After reading my Writer’s Book Club review of Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures, a reader told me Van Pelt was going to be at the Milwaukee Public Library. So, my friend, Author Meadoe Hora and I ventured into Milwaukee to see the best-selling author.
Let me say first that Ms. Van Pelt was intelligent, humble, engaging, and entertaining. And she wrote a beautifully charming book that’s a new favorite of mine, and one I highly recommend.
My Writing Journey
I’ve thought about writing a book for over thirty years and completed my first manuscript a week shy of my fiftieth birthday. I’ve been writing novels since 2009 and have submitted query letters, chapters, and manuscripts to agents and small press publishers. When there was no interest, I hired Little Creek Press to publish Carpe Diem, Illinois in 2014, and its sequel, God on Mayhem Street, in 2016. I’m publishing The Devil Particle Series myself. And not just my family loves my books—all of them are award-winners.
I’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars on writing workshops and courses, conferences, how-to books and magazines, editors, designers, a website, printing and distribution costs, audiobook productions, advertising, contest entries, paid reviews and promotions, book release parties, and more. I’ve spent hundreds of hours selling books in person at conferences, author and book fairs, book clubs, and bookstores. With my first series, I broke even, an accomplishment in itself. But I’ve fallen short of my goal of getting ahead.
Maybe you can guess where this is going.
Shelby Van Pelt’s Writing Journey
Around 2019 (six years ago), Shelby Van Pelt was between jobs and thought, “Why don’t I write a book?” She paid $150 for a six-week workshop and wrote several scenes/short stories from an octopus’ point of view. The instructor told her she had something there and to keep going. After finishing the manuscript, Van Pelt submitted query letters to her twelve dream agents. One agent’s assistant wrote on Van Pelt’s manuscript, “This is bananas or brilliant” and passed it along to the agent. That dream agent took her on and is still working with her today.
On September 7, 2020, Netflix released the documentary My Octopus Teacher.
Then, according to Publisher’s Weekly Book Deals: Week of March 8, 2021,
“In a high-six-figure deal, Ecco’s Helen Atsma won North American rights at auction to Shelby Van Pelt’s Remarkably Bright Creatures. Kristin Nelson, who has an eponymous shingle, sold the debut novel, which she said is “for fans of My Octopus Teacher and Kevin Wilson.” Slated for spring 2022, Remarkably Bright Creatures follows a widow who befriends an aquarium-dwelling octopus. “When a grifter comes to town,” Nelson added, “the three unlock a truth tied to her son’s disappearance 30 years ago.” The novel has also sold in a number of international deals, including in six-figure acquisitions in the U.K. and Germany.
On April 25, 2021, the Netflix documentary My Octopus Teacher won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
When Remarkably Bright Creatures was published on May 3, 2022, it became a New York Times Bestseller. A movie producer was interested and bought the rights. The producer’s son just happened to be good friends with Sally Fields’ son, so he passed it on to her. She loved it and will star in it.
Did I mention this is Van Pelt’s debut novel?
You can see why it was a painful evening for me.
Success in the Literary World
Success in the literary world, just like success in any of the arts (theater, music, dance, painting, photography, sculpting, etc.), relies on way too much luck for my liking. Oftentimes, I wish I had a job where I do everything I should, learn as much as I can, follow all the necessary steps (as I’ve done), and be successful. It makes me wonder if there would be any art in the world if artists weren’t driven by passion. Thank goodness creating is more rewarding than anything else.
I’m out and about this summer — come see me!
Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 p.m. at the West Allis Library, 721 W. National Avenue – I’m teaching the workshop Start Writing Your Novel or Memoir – Here is the description: In this workshop, we’ll discuss how to start writing your novel or memoir and the difference between plotting and pantsing—and which approach will work best for you. Discover tips for dealing with procrastination and writer’s block. We will work on exercises to inspire you to get your novel or memoir underway. Whether you have several chapters already or simply an idea, this workshop is for you. Presented by Kristin A. Oakley.
Tuesday, May 27th at 6:30 p.m. at Daydreamer Books in Lake Mills, 130 East Lake Street – Author Marisa Dondlinger and I will discuss writing thrillers.
Saturday, June 21st, Hedberg Public Library Book Fest, 316 S. Main Street, Janesville – I’m taking part in two workshops. At 9:30 a.m., I’m teaching my Crafting Unforgettable Characters Workshop. At 10:45 a.m. I’m on a panel with Authors Peggy Williams, Christine DeSmet, and Ken Humphrey discussing the different ways to publish a book. And at 2:30 p.m. I’ll be selling my books during the book fair.
Sunday, June 29th, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Kenosha Book Festival, 5031 7th Avenue — Along with other indie authors, I’ll be on hand to talk about my writing and to sell (and sign) books.
