MR. WATSON, COME HERE*
I was on vacation with my family when I picked up a copy of John Green’s The Fault In Our Stars. I’ve always been a fan of children’s and YA literature, and the book was getting tons of buzz. By the time I finished, I was a blubbering mess. After wiping my eyes and catching my breath, I was left with one very clear thought: I wanted to write a novel. And because that wasn’t crazy enough, I decided I wanted to be published by the time I was 50.
I had three years to go.
Until that moment, it had never occurred to me to write fiction. Sure, I’ve always loved books and reading, and I do lots of legal writing as part of my job. But becoming a novelist? Well, that felt simply beyond reach, like aspiring to swim at the Olympics or sing at the Met.
Once I start on a project, however, I become obsessed. My husband can always spot when it happens. “You’re in one of your frenzies right now, aren’t you?” he’ll say. After more than 25 years together, my husband has witnessed many of my frenzies.
After working all day, eating dinner with my family, and putting my school-age boys to bed, I’d sit in front of my computer and start writing. The story flowed from my imagination like magic, and in less than a year, I was done with my first book: a YA novel about a Korean-American girl coming of age in 1980s suburban Pittsburgh. (Hey, they say write what you know.)
What I didn’t know was that writing is the easy part of becoming a novelist. I spent the next year-plus researching and querying agents, revising the first five pages, and drafting synopses, but to no avail. No one wanted my book.
When I shared my frustrations with my friend Merijane, she suggested reaching out to her longtime writing instructor Chris, but I was too insecure to show my manuscript to a stranger. Instead, I decided to sign up for one of Chris’ eight-week writing workshops.
It was in Chris’ safe and supportive space that I wrote the first words of what would become my debut novel, The Rules of Privilege. The domestic thriller — think Big Little Lies meets Orange is the New Black — has details drawn from real life including my experience supporting my brother and young nieces while my sister-in-law served time in Alderson Women’s Prison. The book is due to be published by Graydon House in January 2020 — four and a half years past my deadline.
Better late than never.
In this blog, I’ll tell you what it’s like in the months leading up to the release of a debut novel. Once the book is out, I’ll give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be a debut novelist — the ups, the downs, and everything in between. I’ll also look to your comments for suggested topics of interest. Please join me on this journey to publication and beyond — I’d love your company.
* These were Alexander Graham Bell’s first words on the first telephone call. Unlike Mr. Bell, I’m not sure there’s anyone on the other side of this blog to hear me. Please let me know you’re out there!