Anastasia

Anastasia asked Peter Swanson:

Hi, Peter! I'm a creative writing student at Full Sail University. I wanted to know what three tips or lessons could you give to an aspiring writer like me? How did you become successful? And what was your professional career path?

Peter Swanson Hi Anastasia,

I became successful (i.e. found an agent and then a publisher) by being persistent and not giving up. I've been writing stories and poems my whole life, and I've been writing crime novels since I was about thirty five. My three tips for you are to read a ton of books, to write every day, and to enjoy what you do because there is no guarantee that this path will lead necessarily to financial success. But you will become a better writer. I promise you that.

More Answered Questions

Darcy Flurry

Darcy Flurry asked Peter Swanson:

Did you spend any time living in the UK? Just wondering if the saying 'write what you know' holds true here considering more than one of your characters has lived there for work or school in their early 20s. Based on the number of cats, books/bookstores, and alcoholic beverages in your books, I'm not even going to ask if you like or 'know' those three things. :) PS - you are my favorite author!

Duc Le

Duc Le asked Peter Swanson:

I have just finished The Kind Worth Saving and absolutely loved it. Lily has become one of my all time favorite characters. May I ask, do you plan to write more stories with her and Henry Kimball? Their odd relationship / partnership is wonderful, and I'd love to read more of their adventures.

Goodreads

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What’s your advice for aspiring writers?

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