Brad Meltzer’s Success Formula Decoded

Brad Meltzer is a New York Times best-selling author of numerous books including The Inner Circle, The Tenth Justice, and The Book of Fate.  His newest book, The Fifth Assassin will be released January 15th.

9780446553971In addition to his many thrillers, he has also written two non-fiction books and is the author of two critically acclaimed comic books.  He’s the co-creator of the TV show Jack & Bobby.  If you’ve never read his books, you may have seen him on Brad Meltzer Decoded on the History Channel.  And it doesn’t stop there.  He’s also created his own inspirational clothing line.

In this nine-minute video interview, we cover a number of topics:

  • What thriller writer inspired Brad to be a novelist?
  • How did the library influence his career?
  • How his career changed from lawyer to NYT best-selling author.
  • Where does he get his ideas?
  • What US President shared a private letter with Brad that he wrote for the new, incoming President?
  • How long it takes to write one of his thrillers
  • How he overcomes rejection and models resilience
  • How non-fiction writing is different than fiction
  • How his show developed for the History Channel

Five Success Factors

Knowing Brad and all of his many accomplishments, I decided to write down the first five “success factors” that came to my mind.  These may apply to Brad but clearly are important for success no matter what you do.

1.  Total immersion.  If you read the books or watch the shows, you will see it.  He becomes immersed in his work.

2. Love of learning.  As a reader, I learn more facts than I even realize as I read his authentic work.  He covers multiple subjects and teaches you as you read.  When I read The Book of Lies, I learned more about Superman than I ever thought possible.

3.  Persistence.  Brad’s determination is obvious when you talk with him.  When he first started writing, his manuscript went to twenty publishers.  He received twenty-four rejections.  He says, “That means some wrote to me twice to make sure I got the point!”.  His ability to overcome rejection is a key to his success.

4. Discipline.  Brad writes every day.  Every single day.  That discipline can create magic.

5. Humility.  When you meet Brad, you just can tell he’s a really great guy.  He loves what he does, loves his wife, loves his kids.  With his unbelievable success, I’m glad to say that humility is still one of his top attributes.

See my on-stage interview with thriller writers including Brad Meltzer, Michael Connelly, Michael Koryta and Nelson DeMille.

 

 

What's your favorite Brad Meltzer book? What success factors do you consider most important? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
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  • http://twitter.com/mlharper Michelle Harper

    I’m not a thriller reader but I was aware of his non fiction books and now want to check them out.  I love the titles:  Heroes for My Son, Heroes for My Daughter.  You’ll find many sophisticated academic historians scoffing at what is now called the heroic concept of history as being overly simplistic.   However, who are we if we can’t be inspired by people who have come before us?  Refreshing.  

    I love the fact that Meltzer put her  mother into the book for his daughter.  Yes, I sneaked a peek. 

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      In a day when we continue to tear down potential or current heroes, it’s nice to see some remain.

  • http://www.happypeoplewin.com/ Jean Steel

    One of my favorite authors. The only thing that I don’t like about loving his work is waiting so long between books!! But he said it well, you can churn them out or take the time and have them incredible. I think my favorite tidbit from this interview is, “Pay attention.” I find so much more to think about and write about when I do just that.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      I know! I’m not good at waiting either.

  • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

    I’d have to say persistence is the key. Going back day after day and continuing the work. It gets tiring at times but it’s the only way to true success. 

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      Every successful person I know is a master of daily discipline.

  • Steve Pate

    A great interview with a fascinating author.  I’m amazed that Brad can juggle so many different creative endeavors at the same time.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      I know–I think his creative side is on overdrive and we are the beneficiaries.

  • http://sparkvoice.wordpress.com/ DS

    Thanks for sharing about persistence, and Brad writing every single day.  Often times I would see a published author, read a great book, and have no clue regarding the amount of work and rejection they’ve endured.  Or reading about how authors had a day job, and would wake up extra early to write.  It’s inspiring, and I appreciate your effort to pull back the curtains.  

    I haven’t read any of his books yet, but will be checking him out now.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      If you like fast-paced, authentic action thrillers, Brad Meltzer nails it. He is one of the best at his craft. I’d be surprised if you don’t love his work. And his willingness to share his discipline, rejection and process is a major plus to all aspiring writers.