As a newly-published novelist, I would
like to share some information with my readers and fans. The following
is a brief excerpt from a recent book signing event. Enjoy!
INTERVIEWER:
Anthony, how long was the time from handing in your manuscript for
Straits of Fortune and the actual publication date?
GAGLIANO:
I remember I turned my manuscript over to my agent and didn't hear a
single word from her for nine months. Actually, I thought it was like
all these publishers were turning her down. Come to find out, she had
only submitted it to three publishers. And then the call came.
HarperCollins wants to publish it. I was in a state of shock to say the
least! However, to answer your question. It was originally nine months
until I received my contract, then it took another year to do all the
edits and printing.
INTERVIEWER:
How are the big, corporate editors? Do they indiscriminately slash
and burn important parts of the manuscript?
GAGLIANO:
It's their job to make your work better. In my case, all the editor's
suggestions made sense to me. In fact, I actually had to breath life
back into three characters. Can you believe it? Me resurrecting the
dead! The finished book starts out as a solitary effort, but ends up a
collusion of many individuals. It's quite interesting how, in the end,
it all flows seamlessly.
INTERVIEWER:
How many pages do you write per day?
GAGLIANO:
That's an easy one. I try to end up with at least five pages a day. Some
authors can sit at the word processor for hours--not me. My problem is
that I can think of so many more "fun" things to do. Believe it or not,
I have to really force myself to sit down and start writing. Once I
begin though, I'm on a roll.
INTERVIEWER:
How did you come up with the name 'Jack Vaughn' for your
protagonist? And what about the personal trainer profession?
GAGLIANO:
First of all, I wanted a real American-sounding name. You can't get more
American that Jack. Think Jack Kennedy, Jack Benny... you get the idea.
And the last name Vaughn was modeled on a long time friend of mine. As
for the profession of personal trainer, I spend many years being a
personal trainer. You would believe the real life crazy stuff some of my
clients asked me to do. All great fodder for Jack!
