From a Law Enforcement Career to Writing Crime Novels | Patrick O'Donnell
Aug 15, 2025
I talk to a lot of writers who are just getting started in their 40s and 50s. That was certainly the case for me. I was a college professor for many years, then made the transition to ghostwriting and author coaching in my mid-40s. I can name dozens of other writers who have made similar transitions to a writing career mid-life.
It’s tempting to feel like you’re getting a late start, but I believe the opposite is actually true: you have a head start because you have a wealth of knowledge from your previous career that you can apply to your writing.
That’s certainly the case with my guest today, Patrick O’Donnell. He’s built a very successful career writing fiction, and I know you’ll be inspired by his journey. Let me tell you a bit about him.
Sgt. Patrick O’Donnell worked in one of the nation’s largest police departments for 25 years. He has been in charge of thousands of crime scenes and investigations, including homicides, sexual assaults, and robberies. Now as an author, he helps people write the best crime-related novel or screenplay possible.
Patrick is the product of two young Irish immigrants. He was born and spent his early childhood in the great city of Chicago.
He lives with his wife, kids, and three dogs. Patrick has published self-help books under different pen names and made Amazon’s bestseller lists. His hobbies include physical fitness, travel, and riding motorcycles.
In our conversation, Patrick and I discuss how he became interested in writing after a long career in law enforcement, his experience working with a co-writer, how he develops stories, how he uses podcasting in his business, how he markets and promotes his books, and much more.
You can connect with Patrick and find out more about his resources and books at https://copsandwriters.com.
