world or these characters?
I wasn’t planning to write this book, but the idea popped into my head and wouldn’t go away, like the last guest at a party that you couldn’t get rid of.
It’s a father and son bonding experience during a summer long road trip.
The father, a mildly successful writer, is a recovering alcoholic, and the son was in foster homes after his mother died.
Neither knew the other existed until they found each other.
Which character in your latest book surprised you the most during the writing process?
The son, Zach. He’s thirteen, and I’m telling some chapters from his point of view. I’d forgotten how obnoxious and stubborn kids of that age can be, but it all came back pretty easily.
Every writer has their own rhythm—what does your writing routine look like on a good day?
I’m retired, so my day is my own. I’m a night owl, so I sleep in, work out, and then write for an hour or two, sometimes more. I will write later in the day too. I do not write every day. If I do that half the time, it’s crap, flat and boring. But when I write, I can have the writing muse sitting on my shoulder and go for a few hours. I wrote almost 5,000 words one morning.
Was there a moment while writing this book when everything suddenly clicked (or when you almost threw the manuscript across the room)?
Every writer has days when they think they’re the greatest wordsmith in the world and are waiting to see their book on the New York Times bestseller list. There are other days when they wonder what the hell they’re wasting their time for. They think no one likes anything they’ve written, and they feel the weight of failure. The truth is that we all have days like that. I recognize that and take a philosophical approach to things. I know I’m a good writer. I’ve been told that enough times to give me confidence to go on. People like my stories.
What books, movies, or personal experiences have influenced your storytelling the most?
There’s no one movie or book that’s influenced me. I think of myself as a sponge. I absorb all the sights, sounds, emotions, and experiences and store them away until I need to draw from them. As I mentioned, my grandfather was probably the greatest influence on me, although he died before I realized that, so I never got the chance to tell him.
If you could give one piece of advice to new or aspiring writers, what would you tell them?
I have many pieces of advice, but here’s a few: Start writing and don’t stop. If you write, you’re a writer. Don’t judge yourself during the process. Just keep writing. Bring the story alive. Make the reader smell, taste, feel, and hear it. Join a writer’s group. The friendship and support you’ll get is immeasurable to your writing satisfaction, and possible success.
If you can’t find a group that suits you, start your own. I began one several years ago, and after some fluctuations in members and changes in format, we’ve evolved into a strong, supportive group. Go to writing workshops. Never stop learning how to be a better writer.
And last, read, read, read, and read. The more you read the more exposure you’ll have to writing styles, and you’ll learn from them.
Dorothy Parker, writer, poet, critic, and founding member of the famed Algonquin Club, has a quote about young writers. It’s in jest and not meant to be taken seriously, of course.v
“If you have any young friends who aspire to become writers, the second greatest favor you can do them is to present them with copies of The Elements of Style. The first greatest, of course, is to shoot them now, while they’re happy.”
–Dorothy Parker
What’s one fun or unexpected fact about you that readers wouldn’t guess from your official bio?
I’m a great cook. I love to cook and have a thousand recipes I work from. My creativity happens even in the kitchen. My mother hardly ever measured ingredients; she eyeballed everything, and it all came out great. I can do the same thing.
I also don’t always stick to the recipe. I’m not afraid to take a chance. I’m also an adventurous eater. If there’s something on a menu I’ve never had, I’ll order it. I also grow roses, have a small apple orchard, spend the summer writing on my screen porch and enjoy exploring lakes and rivers in my canoe, Mabel. I also paint, mostly watercolors of sunsets.
How do you stay motivated or creative when the writing gets tough?
I walk away for a bit, do something else. Usually, I do something with my hands. I’ve found that some sort of manual labor puts your brain in neutral and that is restorative. I also use a pen and pad of paper. Writing longhand sometimes clears the cobwebs and gets me back on track.
What qualities make a good fiction writer?
I think the most important things for a good writer to have are a good memory, strong imagination, and powers of observation. It’s vitally important to remember little scenes, snatches of conversation, everyday moments. I let my imagination go wild, sometimes to my detriment.
There are times when I have too many ideas and the plot or a character may change a few times in a month. As a writer, observing the world around you, the way people move and talk, how it feels on a beautiful day, the smell of the ocean, all those things that you experience, is invaluable. I notice just about everything and file it away until I need it.
How do you share what you’ve learned about writing, editing, and publishing?
I teach a full day creative writing workshop in March of every year. I’ve been doing it for ten years. It’s a blast. I love sharing with others what I’ve learned on my writing journey.
I’ve written, done editorial work, and have experience with traditional, hybrid and self-publishing, so I’m well versed in the writing and publishing world although I’m always learning something new.
When I was 18, I had no idea what I wanted to do, so my dad had me take a career assessment with a consultant.
It turned out that I was best suited to be a writer and teacher, so when I graduated from Holy Cross, I went into the insurance business. It took me thirty years to figure out that I should write and teach, but I got there and realized my dream.
Where can readers follow you online and keep up with your future books?
I’ll admit that I have not done much with social media. I’m guilty of that sin. However, there were certain family situations that kept me tied up for the last couple of years, but now those are behind me, and I can focus on getting to be where I should be with social media. Folks can find me on my website, Facebook, and Instagram.
You can also find Ed’s books on Amazon.
