jthome123

Thanks for the condolences! The first book was a mild success that briefly appeared on a couple international bestseller lists (Der Spiegel, Official UK Top 50). Still, the sales were nowhere near enough to cover my advances. The second book everybody hated, and I mean HATED. The reviews sounded like they were personally offended that I was still alive. As far as what I've learned, I'm not sure, and that's the part that's scary. The same writing the agent and publishers loved the general public despised. And at 40 years old now, I do wonder if writing wasn't for me. All in all, I think I should have become a dentist!

Thank you - that's very interesting! Since I was only published overseas I've never seen my book on a store or library shelf.

Thanks! Here's some pre-written snark for you:

"Overall most routine readers of the genre will be prepared to overlook poor characterisation, shoddy voice-work and simplistic use of language in the thrill of Osborne’s chase, but what they will feel disheartened with is the seemingly rushed ending after such an intentionally grand build-up. As Osborne presently works on his second thriller he may well learn the hard way that, just like tabloid journalism, in the modern era of crime fiction quick closure never pays as well as leaving some ends untied.

DO NOT QUIT YOUR DAY JOB!

Probably a little bit of both. My agent represents some heavy hitters, so maybe I was some sort of loss-leader. Tough to say.

A little gallows humor is nice, even after you've already been hanged.