Thank You for Being A Friend

 

 

 

Who are authors who have inspired you in how you conduct yourself as a professional writer? What do they do that you find inspiring or interesting?

 

What a fantastic question. Or is it my acceptance speech for my first writing award? Until then I will take supreme pleasure in answering this question. When you’re a new writer with no idea how the industry works your head is full of rainbows, sunshine, and a belief that you’re only one story away from becoming a New York Times Bestselling author. You’re absolutely convinced that as soon as you find an agent and sell your first book, Stephen King will be beating down your door; hailing you as the second coming, you’ll quit your job, move to a villa in Tuscany where you’ll stare off your romantic balcony and write the words that will enthrall the world.

So, I got an agent and sold my first book. Yay me. And unceremoniously discovered that writing is a job. Like a real job with deadlines and travel and marketing—so much marketing—and interviews and anxiety. Mostly anxiety, if I’m being honest. And Stephen King has yet to contact me with an invite to dinner, a request to blurb my next book, or even a heartfelt congratulation. I know, weird.

Despite Mr. King’s, continued absence, I have been a very lucky new author, because I have found myself in the best writing community; the crime writing community. Honestly, a writer couldn’t ask for a better place to land. I have been lucky and so grateful to have the best examples of how a writer should conduct themselves, professionally. I’m absolutely ecstatic to tell you about just a few.

The first professional writers I ever met were Catriona McPherson and Stacy Allen at my very first Killer Nashville. It was my first big conference and I was terrified. I was so inexperienced that I had no idea how professional a writer Catriona was. Imagine talking to this international, award-winning author and asking her, “Where are you in your writing journey? Is this your first book?” I still cringe at the thought. No worries, she wasn’t the only professional writer that witnessed that bit of embarrassing behavior that weekend. Her response? Becoming my cheerleader and friend. And if that wasn’t enough, she introduced me to Kellye Garrett, one of the most inspiring writers and woman I have ever met.

If you’re in the crime writing community, I need not tell you who Kellye Garrett. She’s a boss, an endless well of great advice, a shoulder to lean on and a warrior. She is straightforward, is not afraid to speak her mind, and will never back down from a fight. She inspires me to be a mentor, if I’m ever in the position to be one. She works at building this community like it’s her actual job. She’s kind, professional and takes zero crap from anyone. When new writers arrive on the scene, she’s the one making introductions. And if you have a new project, she’s telling everyone.

The first time I met her in person she tolerated my fangirling with grace and professionalism without ever making me feel bad. As we walked through the hotel, everyone who stopped to talk to her, she introduced me and told them all about my debut novel. I’ll never forget that kindness. Those introductions produced the writers who blurbed my first book.

This is the blueprint I want to follow if I’m ever in this position. I was fortunate to have a chance to meet and talk to the incredible Delia Pitts and I thanked her for her advice and kindness. She said, when you get the chance, pay it forward. That is my exact plan.