You Have to Be A Roach
You have to be a roach to survive in publishing as an author.
I said this to someone the other day, and had to clarify. I don’t mean you need to be sneaky or dirty. You just have to survive. You know the sayings that roaches would survive nuclear war? That’s how it feels sometimes. You have to never give up.
It’s like Captain America in the MCU. Always getting up, which is one of the best qualities in a hero.
The news that Polis was closing its doors kind of lit a fire under me. Two weeks ago, I said I didn’t feel like a writer sometimes, but now I do. There’s a lot of stuff I can’t talk about, but I’m still looking to survive.
Like I said, I have a draft of a book that has the kind of pitch to be a breakout, fun thriller. And I’ve also started a sequel to my series. And here’s the cool part: it’s fun to write.
And the things about the series novel? It’s got a cracker of an opening line. I’ll share it when I can.
So, even if I’m never published again, I’m enjoying the process. I enjoyed writing witty banter. I’m enjoying brainstorming.
Maybe that’s the key to surviving the twists and turns of the publishing world. Leaning into it.
I can do this all day.
What I’m Into Right Now
I just pre-ordered Hunted by Abir Mukherjee. It has the kind of pitch so good I’m jealous of it. I can’t wait to dive into this high concept thriller that seems to be character based. One of the ways I try to challenge myself as a writer is to come up with these high concept thriller ideas. Except mine are usually situation based, not character. I can’t wait for this one.
Speaking of great pitches, I also bought I Will Find You by Harlan Coben. Another great idea that is character based as well. I’ll probably save this one for our Cape May vacation this summer.