A Tale of Resilience,Independence, and Storytelling
S. Lee Fisher transitioned from a clinical pharmacist to an award-winning novelist, drawing on her background and personal experiences to create compelling stories featuring strong, independent women.
S
. Lee Fisher, also known as Dr. “P.,” has made a remarkable transition from a clinical pharmacist to a multi-award-winning fiction writer. Born and raised in small-town Pennsylvania, Fisher’s life has been a testament to the strength and independence instilled in her by her mother from an early age. This foundation led her to become the first woman in her county to pay a man support in her mid-twenties, a significant milestone that marked the beginning of her journey as a trailblazer.
After moving to Pittsburgh, Fisher enjoyed a successful corporate career managing retrospective clinical programs for the PBM side of a Fortune 20 company. However, it was the grief of her father’s passing that led her to discover a new passion: storytelling. This newfound love for writing, particularly stories featuring strong women, has since become the cornerstone of her career as a novelist.
Fisher’s background in pharmacy and her corporate career have significantly influenced her approach to writing and storytelling. She explains, “I have always been left-brain/right-brain equal, with the left having a slight advantage. When choosing a college major, my choices were music, design, or pharmacy. Even as a teen, I knew that I needed money to eat. Pharmacy won.” This practical decision laid the groundwork for her structured and organized approach to writing, essential for crafting sweeping generational sagas.
Her corporate experience also taught her the importance of preparation and foresight, skills that have proven invaluable in her writing. “Corporately, I encouraged my staff to prepare not only for the question/task posed but for the next three follow-up questions, which is an applicable approach to writing fiction,” Fisher notes.
The theme of strong women is central to Fisher’s work, a reflection of her mother’s influence. “My mother preached the importance of a woman’s independence, both emotional and financial. She never wanted her daughters to be trapped in a marriage or dependent on a man for survival,” Fisher recalls. This theme is vividly portrayed in her novels, particularly in “Becoming Olive W.” and “Westchester Farm,” where her characters navigate the challenges of a time before women could vote, striving for education and independence.
“Becoming Olive W.” is set in early 20th century Western Pennsylvania, a historical setting that Fisher meticulously researched to ensure accuracy. “Research is one of my pleasures in life. Canvasing antique stores, rummaging attics, visiting old cemeteries, reenactments, and recreations bring an added dimension to written information,” she shares. This dedication to authenticity enriches her storytelling, bringing her characters and their worlds to life.
Fisher’s debut novel, “A Mystery of Grace,” explores complex themes such as deception, betrayal, and the consequences of decisions. Inspired by her father’s memory, Fisher hopes readers understand that actions have consequences, but with contrition, anything is forgivable. “I want my readers to understand that actions suffer consequences, but with contrition, anything is forgivable. However, a little forethought can prevent the need for forgiveness,” she emphasizes.
Beyond writing, Fisher’s hobbies, including painting watercolors, ballroom dancing, and swimming, also influence her creative process. “I draw on the knowledge of my many hobbies to enhance my characters’ attributes,” she explains. These personal interests add depth and authenticity to her characters, making them relatable and multifaceted.
For aspiring writers looking to create complex and resilient female characters, Fisher offers valuable advice: “When writing strong women, do not make them successful in all aspects of life. Rather, give them one or two fallible traits to keep them human and relatable.” This approach ensures that her characters are not only powerful but also deeply human, with strengths and flaws that resonate with readers.
S. Lee Fisher’s journey from pharmacy to fiction is a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and the enduring influence of strong women. Her stories continue to inspire and captivate, offering readers a glimpse into the lives of characters who, much like Fisher herself, navigate life’s challenges with strength and grace.
