Award-winning mystery and thriller author J. D. Webb, served in the Air Force in Viet Nam and the Philippines as a Chinese linguist, as a corporate transportation manager, then shoe repair and sales shop owner, before becoming an author. Learn more about JD and his books at his website.
What, Me a Success?
Authors’ egos are easily bent/damaged. We are constantly rejected and reminded that we are inadequate.Over these past few years, I’ve taken heart after hearing the stories of famous authors and their rejections.Then comes a question from a friend: Are you disappointed that you have not yet become a name like King or Patterson? Well, after wrestling away depression, I started thinking. Am I successful? Where do I draw the line? First answer – darn right I am. Then another bout with doubt. Why am I writing, and am I satisfied with my career?
After I had toiled in the corporate world for twenty-five years, the company decided they no longer needed me—or even my job. Cripes - rejection. I promoted myself to cobbler and owned my own business for eleven years. When the economy for shoe repair went south (predating the economy for others), I closed my business. Rejection number two.
I became a full-time author in 2002. Since that time, I’ve had six mystery novels published by small, respected electronic publishers. Each of these submissions paralleled the process for publication by the big guys: queryletter, first three chapters and then the entire manuscript.
I’ve had several short stories published with one winning an international award. My novels have garnered awards and wonderful reviews. So I considered myself successful. At least until the question from my friend.
Holding that first printed copy of my book was the realization of a life-long dream. Finally, at age 65, my book was published. I’d always wanted to be an author, writing short stories all my life, and had the some-day dream of writing a novel. My very first goal was merely to finish a book. I had no inkling or thought about getting it published. I’d read enough about authors to know that every one of the famous names has a first novel stashed in the back of a desk drawer.
A second book followed. An author friend in my writing group encouraged me to submit it to her publisher. I had already placed a bright red rejection folder in my file cabinet. With my track record, rejection seemed to be a forgone conclusion. I should be ready for it. To my astonishment, they wanted to publish the book. Well, the bug had dug its teeth in. I thought, “Hey, I have another book done, why not send it as well?” And three months after the first was in print, the second came out. I had no qualms saying I was a success. I even sold a bunch of them. Not thousands of copies, but actual people were reading my books. And liking them. I was in the library. Presto, I was a success. More books came.
But the question continues to taunt. Am I a success? I ponder. And yes, by golly, at the moment, I am a success. I’m doing what I believe I was meant to do--tell stories. I’m giving pleasure and smiles to readers and enjoying every minute of the journey, even the dreaded promotion and business side of writing. And editing. I have a wonderful writing group who help me overcome my grammatical ineptitude. And my “job” allows me time to volunteer and give back to my community.
When I listen to my characters talk to me and drive me to the finish line, I am in heaven on earth. I sometimes read what I have written and wonder where the heck that came from. I’ve made myself laugh and cry. Isn’t that what life is supposed to be about? Joy and sorrow? I thank you, God, for giving me the talent and tenacity to keep going. I am a success. Just ask me.
Bayou Chase
Chase Anderson, a war hero wounded in Afghanistan, gets a rebuilt knee, and falls in love with his surgeon. They marry, but nine months later, she’s raped and murdered the day she planned a meal to let Chase know he would soon be a dad. The Chicago Police Department compromises the killer's DNA left at the scene resulting in only a one-year sentence for breaking and entering. That’s too much for Chase to accept. He leaves no evidence when Chase drowns the killer in the man’s bathtub. The killer’s twin brothers, who work for a Chicago crime boss, identify Chase and travel to Louisiana for revenge, where Chase is recovering from his loss. Now, not only Chase, but his in-laws are swept into a fight for survival.
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