S. A. Cosby on Writing Process, Influences, and Overcoming Rejection

The Writer's Journey and Rejection

• ✍️ S. A. Cosby shares that his first book was rejected by nearly 60 publishers, highlighting the immense difficulty and statistical unlikelihood of making a living as a writer.
• 💡 He emphasizes the need for thick skin and a degree of egotism to persevere, believing one's stories are worth telling.
• 📚 Cosby's journey to recognition took until his 40s, a path he shares with other successful authors who faced significant early rejection.

Writing Process and Character Development

• 🗺️ Unlike a strict outliner, Cosby prefers writing an extensive synopsis as a roadmap rather than a rigid plan, allowing for story deviations.
• ✍️ He handwrites his initial drafts, referring to his synopsis as a guide, and embraces unexpected turns in the narrative, comparing it to discovering a scenic detour while traveling.
• 👥 Cosby believes novels take characters on a journey, often focusing on regular people doing extraordinary things, using their unique skills to drive the plot.

Influences and Distinctive Voice

• 📚 Cosby's literary "Mount Rushmore" includes crime writers Walter Mosley, Dennis Lehane, Elmore Leonard, and Chester Himes, whose work he aspires to impress.
• ⚡ He acknowledges incorporating elements from these influences into his own writing, developing a unique voice through years of writing in relative obscurity.
• horror novels, influencing his early reading and appreciation for compelling narratives within potentially "trashy" genres.

Success, Recognition, and Support Systems

• 🏆 Despite critical acclaim, Cosby experiences impostor syndrome, but has learned to accept his success and honor his readers' support.
• 🤝 He credits his mother and his partner, Kimberly, for their unwavering belief in him, with Kimberly providing crucial financial and emotional support.
• 🤝 His agent, Josh Getzler, is described as life-changing, bridging the gap between writing and publishing with intellectual insight.

Favorite Work and Current Projects

• 🌟 Black Top Wasteland is considered Cosby's most representative work, offering a raw, unvarnished view of his worldview and a period where he felt most authentic as a writer.
• 📝 His next novel, tentatively titled King of Ashes, is a crime story about a family involved with gangsters using a crematory for nefarious purposes.
• 🚗 Cars play a significant role in his writing, particularly in works like Black Top Wasteland, reflecting his appreciation for action and intensity.