Success Story Interview - Peter Stravlo

An Interview with Peter Stravlo (pstravlo on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Elizabeth Trupin-Pulli of JET Literary Associates, Inc.

02/04/2025

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?

Peter Stravlo:
I was inspired to write LOOTED by family stories about my uncle. I'd met him once with I was nine or ten. He was a successful businessman, and the family rumor was he got his start from selling art he brought back from WWII. My uncle committed suicide, and I wanted to know what, after all his success, would push him into such an act.

QT: How long have you been writing?

Peter Stravlo:
I've been writing seriously for about fifteen years.

QT: How long have you been working on this book?

Peter Stravlo:
I workshopped the first draft in 2022.

QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?

Peter Stravlo:
I think all budding writers have doubts about their work. For me, I never thought I'd give up, but seriously thought I was either on the wrong track or not good enough more than once. Every writer has been told, and I'll repeat. Be persistent and believe in your writing. Dedication to craft is essential. I know I'll never have this wonderful life of writing mastered.

QT: Is this your first book?

Peter Stravlo:
Before this, 3 novels and a book of short stories. Non published. I've written one sequel to this one, started another. I think the idea of a three-book series was intriguing to my agent.

QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?

Peter Stravlo:
As much as possible every day, morning to as long in the day as I'm productive. While I'm working on a book it often dominates my thoughts no matter where or when. I get some of my best ideas awake in the middle of the night, get up and write a page or two to not forget. My best short stories have emanated from dreams.

QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?

Peter Stravlo:
OMB- 20? 30? It's essential for me to keep them all straight. I like to write possible scenarios and let them play out. Don't even want to think of how many dead ends it has taken to get here.

QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?

Peter Stravlo:
NO.

QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?

Peter Stravlo:
I have a general idea of where I want to go, and start by writing scenes/chapters, then let them lead me. My outlines tend to come more in the middle of the process. I like to play with flashbacks. The story almost never ends where I think it will at the beginning.

QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?

Peter Stravlo:
7 months for this. The earlier ones I wasn't as persistent. But in all honesty I don't think they were good enough. I would like to revisit some of them at some point.

QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?

Peter Stravlo:
27? something like that.

QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?

Peter Stravlo:
I learned a lot from this. One thing I really appreciated was feedback. My early queries were not very good. Genre (literary/historical), do they accept new authors, how often do they want to see more work.

QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?

Peter Stravlo:
Yes. Research the agent, point out analogous fiction they are familiar with. It's tedious. Constantly refine the query. Often I'd spend 1-2 hours on a query.

QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?

Peter Stravlo:
Persistence and craft. Don't be afraid to take chances. My writer's group often thought I was too experimental (they were right) and this book is way dialed back from my earlier efforts. But letting my imagination get the best of me is where some of what's best came from.