Author Interview ~ Chris Grabenstein

Chris is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, the International Thriller Writers, and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. He lives in Manhattan with his beautiful, beloved wife J.J., along with their dog Fred and three cats, Jeanette, Parker and Tiger Lilly.

What book or project is coming out or has come out that you’d like to tell us about?

Two different books! THE CROSSROADS, my first Middle Grades ghost story (ages 9-13) has just been published by Random House Children’s Books.

And, on July 22nd, HELL HOLE, the fourth installment in the John Ceepak Jersey shore mystery series , will be published by St. Martin’s Minotaur.

Tell us about your journey to publication. How long had you been writing before you got the call you had a contract, how you heard and what went through your head. (be as specific as possible)

I had been writing professionally for nearly thirty years! In my youth, I wrote for comedy groups in New York City, the Muppets, and did a made for TV movie (The Christmas Gift) for CBS. I then went to work for advertising agencies (my first boss was James Patterson!) for nearly eighteen years.

In 2001, I left advertising and started writing books and screenplays full time.
It took four years, about seven screenplays and five manuscripts before my first mystery was sold.

The publisher was actually reading a different manuscript. They liked my writing but weren’t interested in the sort of paranormal tale I was telling since my last name wasn’t King or Koontz. “If he ever writes a mystery,” the editor said to my agent, “I’d like to see that.” Fortunately, I had just finished the first draft of TILT A WHIRL. Then, it was all like a blur. A few phone calls from my agent “Nothing definite, but I think we may get an offer on this one…” Within two weeks, we had TWO offers. That was so exciting. I remember my wife and I went out and celebrated. Then we took my agent out and celebrated with him, too!

Do you still experience self-doubts regarding your work?

Every day. In my creative working life, I have learned that the truly good writers, art directors, film artists – are all riddled with self doubt. I think that’s what makes them want to create again.

What mistakes have you made while seeking publication?

I, initially, went with the very first agent who showed any interest in my work. A lady from L.A. All of it was done via e-mail and internet. Never met her. She never did anything. I was just so excited that anybody liked my work, I signed.

What’s the best advice you’ve heard on writing/publication?

Put your first manuscript in a drawer and start working on your second. Do you want to be a writer or write one book? By the way, this advice was extremely hard to take. But, when I did finally slide that first book into a box and shelf it, I started down the path that led to the first book getting published.

How do you craft a plot?

Very well, according to critics. Actually, I try to use the screenwriter’s technique of telling a story with a three act structure. Going into a project, I try to know my tent poles: the Act One plot point, the second act midpoint, ad the plot point that spins the story into the final act.

Do you begin writing with a synopsis in hand, or do you write as the ideas come to you?

I have a very loose outline based on the plot point structure and make the story up as I go along. Then again, I did improvisational comedy for years and it’s just how I’ve learned to work.

What’s something you wish you’d known earlier that might have saved you some time/frustration in the publishing business?

Actually, I can’t think of anything. Having spent nearly twenty years in the advertising business, I think publishing is pretty gentle! Also, blogs like this, books, etc., do a good job of telling folks what to expect.

Is there a particularly difficult set back that you’ve gone through in your writing career you are willing to share?

My first publisher, Carroll & Graf unexpectedly went out of business when I still had 2-3 books to do for them. So, in a flash, because of corporate restructuring at the parent company level, I almost went to being unpublished again. Fortunately, two other publishers picked up my work.

How do you think reading the work of others helps you as a writer?

Stephen King says to be a writer we must all do two things: read and write. You need to read the genre you hope to write in – not to imitate the masters but to learn the expectations of readers. Also, if you are writing every day, you need to feed fresh words and images into your brain. You can learn so much from others. How do they handle the problems you encounter. After my seventh book, you start wondering if there’s a better way to show a shrug or a nod.

What piece of writing have you done that you’re particularly proud of and why?

I’d say the children’s book. THE CROSSROADS started life as a 120,000 word adult thriller and has become a 49,000 word book for middle school readers. I had to learn a new genre and, simultaneously, find the essence/soul of my overblown story. When it got a starred review from Booklist, I think I was even prouder than when TILT A WHIRL won the best first mystery award.

What is your best advice on maintaining a good editor-author relationship?

Having been an actor and then a copy writer for commercials, I learned long ago about the importance of an “outside eye.” A good director can make an actor look even better. An excellent film editor or composer can make your little movie all the better. If all you have is yourself, your work won’t be as good. It takes a village! Or a publishing house.

How many drafts to you edit before submitting to your editor?

I do about three before I show it to anyone. Then my wife reads what I’ll call my first draft. I then rewrite it based on her notes. Next, I send the manuscript out to 4-5 readers who like the genre I’m writing in. I rewrite based on any problems/major comments. Third step – the manuscript goes to my agent for his input. Fourth – it goes to any technical advisors (cops, FBI, etc.). Finally, we show it to somebody at the publisher.

We often hear how important it is to write a good query letter to whet the appetite of an editor. What tips can you offer to help other writers pen a good query?

Hmmm. I don’t think I’ve ever written one for an editor. I wrote a ton in my search for an agent. I tried to be brief and not a blowhard.

Was there ever a time in your writing career you thought of quitting?

Not yet. I’m having too much fun. I’m most miserable when not writing so I hope I don’t ever qit.

How much marketing/publicity do you do? Any advice in this area?

I guess a lot, but we all do. The advance is the new marketing budget, they say. I do bookmarks, interviews, tours, conventions, keep in contact with genre specific booksellers. However, I try to spend 90 per cent of my time writing my books. The best publicity is a good book that generates word of mouth.

Have you received a particularly memorable reader response?

Lots! The e-mails that touch me the most are the ones from caregivers who tell me my stories have enabled them to momentarily escape the grim duties of the sick room. I remember when my first wife was dying of cancer, how books helped me cope. It’s heartwarming to be able to return the favor.

Parting words?

Thanks! Write a good story and you will (eventually) find a home for it!