One of the biggest misnomers in publishing is that there are overnight successes. Being a writer requires hard work, creativity, and persistence. All authors, including new and experienced, will face setbacks and many challenges. Rea Frey was a former boxer who became an Author, and she joined me recently to share the story about how she became a successful author.
How did she go from flop to a multiple book deal with St. Martin Press? How did she pivot from writing nonfiction to being a bestselling fiction writer? Why was it not a good idea to get married at 22? Listen in to uncover the answers to these questions as well as her take on what aspiring authors need to know in order to be successful.
REA FREY
Rea Frey’s passion in life is telling stories, connecting with readers, and helping other aspiring authors tell their stories too. She’s the celebrated author of Not Her Daughter, Because You’re Mine, and Until I Find You. She also is the founder and CEO of Writeway, which helps aspiring writers become published authors.
CONNECT WITH REA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reafrey/
Website: https://www.reafrey.com/
Company Website: https://www.writewayco.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reafrey/
Link tree: https://linktr.ee/writewayco
Where to purchase “Secrets of Our House” book?
Bookshop.org, Amazon, Fantastic Friction, Barnes & Noble
Key Topics in this podcast:
- How does Rea Frey’s writing career start?
- How did she go from first-time flop to a multiple book deal with St. Martin Press?
- What is her process of writing and wow can she craft a story quickly?
- Why is she driven to the domestic suspense genre?
- What would her career be if she weren’t a writer?
- What is the concept of the book “Secrets of our house”?
- How does Rea help support other offers?
- What kind of chord did her podcast episode, “Dear, Publishing Industry, F*ck You!” strike with fellow authors?
The Hot Seat Questions for Rea:
- How do you feel when you are staring at a blank piece of paper or blank computer screen?
- What lesson about writing or publishing did you learn the hard way?
- What’s the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?
- How do you celebrate your success?
- If somebody you loved was having a bad day, what book would you choose to cheer them up?
- What will you be most proud of in your final moments?
- What words of advice would you give your younger self?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Success never comes overnight. Rhea Frey first book was not considered a success but she pivoted genres and began to approach publishing differently.
- The good side of failure. When the first book she published failed, it wasn’t just a case of giving up for her. The failure gave way to an opportunity that would allow room for growth and success.
- Inspirational Journey. Writing is a journey. Rea’s story is an inspiration tale aspiring authors and is a blueprint for helping set themselves up for success.
- Powerful Voice. When she released a solo episode of her podcast called “Dear Publishing Industry, Fuck You!” it became an advocate for other writers who are experiencing difficulties in the publishing industry.
Memorable Quotes/Advice From Rea
“Understand the business that you’re about to get into. I know a lot of people say write the best story you can, and that’s great. That’s the fun part. But all the stuff that comes after that are the pieces and parts that components that will separate you from just writing a good story to being a successful author.”
