The setback that turned this author into a bestseller ⭐️
Today's guest is bestselling author Layne Fargo
Once you get published, it’s not all rainbows and roses.
Publishing one, or even multiple, books doesn’t automatically mean the rest of your career is made. Your next book might get a lowball offer or outright rejected. You might switch agents or editors.
So, how do you get through it?
Lean on your author friends.
They’re the ones who have been with you for the ride and will have your best interests at heart. Writing can be a lonely business, but sharing your struggles and your successes with them will help you through it.
In today’s interview, bestselling author Layne Fargo tells us what happened after she rejected her publisher’s offer, how a personalized rejection stuck with her, and how she beats writer’s block.
OUR SPECIAL GUEST TODAY IS…
Layne Fargo
Bestselling Author
Latest novel THE FAVORITES available now in paperback with exclusive bonus content
What’s one thing about the publishing process no one tells you, but should?
How much of it is just refreshing your email inbox, hoping for That One Email that will change your life… it’s pathological at this point! Truly, though, there’s so much waiting and tedium involved in all stages of the process. Everyone hates querying, but it’s honestly pretty good practice for what’s in store once you get published.
What’s been the toughest moment in your publishing journey, and how did you get through it?
After my second novel, I decided to write my next book without a contract rather than accepting the lowball offer my publisher at the time had offered me. Then I proceeded to write not one, but *two* terrible books, before finally figuring out the premise that would become my novel THE FAVORITES.
I got through it with the help of my author friends, especially my critique partners who were there every step of the way through all those different projects, and also with drugs (mostly psychiatric, but sometimes recreational).
What’s the best piece of feedback you ever received? How did it change your story?
In a very kind personalized rejection for my first novel, an agent said there was something “inauthentic” about the characters and world. Her comment hit me like an arrow to the heart because she was absolutely right!
That book was ultimately not salvageable, but for every manuscript since then, I’ve prioritized authenticity above all — if it doesn’t feel 100% true to the characters and to my own voice, it’s not the right way to go.
What part of the writing process brings you the most joy?
That moment when you get a lightning-strike idea that makes the whole story come together (which always seems to happen in the shower for some reason…). Overall, my favorite part of the writing process is revision, and when it’s going well it often feels like this too. Something’s not working and then BAM, suddenly you figure it out! It’s like magic, and it never fails to make me feel giddy with power.
Psst: I wrote a book! Check it out ☺️
What’s one thing you do (creatively, mentally, or physically) that helps you stay in it when writing gets hard?
Floor time! If I’m stuck, I will lie down on the floor of my office (sometimes on an acupressure mat, sometimes just on the rug), stare at the ceiling, and let my mind wander. Usually by the time I get up again, I’ve figured out whatever was blocking me, but even if not, it’s a nice little rest for both my brain and body.
When life gets busy, how do you protect your time to write?
I’ll be honest, I am not great at this. Luckily I have a very supportive partner who helps me out when I need a kick in the ass to get back to the keyboard. He’ll put on a movie or TV show he knows I hate (anything with Sylvester Stallone usually does the trick) and then once I’ve fled to my office to get away from the man noise, I manage to get some work done too.
ICYMI…this week on YouTube, I reviewed three subscribers’ manuscripts and shared how I’d edit them!
Great interview. Finding a supportive community of writers is key