My writing coach and mentor, Carol Leonetti-Dannhauser, told me, “Don’t start with a book of short stories-I did.
Stay away from horror and science fiction-I didn’t
Get yourself a traditional publisher-I didn’t (None were interested in my queries)
I remember Mollie admonishing me when I refused to work with Willie Horton (That was my first auction) “You never will know if you don’t at least try.” She wasn’t wrong.
If memory serves me, I had my best results when I trod the path opposite of good advice. Sometimes you have to abandon reason and go with your gut; ask any fencer and they will agree.
In Florilegium-Where the Madmen Rave and other untended patches, it is patently obvious that I have left reason behind and followed my instincts. If success is a measure of happiness I am one of the most successful paupers alive. What’s your success story?
