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In 2030, viruses, spy drones, terrorism, and joblessness have eroded American optimism. People want something to believe in. As demonstrated in a Midwest high school election, politics have taken on the inflexibility and dogma of a new religion. Only true believers will survive and prosper. Or so they think.
This book is perfect for anyone, including young adults, or someone who likes mystery/thriller/romance with a strong, conflicted heroine.
Print Length: 276 Pages
Genre: Political Thriller
ISBN-10: 1732511756
Publisher: Moot Point Productions
Cliffhanger is available to purchase at Amazon.com. You can also add this to your reading list on GoodReads.com.
Click here to read an interview with the author.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF LEARNING FROM MY MISTAKES
by Michael R. French
My top six mistakes span almost fifty years of writing. I list them in no particular order. Some were small, but the unintended consequences were large. Others could have been worse if a friend or agent had not intervened.
1. I was so proud of my first published novel (a paperback called Club Caribe) that when my editor suggested I attend a well-known, two-week “writer’s camp” to improve my skills, I declined out of hubris and laziness. Big mistake to believe in your self-sufficiency when genuine opportunities to grow, meet other writers, and boost your confidence come along.
2. A well-known New York publisher offered me a two-novel contract If I would accept a “cross-amortization” clause. I said sure, because I was too busy to ask my agent what the term “cross-amortization” meant. In essence, it means you can earn good money on the first novel, but you might not get it all. If the second book crashes and doesn’t make back the publisher’s advance, that deficiency is subtracted from monies you earned on the first book.
3. Years ago I wrote a best-selling novel called Abingdon’s, about Bloomingdale’s flagship department store in Manhattan. A well-known television producer offered me a ten thousand dollar option. I was thrilled until the producer eventually passed on the project and, a year later, did his own TV series about a trendy New York City department store with half a dozen characters very similar to my own. I met with a lawyer. I had a case, he said, but legal fees might run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars—out of the question!—and he couldn’t guarantee I would triumph over a mega-producer with a legal team on payroll. My mistake was not hiring an attorney before signing the option, to give myself more protection. “Trust” is so precious in business that you don’t want to squander it.
4. It feels good when editors start their relationship with you with support and optimism. You’re inclined to make their suggested changes in your manuscript. But think hard about the suggestions. Don’t roll over if you have solid reasons for keeping the existing text. There are some wise editors out there, but some cloak their close-mindedness in reputation and authority. On the other extreme, don’t insist your book is a masterpiece if you show it to ten qualified readers and none agree with you. Consider embarking on a rewrite.
5. In the age of self-publishing, don’t be daunted if there are two million other novels out there, almost every author hoping to give birth to a best seller. Mega-successes like Fifty Shades of Gray and Harry Potter might be morale-boosters for writers, but don’t be tempted to imitate them, or even dream about fame. If stardom is all you’re focused on, you’re probably not focusing on your best writing.
6. I once got a rejection from a publisher whom my agent and I believed was less than candid about the company’s “fair and open editorial meetings.” I wanted to call the publisher out. My agent nixed the idea, suggesting we weren’t going to change minds at this stage. We spent our energy on more positive pursuits, and eventually found the right fit for the book.
About Michael…
Michael R. French is a National best-selling author and graduate of Stanford University and Northwestern University. He is a businessman and author who divides his time between Santa Barbara, California, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is an avid high-altitude mountain trekker, world traveler to developing countries, and is a collector of first editions of twentieth-century fiction.
He has published twenty-two books, including fiction, young adult fiction, biographies, and art criticism. His novel, Abingdon’s, was a bestseller and a Literary Guild Alternate Selection. His young adult novel, Pursuit, was awarded the California Young Reader Medal.
You can discover more about Michael’s work on his website:
http://www.michaelrfrench.com
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This book sounds so good. I love a good mystery and this sounds perfect.
I agree! I love solving mysteries along with the characters. Good luck, Beth!
This book interests me in several ways. A different time, a different society, different rules and social mores… it adds up to a great read!
I agree. It sounds like a great combo! Good luck, Candice!