How I sold my first book
Posted by Angie Fox on 27 Jan 2008 | Tagged as: Craft, Writing Life, Books
Or: Everything I needed to know, I learned from George Costanza
I’ve always loved to read, so it was no surprise to anyone when I eventually decided to write a book of my own. When I did, I attacked it head on. I planned, I worked, I outlined more than any woman should. The end result? I wrote three mysteries that didn’t sell.
I don’t know how many of you watch Seinfeld, but there is a time in George’s life where he decides what he’s been doing hasn’t been working, so he decides to do the opposite. That’s what I did with my books. I’d been writing serious mysteries, with lots of science and research involved. They’d generated some interest, enough to almost, almost sell. But nothing quite happened.
To take my mind off the latest mystery making the rounds with agents, I decided to write something completely different, a funny paranormal romance where I could build my own world and make up my own rules. I fell in love with the idea of a preschool teacher who is forced to run off with a gang of geriatric biker witches and THE ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER was born.
Instead of a 20-page plot outline, I had a 5-page list of ideas, one of which included “but little did they know, all the Shoney’s are run by werewolves.” Instead of following the rules, I broke a few. Instead of painstakingly writing over the course of a year, I giggled my way through the book and had a complete manuscript in five months.
The opening chapters did well in contests and caught the eye of an editor, who asked to see the whole thing. That same editor bought the book less than a week after I finished it.
I still can’t believe THE ACCIDENTAL DEMON SLAYER will be an August 2008 release. And just this afternoon, I was working on the sequel, laughing with the characters and having more fun than I should.
While I’m not sure Seinfeld is the best place to go for life lessons, I really do think there’s something to be said for following your instincts – in writing and in everything else. Can you think of a time you’ve taken a different path? Broken out of a pattern and started something new?
Hmmm, I remember the Sienfeld episode well. You may be on to something here. I’ve been in a writing funk lately–perhaps trying something totally opposite, something way out of my comfort zone would unlock me. I write light, comedic stuff…don’t know if I have dark angst type stories in me, but I am going to open myself up to the possibilities. Thanks, Angie.
Ree
January 28th, 2008 at 12:29 amI love this story. Trusting your gut works every time. I can’t wait to read The Accidental Demon Slayer!
January 28th, 2008 at 5:14 amI love these books. They are too much fun to read. I know you guys are going to love them too. I’m lucky I get to read them early.
Chessie
January 28th, 2008 at 2:21 pmTry it, Ree. Sometimes you have to knock that muse off her pedestal and put her back to work.
Thanks, Kim. Trusting your gut does work.
Chessie is an amazing critique partner. I’m so lucky I found her!
January 28th, 2008 at 9:26 pmWow, what an inspirational story! I can promise you that The Accidental Demon Slayer is on my TBR pile!
January 28th, 2008 at 9:35 pmI just heard about your book from J.Bennett….I can’t wait to read it!!! He said that you are even doing a book signing. We are so happy for your success! It really sounds like fun : ) Nikki
February 26th, 2008 at 12:07 am