I just noticed that I have two anniversaries this spring.
The first one is personal–it’s the 25th anniversary of my move from Germany to the United States. I moved here in May of 1996. I know that it’s technically a quarter of a century, but I don’t like thinking of it that way because it makes me feel unbelievably old. But you can’t argue with math. I was 24 when I arrived, and I’ll be 50 this year, so I’ve spent more than half of my life here.
The second anniversary is professional. Ten years ago, I sold my first piece of fiction, a short story called Ink and Blood, to Beneath Ceaseless Skies. (It’s still available to read online here.) I went to the Viable Paradise SF/F workshop on the Vineyard in 2008, so after that it took me three years to sell my first story and five years to sell my first novel. And I was working on my writing skills quite a while before I even got to VP, so my OVERNIGHT SUCCESS only took the better part of a decade.
But what an interesting decade it has been since that story appeared in BCS #74. I sold Terms of Enlistment and its sequel to 47North in the spring of 2013, and I’ve been able to write full-time ever since. It took me until my forties to figure out that I wasn’t really cut out for any other kind of work, so to those of you who are submitting stories and trying to get a foot in the door, I’d say not to worry about being too late to the party. Nothing moves fast in the publishing field anyway.
Congratulations Marko! I’ve loved all your books. We talked I forget on which platform but we both have dachshunds. I believed I showed you my kindle library with your books on the e-shelf. lol…
I just recently published a book on Amazon KDP. It’s called Deja Vu. Have a look if you want. Also, could you give me some advice for marketing my book. I’m working on one more and have a third book floating around my head…
Take care and “Well Done”!
I don’t mean to advertise on your page, please forgive me if it bothers you.
Congratulations on your anniversaries, and thank you for being persistent. I’m sure all of your readers are as grateful as I am to have exciting new SF from you.
I’m so glad you have succeeded as a writer, I love your work. I stated reading it when you refused to be nominated for the Hugo because of the Sad Puppy mess. So honorable! And such a fine book.
Congratulations and thanks for the inspiring words. I’m passing it along to my newly graduated from college screen writer daughter.
Congratulations on reaching those milestones!
I feel driven to write. I spend far more time writing (and rewriting) for work and social media than I should. If I could channel this urge into something more productive or even profitable, that would be great. I know not everyone has the talent to be a professional writer, though.
We are all the better for your being here, and for your excellent creative output.
Now all we need is more Frontline books (plural) and soon……