Dashboard Literary Agents Success Story Interviews Rhodi Hawk

Success Story Interview - Rhodi Hawk

An Interview with Rhodi Hawk (MagnoliaBayou on QT) upon receiving an offer of representation from agent Sandy Lu of Book Wyrm Literary Agency.

09/05/2024

QT: Can you tell us a little bit about the book for which you've found representation? What inspired you to write it?: Rhodi Hawk:
My book is about a sleepy mountain town, where a roadhouse waitress who just wants to give her daughter a better life is blackmailed into a deadly web of crime.
QT: How long have you been writing?: Rhodi Hawk:
All my life! My grandmother used to make up bedtime stories for us, and we grew up telling each other stories of our own.
QT: How long have you been working on this book?: Rhodi Hawk:
Probably about seven months, including revisions--but my first novel took seven years.
QT: Was there ever a time you felt like giving up, and what helped you to stay on course?: Rhodi Hawk:
Absolutely. Years ago, I experienced the onset of a neurological disease that made it physically impossible to write. I thought that was the end of things for me. I quickly discovered, however, that I'm incapable of not writing. Through the worst of the paralysis, I found joy in reading novels and studying craft. I wrote what I could even though it was terrible. Then, when my condition improved, I began writing again in earnest.
QT: Is this your first book?: Rhodi Hawk:
No, I have published previously with Tor.
QT: Do you have any formal writing training?: Rhodi Hawk:
No formal creative writing in school, but I'm addicted to studying craft. I attend online conferences, take classes, and read writing books. Literally, one of those a week.
QT: Do you follow a writing routine or schedule?: Rhodi Hawk:
In the morning, I set out birdseed, meditate, pour coffee, then write! It is a set-in-stone routine. I also attend a daily writing Zoom where I check in with other writers and talk craft for a half hour, then we all mute ourselves and write. The accountability and support is tremendous.
QT: How many times did you re-write/edit your book?: Rhodi Hawk:
Probably about twenty times. I enjoy editing.
QT: Did you have beta readers for your book?: Rhodi Hawk:
I did indeed. I'm lucky enough to have a huge circle of writer friends. Writing community is so important.
QT: Did you outline your book, or do you write from the hip?: Rhodi Hawk:
Somewhere in between. I started with a tag line, jotted down some mile markers, and wrote the ending so I'd know where I was going. The rest I allowed to unfold as a surprise. At about 40,000 words in, I deleted the entire thing and started again from scratch. I *always* wind up doing that, even though I don't really intend to! For me, the first several chapters end up being discovery chapters, where I get to know the world and the characters. Once it's solid, I wipe the slate and start over. The fresh start tends to come out nice and tight.
QT: How long have you been querying for this book? Other books?: Rhodi Hawk:
About four months for this book. Prior to that, I queried another manuscript for about eight months, and received requests but no offers of representation. But, I received excellent feedback and was able to revise that manuscript based on notes.
QT: About how many query letters did you send out for this book?: Rhodi Hawk:
I sent 17 queries. Ten of those were still active when I received the offer.
QT: On what criteria did you select the agents you queried?: Rhodi Hawk:
I got extremely energized by certain agents after hearing them speak, following them on social media, or meeting them in person. Having worked with an agent before, I understood personality and rapport are a big part of the writer-agent relationship. I heard Sandy Lu speak on the Thriller 101 podcast, and was inspired by things she said. She spoke of how with speculative fiction, so many of the tropes come up again and again, and it's usually the character that sets a book apart. She also spoke of how she responds to a manuscript that just flows. I knew I wanted to work with her after hearing these things. She values craft and has sharp instincts. Other factors I used: agents who rep books I love, and agents who enjoy my genres (thriller and horror). If they liked thrillers but didn't like horror, I knew it wouldn't be a fit, even though I don't write horror anymore. It has to do with palate. Also, I looked at specific books the agent enjoys. If they cite thriller examples that are more cozy and less gritty, it told me we weren't quite aligned. I like grit, and tone is every bit as important as genre. I so appreciated those agents who are willing to talk about what they DON'T like. It saves everyone a bit of time.
QT: Did you tailor each query to the specific agent, and if so, how?: Rhodi Hawk:
Yes. I deep-dived every single agent I queried. These were people for whom I have the highest regard, and whose taste aligned with what I was circulating. I'm still a fan of those agents and continue to follow their social media.
QT: What advice would you give other writers seeking agents?: Rhodi Hawk:
Listen to what they're saying. If you get specific feedback, even if it's four words, it's like gold. Revise and re-submit. I believed I had ruined my career, because it felt like they were only interested in debut authors, and I'd already had my chance. But time and again I heard them say in interviews, "It's about the manuscript." So put your focus there, and be obsessed about honing your craft. Don't be discouraged. Write the next manuscript as you circulate this one. Oh, and read your face off! Everyone says this and it sounds trite, but it's the best way to tap into the ethos, and that will manifest in your work.
QT: Would you be willing to share your query with us?: Rhodi Hawk:
It would be my pleasure:

Success Story Interview - Rhodi Hawk

Query Letter: