When I dreamed of writing a novel in high school – my goal was to be a paperback writer, like the song.
Twenty years after graduating from high school my first novel was published as a paperback original – GRIM REAPER. An early definition of a paperback book said it was of lower quality than a hardback original books and written for mass consumption. Yep, that was GRIM REAPER.
I've been a paperback writer since (with occasional hardback editions of my paperbacks and lots of eBooks), so I hit the mark.
Along the way I learned how to write a short story and have had many published.
Trivia note: A Lennon-McCartney composition, written primarily by Paul, PAPERBACK WRITER was the first Beatles hit not about love. It was No.1 on the US Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in 1966. I loved growing up with 60's music (and some 70s).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYvkICbTZIQ
"Expressing your political views can drop your sales dramatically and keep them down indefinitely."
ReplyDeleteThat, or make you the author du jour for a while. But yeah, it's a huge risk. Kill all the people you want, but don't mention politics.
So true, Eve and O'Neil. I'm glad you wrote this post, O'Neil. I had no idea you had so many novels out! (My 18th is out soon, and you make me feel like a debutante!) Congratulations, Sir! Melodie
ReplyDeleteThat's a great track record for publications.
ReplyDeleteI just finished reading "Flesh Wounds" in Murder Neat. Nice story.