Q&A with Laura Essay

 

 

Laura Essay is the author of the new novel Side Effects Are Minimal, which focuses on the opioid crisis. Also an attorney, she served as an assistant attorney general for the state of Nebraska. She lives in Lincoln, Nebraska.

 

Q: What inspired you to write Side Effects Are Minimal, and how did you create your character Claire?

 

A: The nightly news, newspaper articles, online news sites, and witnessing the [opioid] 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 discovered a dark secret and needed to tell. Maybe telling would make it stop.

 

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 that have been committed and get to the truth. The character of Claire grew into a person we would all want on our side. She fights for the underdog while reconciling her past and never losing sight of herself.

 

Q: How was the novel’s title chosen, and what does it signify for you?

 

A: The title signifies the blinders society is wearing and the lies we tell ourselves so we can sleep at night. The title is the denial that is more comfortable than facing the truth.

 

The title came directly from the mouth of [my character] Phil Westcott, who might have believed what he was saying but may very well have been too self-absorbed to face what he was doing. While side effects can sometimes be minimal, they often aren’t, and like opioids, it’s sheer speculation on how anyone will be affected.

Q: How did you research the novel, and did you learn anything that especially surprised you?

 

A: 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.

 

I was surprised, as readers will be as well, by the deceptive power of opioids. What begins as an innocent and trusting relationship between a physician and patient can become an overnight devastation.

 

Most of society thinks of drug addicts as different from themselves. We think it’s an US and THEM game. But it’s not. Addiction is standing outside our front doors waiting for the right moment to burst inside. Under the right circumstances and a stroke of bad luck, any of us could be the next addict.

 

Q: What do you hope readers take away from the story?

 

A: 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 judgement. 85 percent of heroin addicts began their drug journey with a legal prescription from their physician. Tomorrow’s addict could be any of us.

 

Q: What are you working on now?

 

A: Continuing the conversation. I want those who are living this nightmare to realize they aren’t alone and those who feel distanced from the problem to understand that opioids are right around the corner from all of us.

 

I’m also working on my next manuscript, which has nothing to do with opioids. It deals with the undeniable genetic connections between family members whether we like it or not. 

 

Q: Anything else we should know?

 

A: Side Effects Are Minimal is a story based on true events. Storytelling often reveals the truth and leads to conversations. Conversations can lead to understanding and the opening of doors. Understanding and open doors can change lives. It can save lives.

 

--Interview with Deborah Kalb