Jerry A. Peterson

I am a crime writer.

A few of my friends were able to write that first novel and get it published. Not me. I had to learn the craft.

I had to write nine manuscripts during this learning process, two of which I was convinced were the Great American Novel. You see, I came out of the newspaper world and writing a news story, a feature story, or even a series is nothing like writing a novel. Yes, I know we reporters are accused of making up our stories, of writing fiction. And I'll admit it, I did make up one and it was so good, such a great story and so well written that my editor never questioned it. Buy me coffee sometime and I'll tell you about it.

But back to what it takes to do long-form fiction. There's a different sensibility and skill set involved than that called for in daily journalism.

With manuscript number ten, a publisher said here, I'll give you a check for this one.

A check.

Money.

Confirmation that I had mastered the skill set, that I had mastered the craft.

With "Early's Fall", I became a member of the best club in the world -- the grand and able amalgamation of published writers.

I have published eight more books since.

James Patterson, move over.