The Secrets to Success with #1 NYT Bestseller Dean Koontz
In this episode, legendary author Dean Koontz shares his secrets to success; from sticking to a rigorous daily writing routine to writing across genres, he shares his tried and tested tips and techniques for becoming a better author. One of the most well known authors in the world, Dean has been writing for over fifty years and has sold over 500 million copies worldwide. To order his latest novel, Quicksilver, follow the link below.
From Amazon.com:
Dean Koontz, the author of many #1 New York Times bestsellers, lives in Southern California with his wife, Gerda, their golden retriever, Elsa, and the enduring spirits of their goldens, Trixie and Anna.
J.K. Rowling was nearly homeless when she wrote the first Harry Potter book. Stephen King penned CARRIE on a small desk wedged between a washer and dryer. James Patterson worked in advertising and famously wrote the Toys “R” Us theme song long before becoming an author.
Whether you’re traditionally published or indie, writing a good book is only the first step in becoming a successful author. The days of just turning a manuscript into your editor and walking away are gone. If you want to succeed in today’s publishing world, you need to understand every aspect of the business – editing, formatting, marketing, contracts. It all starts with a good book, then the real work begins.
Join international bestselling author J.D. Barker and indie powerhouses, J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon, as they gain unique insight and valuable advice from the most prolific and accomplished authors in the business.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Why Dean writes page by page
- How to tell when a publisher’s input is correct
- How to write across genres
- What young writers are doing wrong
- One of Dean’s favorite craft tips
Links:
J. D. Barker – http://jdbarker.com/
J. Thorn – https://theauthorlife.com/
Zach Bohannon – https://zachbohannon.com/
NLA End of Year Stats: https://nelsonagency.com/2022/01/2021-nla-end-of-year-stats/
Best of BookTook – https://bestofbooktok.com/
Dean Koontz – https://www.deankoontz.com/
Quicksilver – https://mybook.to/QuicksilverBook
Story Rubric – http://storyrubric.com
Nonfic Rubric – http://nonficrubric.com
Scene Rubric – http://scenerubric.com
Proudly sponsored by Kobo Writing Life – https://kobowritinglife.com/
Music by Nicorus – https://cctrax.com/nicorus/dust-to-dust-ep
Voice Over by Rick Ganley – http://www.nhpr.com and recorded at Mill Pond Studio – http://www.millpondstudio.com
Contact – https://writersinkpodcast.com/dev/contact/
*Full disclosure: Some of the links are affiliate links.
Christopher Wills
2 years ago
Loved the interview today. According to my research Dean has had more than 10 pen names, some of which he still keeps private. It was fascinating that he has rewritten some of his early novels and republished them. Why not? He is a better writer today and as Robert Graves once said ‘there’s no such thing as a good writing, only good rewriting.’ A lot easier to rewrite a completed and even published novel than to stare at a blank page – one could use some Amazon comments as a guide.
The discussion on genre was interesting. Little different to heavy rock bands who also play blues, folk, ballad, jazz etc. Genre can help marketing, but when a writer is good, they are the genre.
I appreciated the idea that all great writers were ‘normal’ people once. Hey! I’m a normal person… OK I’m not… but I’m nearly normal.
J. Thorn
2 years ago
Thanks, Chris! We were really excited to bring this exclusive conversation to the writer community. Dean is a national treasure.
A.M. "Anne" Geever
2 years ago
Loved this episode! Excited to hear about ‘Best of BookTok’ and will be checking it out. Influencers are where it’s at; I’ve believed that for a long time. Finding them is the tricky part. Unless ppl enjoy spending their time on TT, I’ve never seen how authors jumping into BookTok will translate into sales.
Also, Zach, I also write zombies and cringed along with you!
J. Thorn
2 years ago
Awesome! Thanks for listening, Anne.
SUSAN
2 years ago
It’s become a cliche already – but it is the end of an era, she will be a hard act to follow for Charles
She did have a hard core fan club with Biden, Trudeau and Macron – they all gazed at her casket in admiration