In 2015, I ventured into the literary world with my debut mystery novel, "Dream Crimes." This project was a natural progression of my lifelong fascination with the mystery genre, kindled at the age of 10 when I first delved into Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express." The intricate plot and captivating deduction in Christie's work ignited a passion in me for stories that unravel mysteries, a passion that would eventually manifest in my own writing.

Writing "Dream Crimes" was not just a creative pursuit; it was a disciplined exercise in adhering to publishing deadlines. Getting the book published with a publishing house required a blend of creativity under constraints and meticulous planning – skills that are remarkably akin to those needed in product management. Successfully navigating the publishing process, from manuscript completion to meeting editorial timelines, mirrored the project management aspects of developing and launching products.

My experience in writing "Dream Crimes" and seeing it recognized as a finalist in the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Awards in the category of "2017 Silver Falchion Award: Best Fiction Tween/YA Mystery/Thriller" reinforced a realization that had been forming throughout my career: there is a profound connection between the world of product management and mystery novels. Both realms are fundamentally about investigation, understanding, and resolution. In a mystery novel, the author must piece together clues, delve into character motivations, and lead the reader to a satisfying conclusion. Similarly, in product management, one must investigate user needs, understand the root of their problems, and devise solutions that are both innovative and effective.

This insight was further deepened by the practice of empathizing with the characters in my novel, a process akin to understanding user stories in product management. Just as I had to put myself in the shoes of each character to bring them to life in "Dream Crimes," I also immersed myself in the experiences of users when managing products. This empathy enables me to truly understand their needs, fears, and aspirations, allowing me to create products that are not just functional, but also deeply resonate with the user base.

Thus, my journey from an avid reader of Agatha Christie's mysteries to an award-nominated author, and eventually a product manager, has been underscored by a continuous thread of empathy, investigation, and problem-solving. Whether it's deciphering a complex plot or addressing user needs in product development, the ability to empathize, understand, and innovate has been pivotal. This holistic approach has not only enriched my work in product management but also continues to inspire my ongoing creative endeavors.