I have always wanted to write novels, the seeds planted in my early childhood.
What spurred my passion for writing? Reading. My parents always read to my older sister and me and I became immersed in the stories — whether they were fairytales or the witty musings of Dorothy Parker and Robert Benchley.
Maybe I was precocious, but I always enjoyed their acerbic wit, even at a young age, and I believe that it has helped me find my own voice as an author. But more on that later.
I Wanted to Win the Pulitzer Prize
I enrolled in as many fiction-writing courses that I could fit during college, while also serving as editor for our campus newspaper. That brings me to my other childhood goal: to be a journalist and win a Pulitzer Prize.
This I did for many years, as a reporter, anchor, producer and documentary-maker and, while I racked up lots of awards during my career, the Pulitzer Prize remains on my bucket list.
The life of a journalist can be all-consuming, but I kept dabbling in fiction writing, starting with short stories that I read to a local writer’s workshop and even came close to selling my first mystery novel to a mainstream publisher, while my husband and I toiled at our journalism day jobs, also raising two young daughters.
Alas, the sale didn’t happen, but the early interest encouraged me to keep on trying.
If You Want to Indulge in Self-Pity, Please Set a Timer
I avoid using the word “dream,” preferring to refer to my author aspirations as a “goal,” because a “dream” conjures up images of running through a field chasing butterflies and rainbows, at least for me.
Like any other creative pursuit, whether it’s the theater or music or fine art, a goal requires hard work and a spirit that is relentless, never permitting a rejection, or many rejections, to crush your spirit.
Of course, you’re disappointed, but if you want to indulge in self-pity, please set a timer. Then get back to work. Rethink, retool, start from scratch, but keep writing.
To Finish Your Story, You Need Self-Discipline
Since I retired as a journalist, I have been refocusing on writing fiction. No more excuses.
Fiction and non-fiction may seem diametrically opposed, but there is a common thread: Both forms require self-discipline, organization, attention to detail and accuracy, and time management.
Until I was published, I had to impose my own deadlines to get from beginning to middle to end. I always heard that writing the beginning and the end of a story is a lot easier than figuring out the middle part. That’s where your muse may abandon you.
Again, don’t give into self-doubt. Keep writing, even when you have no idea where you are heading with the plot. Trust your creative juices to take you on the journey and, before you know it, you’ve got a completed novel, with a beginning, a middle and an end and, maybe, even an epilogue.
It’s Better to Produce a Couple of Pages that Work As Opposed to 50 That Don’t
The creative process is highly personal. Some writers prefer to work alone, while others enjoy a more collaborative approach, using workshops and online chats.
I like to go solo, with my husband reading my output when I’m finished for the day. In my case, that could amount to two or three pages churned out in an afternoon. But it’s not about quantity.
Crafting a novel, especially a mystery, is like solving a puzzle, so it’s better to produce a couple of pages that may work as opposed to fifty pages that do not work.
Authors Spend a Lot of Time In Their Heads—It’s Important to Tend to the Rest of Your Body
Authors spend a lot of time in their heads, but it’s also important to tend to the rest of your body. I try to get some form of exercise in every day, with either aerobics or strength training. A brisk walk around the block can clear your head and loosen your limbs.
I used to go to the nearby gym every day, but, with COVID, that’s no longer an option. So, I invested in a rowing machine, a treadmill and some exercise bands, adding to the mix of other equipment I’ve accumulated over the years.
Some of it gets used a lot, some not so much. But whatever you do, keep moving to perk up those serotonin levels and keep the creative juices flowing.
Yoga helps, too, especially the deep breathing and stretching, which you need after spending all that time sitting at your laptop and staring into a screen.
How I Reward Myself When Writing
I bought a pair of computer glasses to reduce screen glare and a chair that gives me the proper support to reduce the stress on my back. I tried out several models before purchase and found one that works for me.
I make a point to stand and stretch on a regular basis, rotating my wrists and wiggling my fingers and toes. Take a break. Work out those kinks.
I reward myself with a few squares of dark chocolate, a super food! Well, it is. I try to limit them, even though temptation is only a few steps away in the kitchen cabinet, not to mention the freezer, where I keep the non-dairy double-chocolate sorbetto.
Also important: Stay hydrated. I always have a cold bottle of spring water or carbonated flavored water to sip throughout the day, or maybe a cup of hot tea. Soothing.
As for music, I am not into ear pods, so I have not programmed my favorite tunes, nor do I like jumping up and down inserting CDs in my old school stereo. So, I usually turn on the local jazz station, although I find drum solos particularly irritating.
For me, music is just as immersive as reading, so when I’m writing, I like to reduce it to background noise or none at all.
My Breakthrough Came with the Help of Writer’s Digest
My breakthrough as a mystery author came with the help of Writer’s Digest and its special edition, featuring independent publishers.
That’s how I found CamCat Publishing and went on to embark on what was perhaps the most comprehensive and painstaking submission rules I have ever encountered. At that point, I had completed three drafts of a manuscript and had engaged the services of a professional editor, who gave it an independent read.
An objective set of eyes is worth the investment.
A short time later, I was invited to speak by phone with the publisher herself and I was completely terrified. I took the call in our little home office with my husband sitting next to me. She told me all about the company and complimented me on my manuscript. I was holding my breath.
When she offered me a contract, I nearly fell out of my chair. My husband ran inside to give our daughter the good news and, later, the rest of the family. I had achieved my goal.
Later, I received an excellent review from Publishers Weekly and a blurb of that review was printed on my very first cover. What a thrill!
My Major Learning Curve Has Been Learning How to Market My Book
CamCat has been a wonderful publisher, nurturing its authors through the entire process, a relationship that extends far beyond the publishing date. Since my book was published last year, I have participated in several online panels at major trade events, where we have the opportunity to promote our books and discuss our creative process.
We also have regularly scheduled “town hall” meetings, keeping us updated on the industry and marketing opportunities. CamCat’s marketing department is excellent and always reaching out to us with ideas and support.
In fact, my major learning curve has involved learning how to market and promote my book, something that I never had to worry about as a journalist. But our publisher has made clear that readers don’t select their books based on a company. They research authors and that means that we have to be active players in marketing our novels.
While my social media contacts have been limited to Facebook and LinkedIn, my tech-savvy daughter helped me expand that arena and even establish my own web page. There was so much to learn, but it is necessary.
Crafting a work of fiction is an art, but the publishing world is a business, and you need to do your part in the process. No one can buy your book unless they know about it.
Advice for a Young Writer: Read As Much As You Can
My advice for aspiring authors: First, read as much as you can and be familiar with the genre you select for your first book. Mysteries, historical fiction, science fiction, fantasy — each genre has its own set of rules, even if they’re not written down.
For instance, a cozy mystery is different from a police procedural or a hard-boiled noir thriller.
When you’re pitching your book, you are likely to be asked to compare it to other works in your category. At first, I found this difficult, because I didn’t want to compare myself to other writers. But, again, this is another important component of promotion. You must know your audience.
Also, keep up with what’s happening in the publishing industry by attending author panels and book conventions, when you can, and network.
Perhaps the best advice I can offer is to never give up. Many successful authors have had a lot of stumbles, racking up piles of rejections, before they sold that first book. If they can do it, so can you.
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Patricia Broderick is a veteran journalist with experience in newspapers, magazines and television, where she worked as a reporter/anchor and producer of public affairs programs and documentaries. She is now focusing on writing fiction.
Her debut novel is a cozy mystery, Dead on My Feet,” published by CamCat Publishing.
For more information on Pat and her work, please see her website, and connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Dead On My Feet: Looking for a new lease on life, Nellie find herself on the dead beat.
Obituary writer Nellie Bly finds herself at the center of attention when the glamorous members of a posh Southern California beach side community start turning up dead in ghastly ways. Pieces of ivory involved in the murders send Nellie and her pals at the Coastal Crier on the trail of a ruthless cartel that traffics in endangered wildlife.
Greed, betrayal, vengeance, gangsters and old Hollywood glamour make for great copy – if Nellie can stay alive long enough to meet her deadline.
Dead on My Feet is a quirky tongue-in-cheek adventure that will leave you breathless.
All buy links available at CamCat Books.