Anna Dorn on Scent, Storytelling, and Unlikable Women | Sick Sad Lit – Ep. 05

In this episode of Sick Sad Lit, author Anna Dorn joins me to discuss her novel Perfume and Pain, a sharp and provocative exploration of identity, desire, and self-destruction. Anna opens up about her writing process, and her transition from a legal career to full-time novelist. We dive into the literary value of unlikeable women in fiction, the cultural tension around cancel culture, and how queer literature allows space for complex, messy, fully human protagonists. Anna also shares her thoughts on the evolving business of writing — from the emotional toll of professional publishing to the power of author merch and literary events in building a community around books. The conversation touches on perfume as a narrative device, how creative inspiration comes from unexpected places (including music and social media), and why embracing vulnerability in storytelling is more radical than ever. Join the conversation with Sick Sad Lit on Substack and Instagram: https://www.sicksadlit.com/   / sicksadlit   Follow Anna on Instagram:   / ___adorn   ❤️‍🔥 Takeaways: Anna Dorn transitioned from law to writing, driven by her passion for storytelling. Her background in law influences her writing style and character development. Perfume plays a significant role in her latest novel, symbolizing desire and identity. The importance of author merchandise in connecting with readers. Literary events are crucial for networking and community building among writers. Unlikable characters often reflect societal frustrations and personal struggles. Writing is a deeply personal process, often influenced by lived experiences. Creative inspiration comes from various sources, including music and social media. The evolution of writing as a profession can lead to insecurity and pressure. Exploring diverse settings and characters in fiction can enrich storytelling. ✨ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Anna Dorn 03:00 From Law to Literature: A Career Shift 06:09 The Impact of Law on Writing 09:19 Exploring Perfume and Pain 11:28 The Role of Merchandising in Publishing 12:52 The Literary Scene in New Zealand 15:45 The Joys and Challenges of Writing Events 16:14 Character Development: Astrid's Voice 19:44 Navigating Cancel Culture in Writing 21:45 Exploring Unlikable Characters 27:17 The Balance of Personal Experience in Writing 31:46 The Writing Process: Drafting and Editing 36:52 Evolving Passion for Writing 39:29 Rituals and Routines in Writing 41:31 The Creative Process: Drafting vs. Editing 42:10 Lawyers and Crime Fiction: A Personal Perspective 43:22 Ethics in True Crime: A Personal Reckoning 43:24 Exploring Morally Ambiguous Characters in Fiction 44:43 Creative Inspirations: Music, Friends, and Social Media 46:00 The Impact of Music on Life Experiences 46:09 Upcoming Work: A Glimpse into the New Book 48:51 Ge Filter Fish - Neon Rapture.mp3 #SickSadLit #Booktube #bookpodcast    • Anna Dorn on Scent, Storytelling, and Unli...