Picture a lawyer by day and a storyteller by night, weaving heartfelt tales of friendship and first love—meet Susan Mullen! This American novelist burst onto the young adult fiction scene with her debut, We Are Still Tornadoes, a nostalgic 1980s epistolary novel that captures the messy beauty of growing up. With a knack for authentic characters and witty banter, Mullen balances her legal career with a passion for crafting stories that resonate with teens and adults alike.
Born Susan Stevens in Chicago, Illinois, Mullen’s journey from courtroom to bookshelf is as compelling as her fiction. Her unique blend of legal precision and literary creativity has made her a rising star in contemporary young adult literature, inviting readers to relive the awkward, exhilarating transition from high school to adulthood.
The Making of Susan Mullen
Susan Mullen grew up in Chicago before her family relocated to Northern Virginia during her seventh-grade year. A self-proclaimed bookworm, she fell in love with fiction while studying English literature at Duke University. After earning a law degree from the University of Virginia, Mullen settled in Arlington, Virginia, with her husband, Kevin, a fellow law school classmate, and their two daughters, Haley and Hannah. Her legal career at the Reston office of Cooley honed her analytical skills, but her heart remained with storytelling. Inspired by her daughters and her own experiences, Mullen began writing in her spare time, channeling her love for narrative into fiction that feels both timeless and deeply personal.
Susan Mullen’s Unforgettable Stories
Mullen’s debut, We Are Still Tornadoes, co-written with Michael Kun and published in 2016, is a standout in young adult fiction. Set in 1982, this epistolary novel follows best friends Cath and Scott as they navigate their first year apart after high school. Through heartfelt letters, they share triumphs, heartaches, and 80s pop culture references, exploring themes of friendship, love, and self-discovery. Critics praised its humor and emotional depth, with Kirkus Reviews calling it “smart, charming, and delightful.” The novel’s nostalgic vibe and authentic voices earned it spots on Buzzfeed and Teen Vogue best-of lists.
Beyond her novel, Mullen authored Tips on Adopting Used Cats, a practical guide reflecting her love for animals, particularly her boxer, Griffin. While her bibliography is concise, Mullen’s writing shines for its vivid character development and conversational style. Her legal background brings a disciplined structure to her narratives, while her literary roots infuse them with warmth and relatability. Mullen’s stories often explore the complexities of relationships, making them resonate with readers navigating their own coming-of-age moments.
Currently, Mullen is working on her next novel, promising more stories that blend humor, heart, and the bittersweet pangs of youth. Her ability to capture the 1980s without clichés—think mixtapes and record stores—sets her apart in a crowded genre, appealing to both young readers and those craving a dose of nostalgia.
Why Susan Mullen Matters
Susan Mullen’s impact lies in her ability to make the ordinary extraordinary. Her debut novel reminds readers of the power of friendship in an era before texting, when letters carried the weight of connection. By focusing on authentic, flawed characters, Mullen bridges generational gaps, offering teens a mirror and adults a time machine. Her dual career as a lawyer and novelist inspires aspiring writers to pursue their passions, proving that creativity can thrive alongside demanding professions. As she continues to write, Mullen’s voice promises to shape young adult fiction with stories that are as heartfelt as they are unforgettable.
- Born: Chicago, Illinois, as Susan Stevens
- Key Work: We Are Still Tornadoes (2016)
- Education: Duke University (English Literature), University of Virginia (Law)
- Resides: Arlington, Virginia, with husband Kevin and daughters Haley and Hannah
About Susan Mullen
Ready to relive the 80s through witty letters and heartfelt moments? Snag We Are Still Tornadoes and dive into Susan Mullen’s nostalgic, laugh-out-loud world of young adult fiction!