Suspense, Mystery, Horror and Thriller Fiction - Suspense Magazine

Andrew Peterson
on the Craft,
Career, and a new Thriller
When friend and author, Andy Peterson emailed us with exciting news about the
exclusive e-book release of “Option to Kill” by Thomas & Mercer (Amazon imprint),
we didn’t think twice about wanting to share with our fans. But, we didn’t want to
just place a notice somewhere within the pages that may be overlooked, so when Andy and Garrett
Valdiva offered to share a recent interview, we jumped at the chance. We hope you enjoy as much as
we did!
Garrett Valdiva (GV): Welcome Andy! Before we begin, I just want to introduce you as an author.
I’ve been very excited to see you experience some recent success, especially your new three-book
deal with Thomas & Mercer, Amazon’s mystery and thriller imprint. It seems like every time I talk
to you, another amazing thing is on your plate. How did you get started writing, particularly on the Nathan McBride Series,
and what are you facing right now, in your career?
Andrew Peterson (AP): Garrett, thanks for having me and I really appreciate your
interest in my career. It’s been quite a roller coaster ride. I began writing about
twenty years ago. I’d been an avid reader and thought: why not write a book of
my own? Of course, it’s a lot easier said than done. After writing four complete
books—two horror novels and two sci-fi novels—I had a huge stack of rejection
letters from agents. My writing career was going nowhere.
On advice from a friend, I attended my first writing conference in San Diego
where I felt inspired to change genres and write thrillers. After all, that’s what
I enjoyed reading the most. Inspired by the folks I met in San Diego, I attended
a second conference in Maui where I met Ridley Pearson. After reading a
sample of my work, he referred me to his freelance editor, Ed Stackler, for
what Ridley called “an honest and fair read.” Ed told me I had a good voice
as an author, but my story had fatal structural problems. He suggested that
I either rewrite it or if I had a sequel in mind, he’d work with me on it. So
I shelved my fifth book and wrote “First to Kill.” Ed thought it was good
enough for an agent he knew, and before I knew it, I was being represented
by Jake Elwell, of Harold Ober Associates.
About a month later, Jake sold “First to Kill” to Dorchester and it
launched in August 2008. Several months later, the audio rights were
sold to Audible.com and Dick Hill—the voice of Jack Reacher—
narrated the story. In July 2011, the dramatic rights were sold
Interview by Garrett Valdiva
Reposted with permission from www.readersentertainment.com
48 Suspense Magazine September 2012 / Vol. 038